“For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers…” First Corinthians 4:15 (KJV)

The man I consider my pastor is not from the USA, he is a Mexican who resides in Yucatan, Mexico, Pastor Andrés Briceño Ruiz. I met Pastor Andrés back in the days when I was a part of The Father’s House International. My pastor at the time had a trip scheduled for Yucatan, Mexico and wanted me to go with him to be his bodyguard. On a Sunday, after we arrived, there was an opportunity for me to minister at Pastor Andrés church.  His church was in a very poor village, they did not even have a building at the time, we met outside. But I saw the glory of God there like never before in my life. 

Pastor Andrés did not become my pastor right away; after all, when we go to those countries from America, we supposed to be in charge; we are supposed to be the ones imparting. However, through the years I have gone back to minister at Pastor Andres’ church and others, and we have become good friends. 

On my last trip, a couple of years ago, the Lord showed me that Pastor Andrés was to be my pastor. Hebrews 13:17 tells us “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (KJV) 

No other men on this earth have shown more concern for my soul than Pastor Andrés and, no other man has shown me what is it to be a pastor according to Scripture like Pastor Andrés. A couple of days ago Pastor Andrés encouraged me not to forget my call. He reminded me my pastoral call and that God has many things He wants me to do. He reminded me that I will be held accountable before the Lord for what I do and don’t do with the gifts He has given me. I could have avoided some personal headed and avoided causing headed to others if I would have responded to what God called me to do. When we do what we are called to do there is happiness attached to it^[1]. We can’t never enjoy happiness if we are running from our call.

After speaking to my pastor, I was confronted with my own fears. I acknowledged that I have been running like Jonah; that is nobody’s fault but mine. But that is about to change.

To be continued…

^[1] Matthew 25:23