Blessing in Disguise

A little over a month and a half ago, our church was told that we had to pack up everything and go within 3 days. The dance studio that we were subleasing from unfortunately was no longer able to keep up with the rent and so as they moved, we had to go, too. What do you do with a whole church in only 72 hours? Where do you go?

For us, it seemed like the solution was simple. "We'll just go back to where we were before, the Hyatt Place in Doral." After all meeting at the Hyatt Place was relatively easy. (Relatively because the band still had to set-up and tear-down week after week) but at least the chairs were provided for us as was the coffee.

Shortly after Lucas and I arrived back in town that Saturday evening (we were driving back from our stay in Kentucky), the pastor was told that Hyatt Place would no longer be renting the conference room to any churches. Apparently, they didn't want to have their guests woken up in the morning with the sounds of our bands' rehearsal.

So what now? It's almost 11 pm and we have no place to meet for our Sunday morning service, the Sunday before Christmas. One of the most important days of the year as it is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus and it is also a day when many people are seeking and want to visit church. The day with the highest number of visitors, second to Easter.

And this is where the church of Sweetwater comes in. They graciously opened their doors to us and allowed us to meet in their church. It was one of the best services we've ever had with Doral Baptist Church. The worship was amazing to say the very least and almost everyone was there despite the late and very short notice.

At first we felt like we were losing everything. How could this happen? What are we going to do? Where is God leading us now? These were only a few of the questions running through our minds. But God in His infinite wisdom was up to something.

Looking back at it today, having relocated to Sweetwater has been one of the biggest blessings for our church since the history of Doral Baptist Church. We have been able to meet and begin to establish friendships with our new church family at Sweetwater Baptist Church. They have been nothing short of amazing. Almost immediately our youth groups starting meeting together. And now we are beginning to make plans to collaborate on the Easter musical.

I feel right at home with our friends and extended church family at Sweetwater Baptist Church. And I don't think it's that we come from the same place, Cuba. I think the connection is deeper than where we were born. What brings us together is our faith and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

To our new friends at Sweetwater Baptist Church (los Cubanazos),

Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. At a time when we didn't really understand why God allowed us to be "homeless," you took us in. It seemed to be unclear what God was doing, but it is now evident to us that He has brought us together.

We will probably never be able to repay you for the kindness that you have demonstrated to us in that while we were perfect strangers, you took us in and made us part of your family. I feel confident in saying that I speak for everyone at DBC when I say that this has been a blessing in disguise.

Thank you! We love you guys!

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." -Galatians 6:10

Sweetwater Baptist Church's Youth Group at Night of Joy



Today also happens to be Albert's birthday. Happy Birthday, Albertico!