The Power of the Word, Juan Antonio Ramirez

In the summer of 1971 I was 16 years old. While walking in the streets of Tampico, Tamaulipas (Mexico), I found a young person who was different from the rest. When I asked him why he was different he told me he was here because Jesus Christ said His believers are the light and also the salt of the earth (Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Matt. 5:13).

Although I was not looking for the Lord, those words had impact on me to such an extent that I asked this young person for his Bible as a gift. I began to read the gospel of John and, before finishing it, tears came to my eyes as I contacted the Lord directly. This was the first time that the power of His Word captured my heart.

It was not until 1974 that I contacted and met a Christian group. This was a free group that read and shared mainly from the writings of Watchman Nee. I thank the Lord that He brought me to them. They had a large gospel work and through this many groups were raised up in different cities in Mexico. Truly, the power of this word preserved us in this work until 1981.

In 1981, something wonderful happened. Some brothers began to contact the local church meeting in Santa Ana and in a glorious sequence of events during that year all the Christian groups that we had raised up began to meet as the local churches in Mexico. Once again the truth in His Word had a powerful effect.

From that time until now we have been enjoying the rich ministry of Witness Lee. I want to testify the power of the interpreted word not only has nourished us during all these years but has also transformed us, making our church life in reality light and salt.