Quinceañera

Quinceañera is the Latin American (or mostly Mexican - I am not so sure exactly) party for a girl who is turning 15 years old. Technically the party is called 'Quinceaños' which literally means '15 years', while the girl turning 15 is called 'la Quinceañera'. It is kind of like a Sweet Sixteen party in American culture or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Jewish culture.

It is a festival marking the end of the girl's childhood and her beginning as a young woman - she cease to be 'la niña' and becomes 'la señorita'. In Catholic tradition, it is also the time when the young lady dedicates her life to God (and even to the Virgin Mary I heard). Over the years, Christians have changed it a bit so that the young girl dedicates her future to the Lord Jesus. Usually it starts with a service (Mass for Catholics) - the priest/pastor gives a message, then the young lady dances a Waltz with her male companion. All in all a very touching time.

This last weekend, I got the chance to 'officiate' at my first Quinceañera - to give the message exhorting the young lady to become the woman that God has called her to be and to follow the Lord Jesus wherever He leads her. Also to pray for her at the end of the evening. The young lady is the godchild of a couple in the Spanish Fellowship and she is a neat young girl. She accepted the Lord about 3 years ago and already feels called to become a missionary in Africa (coincidence??). Anyways, we really enjoyed learning the traditions of the Mexican culture, getting to know members of the Spanish Fellowship better and seeing this young lady dedicate her life to Jesus. Oh yeah, and we ate LOTS of authentic Mexican food. I mean LOTS. And real stuff - not Taco Bell or Green Burrito stuff - but food made by real Mexican ladies in their homes! Ummmmmmhhh.

PS - pray for some of the young lady's family and friends who don't know Jesus as Lord. I preached on Romans 1.16 - where Paul says he is not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Pray that the seeds planted will take root.