This morning I was invited to attend a meeting of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, the Jackson Premier Chapter. I went for two reasons. One, a friend and brother, Pastor Jacob Yohannan, issued the invitation. Secondly, I knew both of the people who would be sharing their testimonies. Josue Montero and Pastor Richard Bragg were the two. I have known Richard for a few years at this point and I have known Josue for a few months.
This organization is as it’s title suggests, a full gospel group. It is made up of men and women and each time they meet, they share a meal, sing wonderful praise songs to our Mighty God, and share testimonies about how God has changed their lives. Of course, there is also great fellowship and praying for each other and the world. I am not an official member, but I was honored to share my testimony with the group a few months ago. I especially enjoy the international flavor that is inherent to their meetings. I am a Baptist missionary at heart, but the group has never made me feel that I was not a welcomed part of their proceedings. Some of their worship practices may be a bit different that what one would experience in a Baptist church, but that is ok. I find that – if we try – we can find much more in common than things that would separate us… if we try 🙂
Now, back to the testimonies. I will not try to get into all the details, but I will say this to you. If you ever have an opportunity to hear the testimonies of these two men, it will bless and amaze you. You see, Josue lived as a child in communist Cuba and escaped on a small boat through a dangerous ocean trip from Cuba to Florida. He was a tough street kid and eventually was taken under the wing of a Christian pastor who introduced him to Jesus before he made his way to the US. Along the way, he was led to a lovely lady who he married and they started a beautiful family. Now, they lead worship as a family any time they have an opportunity to do so. He has an awesome story.
Pastor Richard Bragg shared his testimony and even though I knew bits and pieces of it, I was deeply touched by what he shared today, which was a more detailed accounting. I have a kindred spirit with Richard in many ways even though we each have unique experiences that led us to Christ. Both of us had serious struggles with out lives before Christ, experiencing pain, loss, and confusion. Against many odds, we both wound up in Christian ministry. He as a pastor and me as a missionary. We both happen to be Southern Baptists but are not afraid to explore partnering with other denominational groups as long as the goal is to win the lost. Again I say that if you have an opportunity to hear Richard’s testimony, it will touch your heart.
Here are a few photos from this morning’s meeting:
