Posts by Justo Dorantes

WHAT WAS TAUGHT MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO My dad is eighty-five years old now. Every time I get to see him, he seems more tired, his walk is slower, and he forgets things more often. One of the things that he has very clear and that he will never forget is when he was converted. I do not think he will ever forget that no matter his age. When he talks about his conversion, he will share how God…

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly…

It was a Sunday afternoon after worship that Armando heard the announcement. The announcement said that some members of the congregation from Decatur, Alabama, were coming to help build three classrooms for the children in their Mayan village of Texan. The announcement said that a list was being made of all those who wanted to come and help the Americans build the classrooms. Armando wanted to help, but he had to work, Armando is a barber and had a commitment…

LAST WEEK IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA September 30, 2023, will be forever in the history books of the churches of Christ in Mexico. It was the first time that about five hundred and fifty young teenagers came together as one for this youth rally. Teens from six different states that surround the Yucatan came to this gathering. It was quite a sight that had never been seen before. Steve Smith, Sam Welsh and I had the privilege of preaching to…

THE POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Karina wrote the following words in her social media post a few weeks ago: “In the same place we lost my sweet brother Rafael Ramirez only days ago my dad made the amazing choice to be baptized and join our Beltline Church of Christ Family ❤ we are beyond blessed to have such a big family here supporting and loving us through it all.” Karina wrote this after her father was baptized for the remission…

Last Saturday, August 5, 2023, we had our annual north Alabama Hispanic lectureships. Several Hispanic congregations came from the State of Alabama and other states. Those who attended were from: Colombia, México, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Bolivia, Honduras, Haití, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and the United States. There were about twenty nations from Latin America singing praises to God and learning together the word of God. All these people…

One of my favorite holidays in this amazing country is Thanksgiving. I love how families travel from all over to be with their loved ones and of course I love the delicious food! It is wonderful to see parents, grandparents, uncles and grandchildren all together enjoying that special day. OUR THANKSGIVING IN AUGUST On Saturday, August 5, 2023 we will have our annual “North Alabama Lectureships”. This event is every year and we do it at Beltline. We have been…

Several years ago, Paul Harvey reported on his noon news of a 73-year-old man who was pinned beneath his farm tractor for four days and nights in driving rain and a terrible storm. Concerned friends went to see about him just in time. He survived his ordeal, but did lose a leg below the knee. Several newspapers picked up on this little story and centered upon the amazing fact that a 73-year-old man could live after being pinned beneath a…

Last trip I made to Mexico; my father gave me some habanero seeds in a small envelope. He knows I like fresh habaneros, so he usually saves some of the best seeds from the habaneros in the Yucatan. When I got back to Decatur, I placed the envelope in my drawer next to my car keys. Days and weeks passed, and I forgot that I have placed the envelope in my drawer, until I started to plant some tomatoes plants…

THE PRICE TO BE PAID As her seven children grew up, they did not have their grandparents to cheer them up and encourage them! Those seven children did not have grandparents to see them at school events, at plays or at a sports event. There was no hint of grandparents during the graduation ceremonies of elementary school or middle school. There was never a greeting card in the mail of encouragement wishing you a happy birthday or even a dollar…

As the inspired psalmist, King David writes, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident” (Psa. 27:1-3). As one…

In my list of resolutions every year is to take up the sport of running again. Running keeps me motivated to lose weight and to keep myself healthy. A few weeks ago, I dusted off my treadmill and started to run again. I am doing ok so far; I am starting to get in the zone of running a few miles during the week. I am also trying to eat healthy and to eat less desserts. Three days ago, I…