Pastor Ivan, before La Perla, with a call upon his heart…
If the Lord is seeking a soldier that will stand his post, a shepherd who will stand with the sheep – however few remain, and a beacon that will bear light through the storm… He found a Pastor in La Perla.
Six years ago, God called Pastor Ivan out from a vibrant NYC ministry into a neighborhood in Puerto Rico described for years as “decrepit” and “dangerous”. Please see: When God Moves Into el Barrio (Pt 1) Over the course of 40 years many ministries and churches have staked a claim in La Perla, perhaps hoping to be the shining vessel through whom God will bring deliverance. But they did not last. God is not looking for our enthusiasm, He’s seeking steadfastness….
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, since you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. ( I Corin 15:58)
Although working alone in La Perla, the presence of God never left. A remnant of believers arose and Pastor Ivan opened Iglesia La Perla.
But when the eye of the storm swept through Puerto Rico, many in La Perla fled. The small flock of believers dwindled, leaving behind those who would live without water, electricity or food supply for two months.
“Not having electricity and water for 2 months was not easy. And going out each day seeing where to get something to eat was not easy.” Pastor Ivan
How many American pastors are praying for running water? A light? Even a sure meal…for two months?
Pastor Ivan likened Hurricane Maria to “a bomb” hitting the island, “apocalyptic”. I pressed him to share his feelings and challenges during that time…
“You try to understand your place as a Christian in the newly devastated world…I had the opportunity to go back to New York, many friends and family members were telling me to go back and it was tempting but I didn’t. Even though my mind and flesh wanted to leave I knew I needed to stay and be there for others…. Like Jesus said, leave everything behind and follow Me…Learning to live a day at a time was challenging, but isn’t that what Jesus taught us? To let go of everything and rely on Him.” Pastor Ivan
The Lord strengthened Pastor Ivan and, at the right time, brought a mission team to encourage, provide and share in God’s plan. Renovations for Iglesia La Perla and plans for a youth workshop and Bible study building are already underway!
Pastor Ivan – a shepherd with a calling and vision…and a truck with lumber!
Le Perla by the sea…God rebuilding upon what Maria blew away…
There is an active work of God moving throughout this world and our call is to join in.
Please join in the Lord’s work here through focused prayer.
- Pray for Pastor Ivan, that the Lord encourage him and minister to him through His word
- Pray for the Youth Workshop, that the Lord’s design and plans prevail and bear fruit
- Pray for the souls of La Perla and for others to find deliverance and salvation, entering into the freedom and promises of God. May Iglesia La Perla grow and be a shining star to exalt the glory of God.
What God is doing here He can do in your life, in your home, in your community – no matter how devastated. Pray for God to raise up leadership, stand together on God’s word and be steadfast. Let’s see what the Lord will do!
theburninglampdotcom 
Powerful indeed, Lisa. Stories such this one of Pastor Ivan are extremely convicting to all of us Christians who are not facing nearly as challenging circumstances. Your quote here is particularly convicting: “God is not looking for our enthusiasm, He’s seeking steadfastness …” May God continue to bless the incredible work Pastor Ivan is doing, I will pray for both him and the people of La Perla. Thank you for posting this, and looking forward to more!
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Thanks again brother, your comments and prayer mean a lot. I really hope to encourage folks who are in the middle of a ‘devastation’ to hold on…God can send emissaries at any time!
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Well said. Thanks for sharing this story that encourages us to have the long view to overcome and endure. I agree that “God is not looking for our enthusiasm, He’s seeking steadfastness…” Rev. 21:7 tells us, “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
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Amen! Thanks so much for encouraging and uplifting – that’s a beautiful promise to press into memory. May the Lord continue to bless and inspire you.
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Lisa,
What an inspiring story. I was convicted by the calling by Jesus for us to leave everything behind and follow him. Easier said than done. I will pray for the pastor.
I hope you are well.
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It’s so good to hear from you Terri. I am convicted also by Pastor Ivan’s steadfastness, leaning upon the Lord. I do so want my heart surrendered to the purposes of God, esp in these last days.
I hope you are well also, praying for you and looking forward to your next post! 🌹
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Wow, this is awesome! thank you for sharing. I love what you said, “God is not looking for our enthusiasm , he’s looking for steadfastness.” this i believe. Sometimes i get so excited about a work of the Lord, and yet when the excitement fades i fall away from the task. and i love what you said at the end, “what God is doing there he can do in your life.” what a wonderful reminder.
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I really appreciate your visit and encouraging words, thank you. I’m watching what the Lord is doing…anticipating “El Barrio Pt 3”! God bless you, sister. 🌹
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Wow! So thankful for steadfast believers like Pastor Ivan! His story is inspiring! Thank you for sharing it! ❤️
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I am also inspired by Pastor Ivan, standing at his post, even thru the storm. Thank you Lynn, for your visit and your kind words. 💕
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The Lord dropped Puerto Rico into my spirit long before the storm ever hit, so even as I read this message, I know why! The Lord will continue this work that He’s started, and it will become a beacon light of hope through salvation, in Christ Jesus! As Nehemiah was empowered, purposed, and positioned to lead the revitalization efforts of the walls that had been broken down and the gates that had been burned with fire, and as Solomon was positioned to lead in the building of the temple, so I am praying for Pastor Ivan. I’m praying that He be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit perpetually, I’m praying that all His decisions and selections of worker’s be made by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and I’m praying that as Nehemiah and Solomon had the necessary resources to build, so does he. I’m also praying that Pastor Ivan be a good steward of the resources that the Lord gives. People are watching, and God is going to use this work mightily to draw many to Him, and other’s even closer! So Lord, have Your way in this work, and be glorified in everything that’s said and done, in Jesus’s name, Amen!!
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Brother, on behalf of Pastor Ivan, we so appreciate your valuable prayers! He is often alone, lacking fellowship with mature brethren. “I’m praying that all His decisions and selections of worker’s be made by the guidance of the Holy Spirit…” this says it all. Thank you again!
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God will send Aaron’s and Barnabas’s!!
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