Hillsong United released a CD in 2013 entitled Zion. One of the most beautiful songs on the album is entitled, "Tapestry." In it, they sing, "Our lives a tapestry of grace/ your hand has weaved together." And there are few people who embody the idea of grace being woven into a life as my friend Kaiela Guerra. Through tragedy, disappointment, and distraction, God seems to have had his mark of grace on her since the beginning. Five years ago, her dad passed away. Shortly thereafter, she went to live with her uncle, who died within a few years. Kaiela then went to live with her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. Although she was in remission in 2013, the cancer has returned. Then, in January 2014, her aunt died of cancer. And while these situations would readily reduce any person to question God's sovereignty, they seem to have only pushed Kaiela closer to her Savior. Although she grew up in a home that embraced Catholicism as a family tradition, they did not attend church regularly, and Christ was not a part of their family culture. After her father's death, Kaiela met a friend who loved the Lord and would often take her with her when evangelizing. Her friend's passion for Christ addressed the deep sorrow she felt over the loss of her father and other family members. And Kaiela began to realize that the answer to her questions about what was missing in her life was Jesus. This is about the time when I met her. She began attending our church, but it was not until her college years that she became a friend. In the winter of 2013, I began meeting with her weekly to discuss faith and the Christian experience. Her enthusiasm and hunger for more of God's truth in her life was growing steadily. By early February, John and I had seen consistent growth in her. The tapestry was coming together quickly now, and the picture it was creating was something beautiful. She officially prayed to receive Christ in our living room one weekday evening in February. The next week, I had the opportunity to baptize her. Her mother and older sister came, and I know that Kaiela will be the vehicle by which her family comes to full faith in the years to come.
The next week, we attended the Passion Conference in Houston. Moved by the messages of Francis Chan and Louis Giglio, she was open to the spirit, and was ready to receive his call when, on the last night, the conference dedicated a prayer to those who felt called to foreign missions. I did not know it at the time, but God was working in Kaiela, and she stood with the others as we prayed.
Less than a week later, Kaiela called me to talk. She explained that she felt God might be urging her toward foreign missions, but didn't know what to do to respond to the call. Providentially, I learned that a mission trip was in the works at our church to take a group to Budapest, Hungary, to aid our sister church with children's camps, English tutoring, and evangelism. The timing could not have been more perfect, and it is difficult to deny that God is weaving the tapestry of grace in Kaiela's life all the more rapidly as she seeks to follow him faithfully.
Thus, on July 7-15, 2014, we are hoping to provide enough money for Kaiela to travel to Budapest in accordance with the prompting God has given her to explore foreign missions, and we are hoping you will be a part of getting her there. Currently, she is working rapidly to provide for her family while saving money to pay much of her own way, but I'd love to surprise her with a fully-funded trip. What a testimony to her family if her trip is entirely paid for by a body of believers who may never meet her, but stand with her in a unified mission! This is what I love about the church!
If you are interested in giving, simply slip a check in the mail addressed to Parkgate Community Church, 3715 Preston Ave, Pasadena, TX 77505. On the memo line, please note "Hungary-- Guerra" so that the church office knows where to direct the funds. If you have questions, you may contact the church at (281) 487-4283 or me by writing in the comments below.
Although you may not ever meet Kaiela, I promise that you will not find a kinder, more grateful recipient of your funds. No dollar will be taken for granted by this sweet follower of Christ.
Thank you for your support, and please continue to pray for Kaiela in her faith journey, which may eventually lead her all over the world!
Tapestry by Hillsong United
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