D.L.

Sometimes, when we don’t expect it, we get some lovely and powerful gifts.

Yesterday, Sunday morning worship in Mostoles with the New Life Church, led by my friend Jaime Villareal, was a God-given gift.

Jaime heard I was coming to Madrid to visit Denise. We both had a great week. Denise is attending New Life, supported by amazing people who are like family to us, Marisa, Daniel and their family.

I shared about the great banquet Jesus described in Luke 14—a story revealing a powerful Kingdom secret that can transform us if we pay close attention.

Jesus teaches that the Kingdom is not only about heaven meeting earth, but also about bringing those on the margins—the poor, the lame, the blind—into the centre. His invitation goes to those who cannot repay you.

I preached the same sermon twice, something I am well used to, and God moved among us powerfully at both full services.

On the second service, I called all those under twenty-one years old to come forward and place Jesus, the Lord, over everything, over dreams, aspirations, and all the good things we enjoy and are given by God, which can, at times, become more important than Jesus. So we ended up rejecting Jesus not in an angry way but in a very polite way – no thank you! And so most of the young people of the Church came to the front in obedience to put Jesus first. It was so moving, humbling, and the Spirit of Jesus was moving powerfully.

But it was during the first service that I called on anyone who had received the invitation to God’s banquet and, for the very first time, would be willing to accept it and sit at the table of the Lord. As a result, there was a profound sense of anticipation.

So, this young man came forward, ready to open his heart to allow the servant of the story, Jesus, to bring him into the great banquet of the Lord. He gave his life over to Jesus.

Seeing this transformation filled me and those who know him, including Denise, who witnessed it all with much joy. I was truly blessed to lead this young man to Jesus. What a great week in Madrid—full of encouragement and a renewed purpose as I move forward in pursuing God’s plan with faith and anticipation.