This report is about Eugene "Queno" Nij of Guatemala. He is a missionary who was wrongfully imprisoned and this report consists of a series of Emails showing how God worked and how God’s people banded together via the internet on Queno’s behalf. We are thankful of the way God is moving for Queno Nij in Guatemala. Email I received from those helping him contained the following words. I am quoting them here because Dean Pinney's words express my feelings better than I could can. Dean is Queno’s brother-in-law. These pictures are from Dean's web site. - Keith Howard. ZBH Web Pages – http://zbh.com/index.htm
Let’s start with the end:
NEWS FLASH: 29 July 1997:
QUENO HAS BEEN RELEASED!!!!!!!!! All of the charges have been dropped! As I write this, he is at home holding his children for the first time in four months! Here is the letter from Dean.
I'd just written this afternoon about Chuck Brandon's release and how we would now pray that Eugene would be released - and there ! Praise God, oh how good our God is, Hallelujah! And I'm sure this is not the end of God's Victory in Guatemala !!!
My dear friends,
I was just reading a bunch of letters from a first and second grade Sunday School Class from Missouri. You would cry to see all of the beautiful letters we have received. I had just spoke with Lori yesterday and she had told me that she went to see the Prosecuting Attorney and pleaded to know what was going on. She was allowed to see the public files on Queno, and was amazed. As I told you, Queno lost count of the converts because he ran out of chalk to mark with. But in these reports were the numbers. The Prosecuting Attorney had sent men inside the prison to catch Queno doing anything wrong. Instead, they were transformed by this man "who though of himself last on every occasion". They were kind enough to keep record of the conversions for us—260. Lori was most impressed with the 200 "official" letters in the file from Governments around the world, ours notwithstanding. The DA told Lori that he was ordering Queno to be released sometime this week. Lori was so relieved.
Herbert, Lori’s four year-old son, thinks that his father will be in prison forever, and that his grandfather is dead. When Lori asked why he thought his grandfather was dead he replied, "Granddad used to call me all the time, I haven’t heard from him since he was sick. If he were alive, he would’ve called me." Herbert never had to wait long to hear from Granddad, they have always been very close. Lori’s phone lines have been down for weeks and Granddad has been desperately trying to call since he has regained consciousness. Pray for Herbert.
I went back to reading my letters, my e-mail, and the recent articles that were written about this whole situation. Do you believe in miracles? Some people don't. I feel so lucky, so many have to take my word on the miracles that have transpired over the last few months—but I have seen them first hand. I received a letter telling me to stop using the word "miracle" and to use the word "blessing" instead. " Too many people are being mislead into thinking that supernatural occurrences are taking place" the letter said. Well, my friend, supernatural occurrences ARE taking place! (Please refer to the previous letters). I don’t know how you would describe what has happened over the last four months: death-row inmates being saved for Eternity; city unified in Christ; world brought to their knees in prayer; sick healed; hungry fed; sin forgiven; my father, who was on his deathbed, will be home by the middle of August to return to a semi-normal life; I followed my heart and trusted God and, in faith, re-organized my life and priorities and yesterday learned that I have been accepted for a position with the largest radio conglomeration in the western states. My income just tripled! My friend, you must be hard to impress if these aren’t supernatural occurrences to you!!!
But I like a challenge, so here goes. . . what do you call it when a government is holding a man on death row for "murder in the first degree, attempted murder, attempted Capitol Murder of a police officer, and numerous accounts of conspiracy and inciting a riot"—and the government is bringing these charges? I call it pretty desperate. I would say that in a third world country there was little hope that he would ever see the light of day again. I would dare say that a man who was living at poverty level and couldn't even afford an attorney would be in dire straights. A local indian preacher who grew up in the mountains of Guatemala and has no recourse against false accusations is not a good candidate for hopes of release. In addition, I would dare say that when they exhaust all of their resources to condemn this man and have plans for his execution, hope is dim. But, like I said, I like a challenge—so knowing all of this, what do you call it when a man in these circumstances is released and ALL of the charges are dropped? Coincidence? Good luck? Great carma? Well tune up your vocabulary — QUENO HAS BEEN RELEASED!!!!!!!!! All of the charges have been dropped! As I write this, he is at home holding his children for the first time in four months! You can call it whatever you wish, but please don’t be offended when I give credit where credit is due.
To all of you who have so diligently prayed—THANK YOU! To those of you who sent letters—THANK YOU! To those who sent gifts—THANK YOU! To those who cried with us—THANK YOU! To those who stayed up at night to spend extra time with the Father on your knees interceding—THANK YOU! To those of you who shared my dream for world-wide fellowship and prayer—THANK YOU!
I am sure that Herbert is cuddled up on his daddy’s lap. I would believe that he won’t move from there anytime soon. Tabitha will bring daddy some lunch and give him a kiss that is a long time overdue. Lori will not have to be prompted to hold his hand and to cling to him. The children of the orphanage did not have to be told to get up early today—they could hardly sleep last night when they heard that Lori was going to get him and bring him home. The church did not have to announce that there would be a special service today—the people were there waiting. The storekeeper did not have to put up a sign that she would be closed—everyone knew that she would be at Queno’s house asking what she could do to continue to help those left behind in prison. No one had to send out invitations inviting the world to rejoice—the joy comes naturally.
So if you find yourself smiling a little longer today, don’t think it strange. If you find yourself more daring in Christ, don’t be alarmed. If you can’t stop the tears of joy, don’t try. Today, you have a reason –that coin is found, that lamb is home safe, and your brother is free. And meanwhile, the adversary is growing worried—a world united under God. The battle is only beginning, but don’t worry, I read the book, I know how it ends. . .you’re gonna love it!
P.S. I am afraid that there will be more miracles too! See you on the front line, Dean@zianet.com.
Queno's Story
Click here to see a map of Guatemala copied from City.net
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997
Dear Friends,
I need to ask, one Christian to another, for your prayer on a very disturbing matter. Many of you are going to recognize some of the names that you are about to read, others of you have been contacted because mutual brothers have suggested that you would be concerned. Here goes. Lori (Pinney) Nij and her husband Eugene Nij serve as missionaries in San Raymundo, Guatemala. They have been there for over a decade. They have a daughter, Tabitha and a son Herbert. With the help of the New Iberian Mission Association, founded by Herb Pinney, they have built an orphanage, a free school and a number of churches to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Last week, two ladies tried to kidnap a baby in the town square (kidnapping is very common and out of control). When they grabbed the baby, some of the merchants heard the mother screaming and went to her aid. They caught the two women and got the baby back, but not before the square had filled with ladies who had seen what had happened. They formed a mob and were just going to kill these ladies (out of frustration for the many babies who were still missing). When Eugene heard the news he frantically hurried to stop this. When he got there the town’s women were out of control. The police were trying to figure out what they were going to do with this mob. Eugene asked that he be allowed to speak to them. He calmed them down, but he warned the police that they needed to take these women (the kidnappers) to another town to be jailed for their own protection.
Eugene then went back across town to the free school to finish his day. That afternoon, the women were placed in the jail there in San Raymundo, in spite of Eugene’s advice, and when the husbands came in from the fields, the women of the town incited them to tear down the jail and kill the women. By the time the police got there one woman was killed and the other was seriously injured. Today, Eugene has been arrested and charged with murder one. The government has always sought a way to close the free school and the orphanage as well as the churches and this is how they plan to do it. There are over 300 witnesses, including the police officers that can testify that Eugene wasn’t even present, but these voices are not being heard. My friends, this is where you come in . . . I believe with all my heart that satan and his forces are waging war on Christians world-wide. He wants to isolate and destroy. Lori said that the worst part was the loneliness with Eugene in jail and her family clear across the world. I am pleading that you began, the minute you receive this, praying the kind of prayers that ascended when Peter was imprisoned, the kind of prayers you have received when you were in trial, the kind of prayer that in love can change the world.
I pray that you then send this to every person, church and Christian organization that you can and together we will not only see Eugene released, but we will form a chain of prayer that will blanket the globe and no longer will we be alone in our struggles. . . but united, with Almighty God as our King. And when the trump shall sound, and time shall be no more, we shall meet face to face and I shall be honored to gaze at the sea of brothers and sisters who prayed with me and loved me as their own.
God Bless You.
***
This is an update on the missionaries, Eugene & Lori Nij, from Guatemala. Thought you might like to read this.
Dear Brother,
You and your students are an encouragement. I only wish that I could show you the response I have received all day every day since this happened. Lori has received phone calls day and night from Christians all over the world who simply say, "You don’t know me. . .but I am praying for you and Queno." England, France, Germany, Bosnia, Africa, Columbia, Chile, El Salvador, Canada, All over the U.S., Russia. . .each brother simply uniting in prayer and support for this family who have dedicated their lives to preaching the Gospel to a hostile country. I am encouraged that Christians world-wide are coming together, and forging a wall against Satan and his attacks. I don’t think that the Federal Government of Guatemala are the only ones who were surprised at the response from this attack, I believe Satan thought this would be an easy attack to destroy a ministry. Now Satan has a full-fledged Spiritual War on his hands. Put on the Full Armor of God, Brethren, as we prepare to combat the forces of Evil with the Power of God. And when the history books are written, they will say, "What kind of people are they who think nothing of suffering for the truth? Surely, the Hand of God was upon them."
In His Service, Dean Pinney
***
Dennis,
Please forgive the delay, but as you might imagine, we are going around the clock. I will give you a summation, and If you are interested—I will mail you a copy of the New Iberian Mission Association Newsletter—It will go into even more detail. As for the latest news, When Eugene (Queno) got to prison, he found that he would be put in general population. That means that he would be put in the same holding place with murderers, rapists, terrorists, anyone who would be put in a federal prison for a crime worthy of a death sentence. He began to pray, within a few minutes, the inmates asked him to pray for them. He began to preach, much like Paul and Silas did. These men began to cry out, "What must we do to be saved?" He continued, hours passed. He affected even the guards. They have been sneaking him up to the head office late every night to call Lori and pray with her and to update her on his conversions, even though inmates are not allowed to make phone calls. On the first day, as he began to preach, a man came to him. He introduced himself as the devil himself. He obviously ran things inside the prison, and had now pulled Queno off to the side to stop him from preaching. Queno told him that the power he was looking for, that he thought he had found in the Mafia, that he thought he had found here, was only available in one place. . .Jesus Christ. He prayed with and taught him all night long. The next day, this man, whose shadow eclipsed Queno, made an announcement to the whole prison. "Anyone who messes with the preacher messes with me!" That day, Lori was held up bringing his food to him (they are allowed to eat once a day and the family has to bring it or they don’t eat at all) and as it became obvious that he would not get to eat today, one by one the inmates began to tear off bread from their plates. One said to him, "you’ve fed us all day from the plate of God, now let us feed you from our plate." My friends, what Satan meant for evil, God has used for good. Please continue to pray for Queno, the life expectancy in this prison is very short. My prayer has been that, as Queno has made the front page of the national newspaper for two weeks in a row now, he is becoming a national figure. When he is released, he will be able to draw great crowds anywhere he preaches. This will enable him to have a much more profound effect on this country. Back in San Raymundo, there have been lines as far as the eye can see now for 5 days. One by one the people who knew Queno and were touched by him are lining up at the Lawyer’s office to give their deposition. They have over a THOUSAND SO FAR! And the line doesn’t look like it has moved. These people whose annual income is equivalent to a hundred dollars or so, are coming to Lori’s house with money they had stored to feed their families and are offering it to her to pay the legal bills, and to help feed her family as Queno is in prison. Guatemala is largely a Catholic Country, and this has been a struggle for the past decade for Queno and Lori. On the day he was arrested every Catholic church in the state announced that they were going to fast and pray until Queno was released. They have been very faithful to that promise. The country will never be the same. My friends, I cannot express to you in words what your dedication to this prayer vigil means to me. I may never know the significance of brothers around the world uniting in prayer in one voice, with one heart. However, I can attest that when I am asked how I can know that there is a God, I can only respond, "Because I have his signature." May God Bless Each Of You in your faith fullness.
Sincerely, Dean Pinney
God listens to the prayers of his saints, and answers them in ways we can’t imagine. Thank you so much for praying. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD.
***
April 14, 1997:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I don’t know where to start. I am in awe of the love and faithfullness of God’s people. I just got off the phone with Lori (it took quite a while because her phone has not stopped ringing since we published her phone number in San Raymundo) and she filled me in on the latest events of Eugenio (Queno) Nij. I will attempt to write this as informatively as I can, but the best news that I heard tonite I cannot tell you yet or it would jeopardize the case. But, rest assured, as soon as I can I will tell you something that will cause you to drop to your knees in humble prayer—realizing that our God is not confined to our abilities, but he can act just like God when he wants to. What I can tell you is that the Judge IS FURIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! She told the DA that if she chooses to hold Queno for the entire 90 days (that is within her ability according to the law) she—the DA—better be able to convict him!!!!!!!! If not, she is in BIG TROUBLE! Right now, it is a waiting game. The DA is frantically searching for evidence. They sent detectives from the Public Ministry (DA) Office to San Raymundo to investigate the 1000+ witnesses who have signed sworn testimonies to the innocence of Queno. They interviewed ALL of them and reported back to the DA’s Office that, "Either this is the truth, or this man has—from Prison—brainwashed the entire town!" "Every Story is exactly the same. Everyone said that they will not be persuaded to change their testimony and that Queno had only done good for the City—HE TRIED TO SAVE THE LIVES OF THESE WOMEN!!!
During this investigation, the Detectives from the Public Ministry (DA) discovered that the original accusation came from the Police Chief. He signed the statement that Queno murdered the woman. It was also discovered that the Police Chief was A.W.O.L. when the murder took place and was trying to cover his tracks when the Federal Government began to investigate. He would be put to death for abandoning his position during his duty and he had left town for some "secret" reason. Now, he tried to find a "Scape Goat" to save his hyde. He found that the press was anxious to have a "Missionary Scandal" so he fed them the bogus story. The DA’s office asked to speak with Queno today. This is not allowed, usually until the trial, but they are requesting "Special Permission". When his lawyer asked why, they told her, "We are trying to figure out how to let him go. This thing is out of control and this has attracted too much attention. We are seeing response from ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! We want to find a way to let him go without making the Government look foolish. We will let him go today if you will guarantee no more press and no more internet!! No publicity of ANY kind."
The attorney said, "No Deal! You brought him in the front door—plastered all over every paper in the country, you will not throw him out the back door." It reminded me of the account where Paul’s accusers learned of his Roman citizenship and tried to sweep the whole incident under the rug, to avoid repercussions. Lori said that the point at which she felt at ease with the imprisonment of Queno came last Sunday when the guards allowed him to sneak up and call her to tell her that he was alright. He said, "Lori, don’t be afraid, The Lord has a job for me and I cannot leave until I have completed it." Tomorrow, they are going to try and let Lori see Queno. Pray with me that nothing goes wrong. They are trying to make up for last week when she wasn’t able to really see him because all the inmates were taking their families to see him. We are united. We have rushed to our knees in prayer. We have, in unison, joined with our brothers and sisters around the globe to ask for God’s will in this situation. Now, I am asking that you pray—specifically for the DA to dismiss the case and accept God as a result of the outstanding witness of the brethren worldwide uniting behind our brother Queno. I pray that this revival in Guatemala will become contagious. That here in the States we would again passionately pray for the lost—and consciously set out to save them.
I pray that my brothers in China, who wrote me and told me of their "underground church" that have risked their lives to contact me and risked everything to fast and pray for Eugenio and his family, will enjoy the same support that we have enjoyed. I hope my brother in Italy will enjoy the same warm love and compassion that we have. I hope my many brothers (and sisters) in all regions of Africa enjoy the same blanket of prayers that we have. I hope that my brothers in Russia that have been so faithfull can be wrapped in your prayers also. I rejoice in the hope that you are committed to praying for my brothers in Japan as they bring God to a lost people. I glory in the vision of you encompassing my brothers in Chile and Argentina in prayer. I long for the news that you are on the battle lines of prayer for my brothers in Columbia who are being martyred daily for their faith. Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, the United States of America. . . a world bleeding from her injuries and we have the cure. I beg of you not to stop short of world revival. Tonite, as I lay down—someone will die in their sins. Our job is an enormous one—we are called to leap skyscrapers in a single bound—as we go into the wilderness. We must be faster than a speeding bullet—especially if that bullet is directed at our brother. We must be stronger than a locomotive—Especially if that train is headed for Hell with a load of neighbors that have not heard the Word of God. We don’t wear a cape—we wear armor, the Full Armor of God. We don’t have an "S" on our chest, instead the weight of the world. We don’t have "X-ray Vision", but the discernment of the Holy Spirit. We don’t have superhuman strength, we have supernatural strength. But our fighting stance is on our knees.
As I look through my tears at this screen, I am looking into the future of evangelism. I have witnessed these last few weeks literally thousands of Christians united with a cause. At best count, and this is only from the direct reports, I counted over 25,000 people in prayer. God knows that my count is conservative—just from the amount of people who have told me, "I am also passing this on to everyone on my list. . ." We are far from being finished with the struggle to get Queno out of Prison—but no matter what happens, we have already won! As the world around us uses the internet to fulfill sinful desires, to gain ground in the corporate world, to act as "big brother" and track their citizens—we have discovered a much more honorable use. And, as you get down on your knees, I want to welcome you to a new church. One not distinguished by denominations, or a lack thereof. One not concerned with the trivial disputes of man. But a Church that has united in prayer and concern for each other. We need not speak the same language, we need not explain our heritage, we need not apologize for our boldness—we just grab the hands of our brother and we leap into cyberspace. . .in a single bound. And pity the demons assigned to report on the progress of the Church. My friends, this ride is getting exciting, please keep your hands and feet inside the car until the ride has come to a complete stop.
God Use you all.
Sincerely, Dean Pinney
P.S. Many of you have inquired about giving to help with legal bills. Many of you have inquired about how you would love to help with purchasing a computer for the Nijs. Many of you have asked how you can help financially in whatever way was needed. To you I say, "Thank you for acting like Christ." We have never actively solicited funds outside of our monthly commitment to the Nij’s, the Orphanage and the Free School in Guatemala. However, I am asking you to pray that God would direct your giving. I won’t even publish the expense of these events and the Legal costs because it is enormous, in fact—it hasn’t ended yet. If you are compelled to give, hold your money aside and allow us to first be overwhelmed with the success of the conversion of a country from the inside out. And then, when there has been a conclusion, I will tell you of the help that is needed and you may respond in answer to your conscience. But your prayers are the riches that we are soliciting!! God will provide the finances, he always has used his people to accomplish miraculous things. I have sent Lori over 100 pages of E-mail, and more is pouring in—KEEP IT UP. I look forward to our next mission.
God is God! Enough said!
***
April 16, 1997:
Dear Beloved,
Today the U.S. Ambassador called Lori and insisted that they meet right away. He told her that his phone is ringing off the hook. He can’t get anything done on his computer for the e-mail stacking up. He was contacted by 2 U.S. Senators this morning that told him that they expected an explanation by tomorrow regarding the imprisonment of Queno.
In addition, he has received Email from "Every continent, from Governments around the world." He asked Lori, "Who are you?!!!! I have received messages from every continent around the globe over the weekend and now I have the U.S. Senate breathing down my neck." Lori told him that they were merely Christians whose family around the world was concerned. He told her to rest assured that the U.S. was now involved and they would bring things to an end. He told her that he has never met anyone in his entire career that had such influential ties. She said that Queno’s imprisonment was used by God to unite the Christian world, and that there is a new day dawning for those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Because there are millions across the world on their knees seeking counsel with the Most High God—and He is obviously giving them His attention.
The President of the Evangelical Association in Guatemala interviewed Lori for 2 hours yesterday and was astonished at her reassuring response. He told her that they must be the "Most protected people in the world". He said that he sent 2 detectives last week to locate her and tell her that he wanted to meet with her. When they got to San Raymundo they began asking where they could find her. No one would tell them where she lived. They offered money, threats, and nothing persuaded the people to tell where she lived. Finally, they resorted to driving the many miles of road that is made up of the Alto Plano and searching for her truck. Finally, the President of the Evangelical Association decided he would find her himself.
He found a Catholic Priest (thinking that surely this man, a religious enemy, would tell him where to find them) when he asked him if he knew Queno. He told Lori that he had never seen anything like this before. "Do I know him? My son, he has changed our ives! Come, let me tell you about my brother. . . for thirty some minutes he went on about how Queno has given life to these people. Then he ended with, "May God forgive me, but I cannot tell you where she lives."
Sunday the church where Queno preaches normally, was packed out into the streets. There were faces there that had sworn they wanted nothing to do with religion. "We want to know what kind of God turns sadness into singing?" they cried.
Friday, Queno called Lori. "When you come next week, bring extra food." Lori (worried about why he wasn’t getting enough) asked,"Aren’t you getting yours?" "Oh yes, but there are many here who have no family and they don’t have food at all. . I try to share mine, but I run out before we get to everyone." Lori assured him that she would find the money to buy more. She took her last bit of money and went to the market, she began to fill bags with food. The grocer, a lady that has known Queno for a long time, asked Lori if she was leaving town. Lori then told her that Queno had talked about the men in prison who weren’t getting food and that they were going to feed them. The grocer stood here dumbfounded. "Back your truck up to the door" she told Lori. "If your husband is in prison and he is more concerned about the other prisoners than himself, or his own expense—then I don’t want to be left out of what your God is about to do there." She FILLED Lori’s truck with food and told her to come back if that wasn’t enough. It only takes a spark.
A song that I remember learning 25 years ago now takes on a whole new meaning. "It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up to its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it—you spread his love to everyone, you want to pass it on." In a small village in Central America that most of you have never heard of, there was a man who grew up without a father. Raised by his mother, very poor, he learned to be a carpenter. When he was of age, he was converted by his uncle to Christ. His life was never the same. He vowed to go to Bible college and learn how to bring others to Christ and come back and preach to this lost village made up primarily of Mayan Indians. At Colegio Biblico, in Eagle Pass Texas he met and married his missions professor. To the amazement of his people, he returned as he said.
Everyone who got the chance to leave never came back. His biggest concern were the thousands of children orphaned by a century of civil war. As he began building a church, he also envisioned an orphanage. As he began to work with the children, he realized that they were not getting a very good education. So his next challenge was to build a school to educate them. It would have to be free, because the poverty was overwhelming. A decade later, the orphanage is mother and father to many children, the free-school is giving a future to the next generation of Guatemalans. The church has outgrown itself, meeting every day of the week to overcrowded audiences starving for a peace that passes understanding. And this small Mayan preacher, in love with his people, is lying tonite on a concrete floor, giving praise to his God that he was chosen for this ministry. Praying that he can reach "one more" before his time is up. Tonite, he fed the multitudes—with food from a grocer that normally would put her out of business. But up in Heaven God is smiling. . . another demon on the unemployment line.
Children at the Orphanage
I am reminded of the jar that never emptied as the prophet asked the widow to make him a cake. Don’t close your Bible yet, God is still keeping jars from going empty. He’s still holding the water back so his servants can cross on dry land. He still asks, "Whom shall I send, Who will go for us?" It only took a spark, that small ember of faith shielded from the wind, that grows into a raging fire that the wind cannot put out—in fact, the stronger the wind. . the stronger the fire.
And somewhere tonite, from a desolate prison cell there is one who is calling to God for the first time as he awaits death for his crime. . .saying, "Remember me in paradise." And beside him is a five-foot tall preacher with a ten-foot tall spirit fueled by the prayers of Christians from every land. Get in, sit down, hang on.
Dean
***
April 25 letter about Eugenio Nij
Subject: Get the marshmallows, this fire’s going!
My dear friends,
I must begin by saying that if you receive these messages and do not wish to, please be patient as we take your name off. There are many who, with good intentions, only wish to inform you of a close friend that is in need of prayer. In addition, please do not mail any more messages to dlindstr@interaccess.com. This address was given to me by the Embassy, and it is not the appropriate address. DO NOT BE DISMAYED THOUGH, as I have personally faxed ALL of the letters Cc: dean@zianet.com. (Over 1800!!!!!!!) to the proper authorities in Guatemala.
Now that I have that off my chest, I can get to the good stuff. We spoke with Lori today, and she was contacted by the Human Rights Organization and told that they would not have to meet with her after all. It seems that they have received in excess of 2000 letters of concern from around the world, and as a result they are going to get right to work. Today, the Ambassador from the U.S. to Guatemala met with Queno in prison. He asked Queno what he could do for him, and how he could help with Queno’s illness. Queno gave him a list of medications that he needed (several pages worth) and asked him if he could get those. The Ambassador said that indeed he could. He met with Lori and asked her why Queno would have given him so many pages of medications. Lori smiled and said, "You don’t know Queno, he is getting medications for the entire prison. You see, he won’t accept help if he can’t help others with it." So, this morning, the Ambassador took medication to the prison and gave it to Queno, who in turn began to doctor his congregation. Queno has been interviewed by three of the top Guatemalan newspapers today as well as three prominent American newspapers. The national newspapers are calling for the removal and conviction of the judge and the prosecuting attorney on charges of illegal search and seizure of film from the newspapers. And one more note about that film – when they viewed it they couldn’t even find Queno on the film anywhere!
There are some events in history that change the course of the future. You can say that you had a hand in this one. When I hear someone say, "what can one person do?", I smile as I look through my notebooks filled with the response of individuals who are changing their world, and mine. Tabitha, Queno’s 11yr. Old daughter, is changing her world too. When he was arrested and the church began to pray, she was tormented by a friend as to why her God would let this happen. Tabitha smiled at her, as if she knew a secret, and said, "God has a job for my Daddy, and it must be important to go this far." "How do you know that God has a job for him?" the girl asked. "Because if God didn,t want him there, the walls couldn’t have kept him in. . ." and she began to tell the story of Paul and Silas and the Phillipian Jailer. Pretty soon she had gathered a crowd and was teaching Jesus to the school kids. If you were to meet Tabitha, you would question her age. Her birth certificate says she’s 11, but you would insist that she were at least 18 by the way she talks and the intelligence that she displays. But one word of advice, don’t challenge her to a Bible trivia contest or you will end up doing dishes. She is fascinated with the stories and events told about in the Bible. When the reporters come by, when the cameras come by, Tabitha handles everything. "She is a rock", Lori told me. In public she’s a rock, but Uncle Dean knows something about Tabitha that no one else knows. I know that when she is all alone, on the hillside, she stares up to Heaven and asks God to please hurry. Even though she knows that God is in control, she still wants her Daddy. Who will hold her when she is frightened? Those strong arms protecting her from all that lurks in the night. A father’s role is an important one in every young girls life. Who will teach her how a real man treats a lady? Who will show her how to let someone treat her like a lady? Who will show her the answers when she is perplexed? The house is clean, little Herbert is finally asleep, Mom is asleep at her desk as she tried to prepare one more Bible lesson in between interviews, meetings and the Free School, the Orphanage and the Church. Tabitha looks out the window, as a tear streams down her face, and wonders if she’ll every have her Daddy back. Meanwhile, in prison, Queno is telling a new friend about his daughter. "You ought to meet her. . .she’s a rock." As he stares out the window, a tear streams down his face, and wonders if he’ll ever have his daughter back.
Dean Penney
***
April 29 letter about Eugenio Nij
Subject: Circling the Wagons
Dear Friends,
I sit here at my computer puzzled as I contemplate what I am going to say to you. As I try to compile the news that I’ve heard today into a logical easy reading story I keep getting distracted by the three 4-inch thick notebooks full of the E-Mails that I have received over these past few weeks. Inside them are the letters that have made tonight’s story possible. I tried to keep a map of all of the cities that were praying for the Nijs, but this became an impossible task as the cities were too numerous and widespread. I have e-mails from places that I cannot even find on the map. As each of you gain strength from the others, we have become a force that God had determined that He needed. Queno played a role in the reformation of the World Church that will be remembered as long as there are minutes in the day to tell of the miraculous story. Our own history books will be obligated to reserve a special place for "The day the government shut down".
I am somehow reminded of the story of the shepherd boy who was entrusted with the obligation to take lunch to his brothers who were at war. As a shepherd boy, David was no stranger to the element of fear. He had faced the lions. He had fought the bears. He had to protect his sheep that were entrusted him from any force that would harm them. As he approached the place where Saul and his troops had made camp, he watched in disbelief as a giant from the Philistine army tormented and teased these soldiers. Not only torment, but blasphemed Almighty God. David asked his brothers who was going to handle this enemy of God’s. He was told to "go home and let the real men handle this" (Dean paraphrase). But David couldn’t stand by and let this man, no matter what strength he had, curse his God. David began to insist that someone stand against this evil force, yet the teeth chattered of the soldiers there that day. David declared that he would stand against him to the disbelief of his brothers, to the amazement of the soldiers and the bewilderment of the King. The King, so filled with fear that he would let a boy fight HIS battle, tried to get David to wear his armor. King Saul not only stood head and shoulders above the rest, but he was trying to give David the tools that had already proved to be useless. David smiled, as he looked the King in the eyes, "Sir," he said, "I don’t need your armor, I brought my own." King Saul had to look confused as his eyes surveyed David to see nothing more than a mere boy. But as David walked down into the valley, the eyes that were fixed on him pitied this skinny boy about to be consumed by the powerful giant. They must have thought, "Oh my, he doesn’t have a chance". But as David reached down and chose those smooth stones and carefully put the first in his sling, something happened. The crowds began to pity the giant, because they saw something that would burn into their memory forever. Walking step for step, stride for stride with David was the Holy Spirit, empowering David for the battle. Moments later. . . the giant was dead. . . the fear of the Israelites was dead. . . the power of evil was dead in that valley.
Dear friends, tonight the power of evil is dead in Guatemala. We spoke with Lori today, and she said that the case with Eugenio is going directly to the Supreme Court as directed by the President. This overrides the normal legislative course in that country with 3 lower courts being directly bypassed. They have promised Lori a quick and fair trial of Queno and we hope to have him freed by next week. The most amazing part of the conversation was when they pleaded with Lori to have her brother "Call off the troops". They proceeded to tell Lori that the enormous volumes of faxes, e-mails and phone calls have made it impossible to proceed with governmental business. They conceded that it was this pressure that forced them to go directly to the Supreme Court and end this as quickly as possible. So I am formally "Calling off the troops", not all the way. . . lest they become secure in their unaccountability, but back to the camp where we will stand ready for battle as we watch for their terms of alliance. Please, do not send any more petitions at this time. BUT!!, do continue to send letters of encouragement that I may pass on to the Nijs. And could I ask a selfish favor? I would love to see you send letters to the children of the Free School and the Orphanage so that the children can translate them as they are learning English. What better English lesson than letters of care from Christians around the world! Would you take time to do that? I will get them printed and see that Lori gets them. These children need to experience YOUR faith. . . as over these last few weeks you’ve experienced theirs.
As I conclude this letter I am overwhelmed with what has transpired these last few weeks. There is one young lady who will be spending her summer break from college in a country that a month ago she had never even considered visiting, let alone willing to be a part in changing their world. She will work with Lori and the Free School, tonight she is preparing for the Greatest Adventure of her life! There is a missionary that was about to give up on the mission field. . . and tonight, as a result of the "Adventures of Nij", he is speaking with POWER as he tells the lost about a Jesus who unites the world to save those who are His. He has a renewed love for the people that he had given up on. Tonight, you are praying stronger than you did a month ago. . . if you haven’t seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life, its because you haven’t pushed the envelope of your world. Our job is to run as fast as we can, work as hard as we can and go as far as we can. . .and just as we think that we will fall to exhaustion – the Holy Spirit kicks in like a nitros tank on a race car and we’re off! We will do things that we never thought possible, as we are empowered by the Spirt of God. The race is never won by spectators. No one has won a battle, who didn’t first test his weapons. The tests are back. Your weapons are working just fine. So as you holster "Prayer", as you take out your shield of "Faith", and as you put on the helmet of "Salvation" and the breastplate of "Righteousness", be ready to win the battle. Zenida looks out the window as the sky turns to night, the stars seem so bright tonight. She has only been in the orphanage for a short time, she has never had a father. She happily called Eugenio her dad, he had always seen to it that she had anything that she needed, he even made her a dollhouse at his carpentry shop. She had never had a toy before, this overwhelmed her. Then he took a few quetzales out of his pocket and went to the market and bought her a doll. Zenida came here because this winter, as her mother was working, she was making a fire to cook her dinner on when she had a seizure. She fell onto the fire unconscious, and when her mother got home she found her burned badly. She sent someone to get Queno. She knew he would help her. When Queno got there he cradled this lifeless girl in his arms and rushed to the clinic. There they began to work on her. After several skin grafts and surgeries, she is going to be o.k. . She has the use back of her arm that was most severely burned. And she worries about Queno tonight. She is willing to take his pain. She wishes that she could take his place. She tries to remember a verse as the moon begans to show through the night sky. A verse that will make it all better. She is supposed to be asleep, but she sneaks her Bible, that Queno gave her, to her desk and she opens it up to a verse that he highlighted for her to memorize. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." And she gets down on her knees, holding her dolly to her chest, and prays, "Dear Jesus, take good care of my Queno tonight."
Dean Penney
***
Mon, 5 May 1997
" Lori spoke to Mom yesterday. She had some concerns that I must ask you to pray blindly for. Because I have made this so prominent on the internet, now I have to guard what I say and how I say it. The last thing that I want to do is to hamper the case. Right now, Queno is dealing with a force in this case that is authored by Satan himself.
This force is determined to see Queno dead. This force is not inside the prison, but outside. Pray tonight, pray tomorrow, pray for Guatemala.
Lori was excited to tell us that Queno was miraculously healed of his pneumonia. Miraculous because he was determined to give everyone else inside that prison medicine before he took any. As he gave them medicine, he prayed with them. He hugged them. Some of these men have never received a hug in their entire lives! Growing up as orphans, trained for war, there weren’t a lot of hugs for guerrilla soldiers. They broke down and fell to their knees as Queno told them that his God loved them and forgave them.
He told the story of the thief on the cross, and one young man came over to him and began to weep. "I too am sentenced to die", he said, as Queno looked deep into his empty eyes. At the age of 21 he was on death row for his atrocities. "Where is Christ for me? I too want to be with Him in Paradise." Queno put his arms around Mijo (mee-ho)and said, "then Mijo, you need to die."
Queno thought of the irony of his plight beginning with a kidnapping, and now, here he was holding the nations most notorious kidnapper, embraced in Christian Love. "It wasn’t a thief that was on that outer cross that night as they prepared burial for the three who were executed 2000 years ago. No, the thief had died earlier that day, this body belonged to a pure, forgiven man. And so Queno told him, "You have to die. . . to sin, to self, to the past. You can be reborn as a pure and Holy man. And just like the thief beside Jesus, when you die. . . you will finally have life."
There is something about being pardoned that brings joy to any criminal, but when that pardon comes from God, there is a freedom that is indescribable. In this prison there are 180 men. As of yesterday, Queno has converted 48 of them. One old man told Queno that God wasn’t going to let him (Queno) leave because then who would tell them of Jesus. Queno smiled, "Brother," he said, "how can I leave here before I prepare YOU to preach to these men. You are the one who will continue when I go, though I will return as often as they let me in, you are the one that I have been sent here to train. You will live out your days here, and God has forgiven you and called you to His service here. I am going to see to it that everyone hears, you see to it that everyone remembers." The old man fell to his knees and cried, "Lord use me!"
Guards, visitors, inmates ... hearts are being rebuilt there.
We feel so free, in our homes where we move unrestricted. We feel so liberated to speak the Word of God freely. We take for granted the grace that has been afforded us. But here in the most despicable place in all of Central America are 48 new Christians that are singing tonight, like they have never sung before. They have FREEDOM-though there are chains and walls that hold them in, they are liberated-though they walk in shackles. And they finally have life. . . though most of them will die. Pray for us. That we may be just like them.
"Queno," Mijo says as they walk back to their concrete bunks, "Why would they kill an innocent man? Christ did nothing wrong, he only tried to save them." Queno looked away, trying to hide his tears, " I know son, but He felt those people were worth dying for." As he looked up toward Heaven and quietly said, "I know how he felt."
God bless you much! Monique.
***
18 May 1997
Friends,
This past week has been full of adventure. First of all, the Judge has been arrested and charged as a result of the illegal methods used to entrap Eugenio. In addition, The Prosecuting Attorney has also been arrested and charged.
The people of Guatemala are crying out for justice. They have been promised a new way, and yet they are seeing old tricks.
This past week a meeting took place that I can only refer to as "the turning point". We (all of us) have written our congressmen and encouraged them to get involved, last week we were told that they weren’t going to intervene yet. However, As she was talking with President Arzu, a prominent official (whose office had informed us that she was not interested) began to ask questions about Queno. As she asked, he looked at her and said, "Who is this guy, anyway, that he should have such influential friends?" She told him that she wasn’t even going to bring it up, but it has been eating at her since she received such wide-spread pleas for her intervention. He told her that there was a new Judge on the case and that they would review the evidence (?) and make a decision. She left there wanting to know herself who this guy was.
The pressure is on, and it’s coming from the people of God. Continue to be faithful and pray, would you. Pray for our Government as they’re witnessed to. Pray for the Government of Guatemala as they are witnessing their world changing right before their eyes. And pray for Queno, as he fights this battle with the forces of darkness. Pray that his hedge of protection be thickened, pray that his lifebreath would continue to outlast the opposition.
Queno is tired. He has been going all night and all day for 45 days now. He has told the story over and over and over again. "For God so loved the world. . . . ." The churches are overflowing, everyone wants to meet this God who gives peace and forgiveness so freely. Everyone wants to meet a God worth dying for. ....
Sincerely, Dean
***
18 May 1997
Dear Friends,
I know that you have been waiting for an update on Queno in Guatemala. I must apologize for not being able to tell you more, but I have placed him in danger with some of the information that I have passed along. I have been informed that all of my e-mail is being monitored, and that I must be cautious about what I say. So let me carefully tell you what I can.
Queno is in good health now. He is dealing with a situation that will read like a spy novel once this is over. I am asking you to pray, somewhat blindly, for the events that are happening this week. Pray as though you know what he needs—because God does. Lori needs your prayers as well. She is really worn out. She wrote me on Friday to tell me that she is feeling the exhaustion that this has caused. Tabitha is very sick, and it doesn’t help that her daddy is still in prison. Herbert is fighting anger as a small boy who wants his daddy back. He doesn’t understand why he can’t come home. Well Herbert, neither can I, Mijo.
Herbert and Tabitha
They have given Queno the cleansing pools to baptize the men in prison in. I neglected to mention this in an earlier letter describing the many converts that he has made. How appropriate, "cleansing pools". .
Dean
***
May 24, 199
When You Look Into Their Eyes
My dear friends,
It has been several days since I have written you. I know that you are anxiously awaiting news about Eugenio. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much. I can say that he is in good health, given his circumstances, and that he is in great spirits about his plight. He would obviously rather be at home with his family, but for now he has committed himself to God’s plan. I wish that I could tell you more, I would love to speak freely about the miracles that are taking place in that country. I wish I could tell you that everything is O.K., but I can’t. I wish I could tell you that Queno was able to spend his anniversary at home with his wife, but I can’t. I wish I could tell you that an innocent man could never be forced to endure these kinds of trials, but I can’t. I wish I could tell you that Herbert has his daddy back to comfort him to sleep at night and drive these nightmares away, but I can’t. I wish that I could tell you that Tabitha has been able to live life as a little girl again, not tortured with the struggles of an adult, but I can’t. I wish that I could tell you that his mother will have the chance to hold her son again before she passes from this life, but I don’t know that either. What torture it is to be the messenger and have no message.
But then, as I stared at the screen of my computer for what seemed like an eternity, it occurred to me. It finally hit me. Several years ago when I first became a fire fighter, and had just received my initial medical training, we were dispatched to an accident. The fog was so thick that night that I remember thinking that we would never get there as we slowly worked our way to the outskirts of town. When we arrived, I was the first to jump out of the truck and run to the first patient. This was the mom, she was dead. I quickly moved to the next patient, the dad, and began to assess him. He was dead. Frustrated, I was determined to save someone, I began looking for another patient. I quickly found one, a 10 month old baby. As I scooped him up into my arms my mind told me he was dead, but my heart wouldn’t let me believe it. As I knelt down and cried over this little one, the medics took him from me and put him in the rig. I have to tell you, all the training in the world doesn’t prepare you for that. I will never forget looking into his eyes, he had the look of death. No one was home. I will never forget that look as long as I live. I have seen it now too many times to count, and I still can’t get used to it. As I stood in unbelief, one of the fire fighters yelled for me to come over to one of the cars. I was the only one on my shift that was certified to use the "Jaws of Life". Finally, there was someone to save! I hadn’t been there for 10 seconds before I realized that the one I was saving was the one who was responsible for all the dead bodies. A sixteen-year-old who was out celebrating on Prom Night, and was stoned drunk. I remember gritting my teeth, regretting that the life I would save this night was the one I wished had died. I can’t believe now the hate I had for him. Until I looked into his eyes. Then I saw that same look, only he wasn’t dead, physically. But he was dead inside. I forgot my hatred and just focused on getting him out. He began to scream as we pried the dash from his chest. For some reason, I grabbed his hand and began to pray for him. I don’t know why, but I began to cry for him. There is no jail sentence or punishment that would compare to the nightmare that this boy would be haunted with for the rest of his life. I remember him asking me to forgive him. I learned a valuable lesson that night. From the school of real life. I couldn’t hate him. In fact, the more I tried to reason with myself why I should, the more I felt his pain.
Queno must feel the same way. Because when you talk to him he can only speak of forgiveness and love. He is surrounded by the garbage of society, and yet he won’t let anyone throw them away. He feels their desperation. He feels their pain. He has tasted their tears. I don’t know, but I’ll bet he has looked into their eyes and seen that look. Have you seen that look? I bet you have. You know, that kid who drives you crazy and you wished would go away. "He doesn’t belong in church! He will just ruin the others." Have you looked into his eyes? Have you tasted his tears? The girl who had that abortion. You have no use for her, she is nothing but trash. But would God throw her away? Look into her eyes. You’ll find there’s no one home. I can’t help but think that we will be judged not by what we had, but by what we do with it. Whether it’s our faith, or our works we will be held accountable for our investment in our neighbor. And there is no sweeter sound than the words of the Master saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
There are a lot of things that I cannot tell you tonight. But there is something that I CAN tell you. I can tell you that the Word of God is spreading like a forest fire engulfing everything in it’s path. I can tell you that the Christians in Guatemala know the price of their faith and they are gladly paying it. I can tell you that there is no one even remotely involved in this case that hasn’t been exposed to the awesome power of God Almighty. I can tell you that Heaven will have a few more ex-cons tonight as the world inflicts it’s punishment on the prisoners in that place. I can tell you that no one knows the value of grace like one who is guilty. I can tell you that you have made a difference in your world, by boldly standing in the presence of darkness and letting your light shine among men. I can tell you that there is no better example to a child of the value of your faith than to be willing to die for it. Queno, my brother, you have certainly given your children the example of Christ. Goodnight, brother. May our God protect you this night, and perhaps he is having that familiar conversation with the adversary . . . "Have you considered my servant Queno?. . ."
Sincerely, Dean
***
Subject: Eugene
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 20:06:34 +0100
Dear friends,
At last we received a letter from Dean.
The latest news came that they were going to continue to hold Queno longer and blame it on lost paperwork. It sounds as if they want to keep him in until ‘things quiten down a little’. That’s nothing new. That’s the world! After all, even St Paul was left in one prison for 2 years in a similar situation...
But as Dean told us in his previous message, there is a situation in the prison that has made it possible for Queno to have over 140+ converts. The original numbers of inmates were in his section only, however, every prisoner that is brought in must go through his section before they are classified for permanent residence. This makes it possible for him to have three days to preach to every person that comes through the entire prison system. I shall certainly pray for many more converts in this prison cell !! God has placed Eugene right in the center of need – a costly mission field ...
We need to pray for his health and safety, for consolation and strength for his family. We need to keep interceding for his release.
Bless you!
Monique.
***
Date 7-2-97
Help Is On The Way
My dear friends,
For two weeks now there has been a drought. The fertile soil has given way to barren desert. The phone lines in San Raymundo have been down most of the two weeks. I so hoped to present a letter of freedom to you on Independence Day. But instead, the news came that they were going to continue to hold Queno longer and blame it on lost paperwork. I continue to allow myself to be amazed that we are dealing with such people who example no shame in destroying a man's life. I fight to keep Satan from causing me to allow them to dictate my feelings toward others. Yet, I am tired. Many of you have been asking when I was going to write and update everyone. I have spent these last two weeks emptying my plate. I don't know what I will do now, but I resigned from a ten-year tenure with the fire department. I resigned my position with the radio station. And I have limited myself to writing only for a few publications. I am still preaching full-time and carrying that load of the churches while dad is recovering. I am still responsible for being the chief "bread-winner". I am exhausted. I have to tell you that I haven't had a good night's rest in so long that I began to feel physically drained. So for now, I am resting. I owe it to my children to be a daddy for a while. My wife needs a husband. My father needs a son. Pray for me, I haven't asked you for that before because I wanted you to spend all your time praying for Queno and his family. But I must find a new job, I must meet the challenge of the financial obligations that have been dropped in my lap. I learned to stop praying for lighter loads and begin to pray for a stronger back. So I am asking you to help me pray for a stronger back.
Many of you have been writing and asking how much the legal bills are. I hesitate to add this to this letter, but because I am so far behind in answering my mail, I will tell you. So far, the remainder of the total, after several generous gifts we have already received, is just over $5000.00. I have not made any pleas for money, and I will not now. You are bombarded with people asking for your money—some deserving and some not so deserving. I am going to continue to ask that you pray that our God is a Providing God and he will provide. If he puts it on your heart to be a part of that, then that is between you and Him. I simply request your prayers.
I am happy to announce to you that just over a week ago my father woke up from his unconscious state. He is experiencing some of that miraculous healing that you have been praying for. They still have no idea what the infection was, but they know that they have stopped it. They know that they have no reasonable explanation for his recovery. "He should have died" I was told by his doctor. It gave me the opportunity to witness to others about a God who is also a Healing God. He will continue to need physical therapy, but at least now there is hope that he will recover. He fights with his inability to use his right arm, he gets frustrated that he is so limited in what he can do now. Pray for him. Pray for my mom. She has been in Albuquerque by his side since the incident. She is ready to come home.
On a flight back from Kansas City, where I attended the North American Christian Convention, I sat by a young man who is from Mexico. Pablo has spent his life running from God. His mother is a strong Christian woman who has desired that he accept Christ from the day he was born. Pablo was reading an e-mail that I wrote about Queno. Do you know how weird that is? On a flight from Kansas City to Dallas, that we should sit together? And some of you want proof that there is a God! I happened to notice that he was reading it and I asked him what he was reading. He told me that his mother sent this to him while he was visiting a friend in Missouri. I asked what he thought about it. He said that he wished that he could believe in God like this man Queno. He said that he longed to know what it was like to be that strong. I asked him if he really wanted to know what it was like? "Because," I added, "to be strong you must suffer." I asked him what was the most important thing in this world to him. "Money," he said, almost apologizing for the answer. I asked him how much would be enough? He didn't know. I told him that if he desired money—more than anything else—he could never have enough. That is true of anything that we place in that seat of most importance in our lives. "But, if you put God in that seat of most importance, you will always have enough. . . money, power, love, forgiveness, peace—He holds the wealth of the Universe. You can never compete with him for the wealth, but you can team up with him. He seemed intrigued at these words and asked why I believed that. It was then that I began to tell him the full story of Eugenio—more than most of you are able to know. I explained the price of his commitment to Christ. Then I explained the pay-off. He agreed that the rewards were greater than the cost, but that the cost comes first. Pablo burst into tears just over Tulsa. "I want a faith like that!" he said. "Then Pablo, ask for it." I said. "But be prepared, you just may get what you asked for." I warned. He asked if I would pray with him. It seemed appropriate since we were half way to heaven already as we began our decent into Dallas. Pablo has some really great news for his mom.
I have some great news too. Pablo isn't the only one who needs to pray that prayer. I used to study a painting that we had in our Sunday School room as a child. It was a picture of Jesus standing at the door, knocking. I was intrigued by the look on his face—he so desperately wanted to come in, but the doorknob was on the inside. Do you hear the knocking? "I am already a Christian," you reply. But somehow, he got left outside and he wants back in. Let Him in. Quit trying to fill that "God shaped hole" with a "world-shaped peg".
I have a lot of nerve. . . I know that. I have spent the last five years being reminded what a loser I was. But next month, it has seemed like an eternity, I finally get to go free. Sentenced to jail, then later, lessened to probation, I have had these years to redefine who I was going to be. I was a Christian, but what I did certainly wasn't "Christ-like". I crammed a "world-shaped peg" into MY "God-shaped hole" and I short-circuited my life. Don't fall into that same trap. I am ashamed of what I did, but I am not ashamed of what I have become. You may judge me if you like, but you will have to wait in line. But I have been "Pardoned" by the Creator. But if one less person has to know the desperation of a Godless life because I exposed myself—then it was worth it.
Pablo and I need some company tonight. There is a battle to fight. Queno has led the way on the front line. He has been fighting with his "Full Armor of Christ" on. We are joining him, but we need your help. As Israel, and Russia legislate Christianity out of their midst our country will not so distantly follow suit. I am not a prophet, but I do see what the agenda is. I am excited about it. You know why? Because there will be no "playing church" when "church" could cost you your life! I am excited because when the enemy steps up his pressure, the Father steps up his blessing. Joshua faced such a conflict, and I love the words that he left for our benefit. "Choose you this day whom you will serve. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Queno, brother, this winter you are going to meet a good friend of mine. His name is Pablo. He has some business to take care of in Mexico first, but then he is coming to "have that kind of faith". And perhaps, there are a few more of us right behind him. Stand firm, brother, help is on the way.
Sincerely, Dean
***
Name: Lori Pinney de Nij
From: San Raymundo, Guatemala
Time: 1997-08-29 21:56:00
Comments: I am awed and amazed at the number of people who have been praying for us. We can never thank you all enough. We will see you all around God's Throne. The jail experiece was terrible, amazing and at the same time uplifting. We are still on the roller coaster of faith. God is leading. God Bless all. Write me at patsr@centramerica.com.
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