I wanted to introduce you to the five Katios that have been a part of my life the past week. I’m so honored to have met them. I’m very excite about the continued work with the Katios. I’m seeing more than ever the grand importance of this work and events like we had this week. (To see more about what we did, check out my last blog). I’ll write more later about why this is significant.
Luis
In his 40s, Luis has known this team for many years. He’s a spiritual father to many. I met Luis in 2010 and he gave me a necklace that he was wearing, which was very significant. This week he gave me another one of a different design but the same colors! Luis and his wife have three children.
Miguel Ángel
This was the first time that Miguel Ángel (26) has come to a course. He’s been a Christian for awhile, but confided in us on Thursday that he had fallen away from his faith in the middle of December and hadn’t been following Christ. He said the Lord spoke to his heart this week, saying “Miguel Ángel, you are my son” and he rededicated his life to Christ. Out of all five, we saw the biggest transformation in his attitude throughout the week. He and his wife have two children.
Oscar
Oscar has been working with the team for awhile. He lives further from the city than any of the others. He is quiet and pensive but very helpful in the translation process because it’s clear on his face whether or not he’s comfortable with the end result. He’s also married and has children, though I’m not sure how many.
José
I met José in 2010. He’s now 18 and he and his wife have two children (the Katios generally marry very young). José has a very quiet spirit and as the youngest he defers to the others, generally speaking. He was a huge help to me for two days in learning Katio. Working 1-on-1, he easily picked up on the method and didn’t feel the need to explain everything to me in Spanish (like my other language helper did). I was so glad to spend a little more time with José.
José Aurelio
Just six months ago, José (the one above) brought José Aurelio to a Christian meeting and he accepted Christ. The next day, his wife told him that she was not interested in God – and left. José Aurelio came knowing very little about his faith and was able to gain a great foundation. Sadly, as they were preparing to leave this morning, José Aurelio received a call that his mother had passed away. We grieved and prayed with him (and the others who were close to her). He said she was a Christian and baptized – so he looks forward to reuniting with her.
I have a great respect for these men who traveled miles by foot and bus to visit and hear teaching about the Father. Please pray that the seed planted will continue to grow in the hearts and spread to their families and communities.