There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.              ~Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 4

I found myself thinking of this Bible verse today. Some days it feels as though we experience all of the emotions mentioned in Ecclesiastes on the same day. I was working on my newsletter article and focusing on all of the positive things happening with our ministry at Ascension. With the nicer weather, we have decided to worship every Sunday outside, as long as the weather allows. Although the farmers could use the rain, we have enjoyed the lack of insects during worship on the front lawn.

We are busy planning a quinceañera for the end of July and we are planning another wedding for August. The August wedding is special because it is for a couple that was legally married years ago, but they have been dreaming of a chance to have a religious ceremony and to have a marriage that is officially blessed by the church. They are happy to be a part of a church that has affordable wedding options.

As I was forming my thoughts about all of these joyful things for my article, I received a call that my brother-in-law had unexpectedly passed away. He was in San Salvador visiting his mother. He was only 37 years old. Because of the distance between San Rafael Oriente, our family’s village, and San Salvador, my sister and his mother did not know each other. His mother decided she would take care of all funeral arrangements and that he would be buried in San Salvador. My sister was in shock at all that her family was facing.

Navigating supporting my sister from a distance, determining who from our family in Waukesha will be able to travel to El Salvador and making those travel plans required urgency. Suddenly planning for the happy things was no longer on my agenda for the week.

During these difficult times, I need to remember the words of Ecclesiastes that although my family is once again facing great sorrow, we will heal. I pray that we all find peace knowing that while we are feeling sadness for my sister and nephew, my brother-in-law is free from suffering and experiencing the gift of resurrection.

May you feel the presence of Jesus in all of your moments, good and bad.

Edwin Aparicio
Spanish Language Minister