A letter from the Director

I wish, as the Apostle Paul said, that I could write this to you personally “with my own hand.”

How important is it to know that you are valued? How much stock do we place in who we are and what we do? How vital is encouragement to the ministry that God has placed us in?

In the sometimes dark memories of my own spiritual journey, I know how caustic discouragement can be. Much like battery acid eating holes in the fabric of our ministry. The memory remains of specific night driving home from yet another meeting. I was serving in Mexico City, teeming then with over thirteen million people. The need was so overwhelming and I was burdened by it all. As I pulled to a stop at a red light, I looked over at a cluster of young prostitutes parading their sensual gaudiness. A great weariness swept over me as the tragically poetic words of an old Simon & Garfunkel song played in my head. “I do declare, there were times I was so lonely I took some comfort there…” The reality and misery of sin; the weakness of our own strength; The overwhelming need; are all fertile ground for discouragement.

A good friend not too long after that dark night, put his arms around me and said. “Joe, what you are doing is so important. God cares about you. Don’t lose heart. The seeds you are planting will bear fruit in eternity. The light you are shining cannot be put out by the darkness.”

It was what I needed to hear; a refreshing cup of cold water.

We have a word for you. Take heart! As God has often strengthened me, and regularly strengthens you, He can do so again.

“The Lord is faithful in all he says; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.” Psalm 145:13,14

Pastors, Christian workers, other missionaries and your Christian family around the world, have sent us from the Christian Hospitality Network, to bring you a “cup of cold water in Jesus name.”

The message they want you to hear is this. We have not forgotten you or your labor of love. What you do is essential in building the kingdom. You are important to us, and more important, you are precious to God.

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.” Hebrews 12:12,13

We stand with you. We encourage you with the reminder that you are of great value.

We rejoice in the mighty victory that God himself will give you in due time!

Joe Castillo

Christian Hospitality Network

“a cup of cold water”