Las Animas County

We have now arrived at Trinidad, Colorado, the County Seat of Las Animas County. The church we are now admiring is New Hope Ministries- Trinidad. A few days ago we were privileged to meet the pastor of this fellowship, Pastor Jared Gallegos and his sweet wife Rose. Pastor Jared was unable to meet with us here today but introduced us to several of his congregation: his wife Rose; as well as Jordan and Crystal.

We are looking forward to meeting Nick Trujillo, a leader at First Assembly of God in Trinidad, who we had previously talked with on the phone in preparation for our time here. Nick was not only excited to meet with us here today, but has a notable history with this particular church. Nick not only grew up in this church, but his own father built it by hand years ago with nothing but a hammer and a hand saw! He would work awhile, then rest and kneel at the altar to pray, then go back to work! Then, he and his wife pastored it for 60 years! I believe Nick said it was built in 1959 and dedicated in 1961! As a little boy, Nick was given the job of “straightening out the nails” so he would have something to “help” with besides jumping through the glassless windows; it was such a sweet story! One day as a young man, Nick asked his father, “How did you do it? How did you know what to do?” His father’s answer: “Read about Noah.” He told Nick to read about Noah and the building of the Ark, and how that in the same way, God had told him exactly what to do- step by step. Thank You, Lord, for servants who will follow and obey You, step by step, and trust that You know what You are doing!

What a treasure this place is! When everyone arrived, we got a grand tour of this precious building and heard more of its story. This one room building had the original pulpit standing proudly in the front of the sanctuary, undoubtedly having had hundreds and hundreds of sermons preached from it’s stately position.

When everyone had arrived, a very special thing happened outside. A worker, Bruce, driving by in his truck stopped and said, “Hey it looks like you’re all doing something; what are you doing?” We said we were praying for his county and did he want to join us. He said YES- and DID! He was working next door so couldn’t stay for long, but when I asked him did he have 10 minutes, he said “Yeah, I have 10 minutes!” He parked his truck, brought his tools over, helped Tony dig our opening in the ground, then stayed all through prayer and communion! He was right on with all of it! It was so cool!

As Tony prepared the ground and explained what was about to take place, each one had a part in placing the symbols of our prayers into the land. Prayers included that God would look down upon us and be pleased, and that we as God’s people would take back ground that the enemy had stolen. We agreed and acknowledged as a group, that we are not strong enough to do this, but that it is through HIS power alone that we are able to overcome the gates of hell. We prayed that the Lord would make us mighty and fearless, in Jesus’ Name! Tony later said he was so impressed and blessed by the fervency in which these saints prayed over America. They clearly understood the gravity of America’s need to turn back to Him NOW, and prayed over America with love and compassion. Nick offered our Communion Prayer and it was beautiful and powerful. Below, I will share a portion of what was prayed.

We are in God’s will as we do this, in the Name of Jesus. Because God is with us, who can be against us! We put Satan under our feet right now, in the Name of Jesus! He has no authority here- in this church or in any other church! These churches were built on top of a Rock that the gates of hell cannot prevail against! We trust You God! We put those mustard seeds in the ground, showing our faith. We ask You Lord God, to anoint us with Your presence, in Jesus’ Name!

All the symbols are precious to us as we pray over them, but communion is the most sacred and holy time of all as we remember the extent of what Jesus did on that day. We placed each symbol of our prayer in the ground, and communion was the final one. What a precious thing to be able to share this common love, gratitude and worship with fellow believers that “get it”. We prayed for America and the church to turn back to God, and for the fire of God to fall on both! We thanked God for Nick’s parents who lovingly built this building and then waited on God to bring the people, and how Nick’s grandmother’s prayers were still being answered here today. Oh, we serve such an amazing GOD who is not bound by time! We closed with shofars blowing, celebration, and worship to our King!

What a sweet time we shared today with seven amazing prayer warriors: Chris, Nick, Ed, Jordan, Virginia, Martha, and Bruce; as well as Melody, Tony and myself. These folks here love the Lord! Songs we sang to the Lord included “The Father’s Song”, “Power in the Blood”, “We Enter the Holy of Holies”, and “Amazing Grace”, a favorite of one of the sweet ladies. We were there with seven amazing lovers of the Lord for nearly two hours! Thank You, thank You Lord for such an amazing time!

On the way to the next county, sweet Tony stopped in a safe place alongside of the highway to let me take a picture of some strikingly beautiful cholla cactus and some yukka plants. Just before entering Baca County, we passed the Comanche National Grasslands, such a beautiful area and a reminder to pray for the precious Native Americans. Thank You, Lord, for today! Thank You for placing these mighty intercessors right here in Las Animas County for such a time a this!