I WILL BE YOUR..."ESCUDERO"
(SHIELD BEARER)
"My name is Mauricio Matamoros. I'm here to take you overland to the crusade in
Choluteca. During your time here, I WILL BE YOUR "ESCUDERO" (shield bearer). I'm here to protect you and serve you. That's what King David's 30 mighty, valiant warriors were to him. They protected him with their very lives."
Thus is my welcome at the airport in Honduras by this large Chinese-Honduranjnan. As we drive in his black Toyota pickup, Mauricio continues to share... "When I was in 5th grade you came to Choluteca with your team. That's when I invited Christ into my heart 30years ago! Much has happened in my life since then. The moment I laid eyes on that cute "chick" Claudia, I said, (She is mine'!!! We married soon after and God has given us 3 children."
Mauricio drives to the radio station that airs our "Impacto" program each day on its network of 11 stations, covering all of Honduras. After 30 minutes of interview over the air waves and taking incoming phones on the air, off we go through the mountains and pull up to my place of lodging.
"This motel used to be a brothel. My father-in-law had other ideas for it. He bought it and dedicated it for Christ's glory. You'll stay here. Since my wife, Claudia, and I are the administrators we'll be here to attend you and all your needs.
This he does with class, carrying my bags, transporting me, feeding me, and sharing a running commentary regarding the local situation. On our way to the first crusade meeting, Mauricio shares...
"This event is sponsored by 15 churches, but we are meeting in the largest auditorium in town ...my church! It began humbly in a house patio, but you'll see what God has done! I also serve as an assistant to my pasto."
I am his "escudero" (shield bearer).
The place is packed each night. Our many radio listeners bring their unsaved friends and we are able to share the gospel with 2,090 Hondurans, of whom 182 step forward to receive Christ.
One morning we meet exclusively with 42 pastors from the surrounding countryside. The theme is "pastoral ethics" with open discussion after the presentation. Five pastors from a nearby port city of the Pacific Ocean invite us to a future crusade.
At sunrise, Mauricio and Claudia drive me in the black Toyota pickup through the mountains to the airport "As faithful "escuderos" we will be with you to the security gate and see that you are safely on the plane."
The crusade is history.
Many are added to God's family.
Some may become pastors.
Others will become "ESCUDEROS."The crusade is history.
Many are added to God's family.
Some may become pastors.
Others will become "ESCUDEROS."
Thank you for sending me!
Bruce and Margie Woodman
"Before Christ, I was attracted to your program. It drew me to the Savior...after my decision, it is my daily bread."
