Faith Facts

• Churches of Christ Hispanic ministers received a weeklong family renewal retreat funded by a Lilly Endowment grant through MESA ministries.
• Spanish-speaking families from nine states enjoyed free lodging, meals, and water park access at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas.
• Ministers emphasized the importance of rest, spiritual renewal, and unity in Christ across cultural lines.

Church of Christ families serving in Spanish-speaking ministries recently enjoyed a much-needed time of rest and renewal at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort in Grapevine, Texas.

Thanks to a Lilly Endowment grant administered through Herald of Truth’s MESA ministry, 41 adults and 29 children from nine states received free lodging, meals, and access to water slides and other attractions during fall break.

“We’re here to give you a blessing and help you continue to bless others, as you do every day.”

Chase Turner, president and CEO of Herald of Truth, extended the invitation to families like the Rojos from Springdale, Arkansas, who typically could not afford such a vacation.

“We’re preaching Jesus, we’re preaching Christ crucified and resurrected, and we’re really more united than we are divided.”

Minister J.P. Flores of Phoenix noted the retreat strengthened bonds among believers who may differ on secondary matters yet remain united in the gospel.

Lenin Munguia of Richardson, Texas, described the gathering as a timely opportunity to refresh and connect with fellow ministers amid cultural and political pressures.

Crystal Reyes of Wilmington, Delaware, said the experience reminded her and her husband to invest in their own mental and spiritual health so they can serve more effectively.

Participants also attended sessions on prayer, spiritual renewal, and silence and solitude, while singing hymns together in both Spanish and English.

Alonzo Rojo prayed that the lessons learned would not remain at the lodge but would strengthen daily walks with the Lord and grow ministries across the nation.

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Faith Facts

• Scripture warns that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
• Christian marriage calls spouses to bear one another’s burdens while speaking the truth in love.
• Modeling humility often proves more powerful than direct confrontation when addressing pride.

A wife recently asked for guidance on addressing her husband’s growing financial pride. Instead of confronting the issue head-on, the counsel focused on a quieter, more biblical approach.

By choosing to model humility in her own financial decisions, she can let her consistent example speak louder than words of correction. This approach aligns with the Christian call to win others without a word, as seen in 1 Peter 3.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

The advice emphasizes that humility modeled daily can convict a spouse more effectively than criticism. A wife’s gentle consistency in stewardship and gratitude may open her husband’s heart to self-examination over time.

Financial pride often creeps in subtly through increased spending, boasting, or a sense of self-sufficiency. Addressing it directly risks defensiveness, whereas a living example of contentment and generosity can plant seeds of conviction.

“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

Christian wives are reminded that their influence flows not from confrontation but from quiet strength rooted in faith. When a woman chooses humility in the face of pride, she reflects Christ’s own example of servant leadership.

Over time, the contrast between prideful spending and humble stewardship may prompt the husband to reconsider his own attitudes. This patient approach honors both the marriage covenant and the call to love without compromising truth.

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Faith Facts

• Scripture describes God as jealous for His people, not envious of others.
• Envy seeks what belongs to someone else, while godly jealousy protects what is rightfully yours.
• God’s jealousy flows from covenant love and the desire to guard His relationship with believers.

Jealousy often ranks among the most unattractive traits in human relationships.

Yet the Bible repeatedly describes God as jealous.

The answer lies in a vital distinction between envy and jealousy.

Envy wants what is not yours.

Jealousy fights to protect what rightfully belongs to you.

“God’s jealousy is rooted in His covenant love for His people,” explained one pastor in a recent teaching on Exodus 34:14.

This divine jealousy reflects a holy commitment to the relationship He established with Israel and extends to all who belong to Him through Christ.

When God declares He is jealous, He is not coveting something that belongs to another.

He is defending the exclusive devotion His people owe Him alone.

“You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God,” states Exodus 34:14.

This truth challenges modern assumptions about jealousy as purely negative.

Instead, Scripture presents godly jealousy as an expression of love and loyalty.

Human jealousy becomes sinful when it stems from selfish desire or fear of loss.

God’s jealousy remains pure because it flows from perfect righteousness and covenant faithfulness.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.