Israel Lopez Co-Bible Translator in the Santiago Lachiguiri Zapotec

 Israel Lopez

RIP

10 Jan 1953-

22 Mar 2014

It was 26 years ago when I first went to Lachiguiri. Within a year I started working with Israel Lopez, at the time, a single pastor who dedicated his life to working with me on the translation of Luke and John. He then married Virginia and they have five children. Their son Esteban was born in my house in Arizona 18 years ago. 

His step mother gave her heart to the Lord as she heard the story of Jesus Calming the Sea in Zapotec at one of the Children's events we had there in Lachiguiri. Her husband asked how she understood this as she didn't speak Spanish. She told him that the story was in Zapotec. We later had her baptized shortly before she died. You can listen to this on our Media Page.

I told Israel when I was there in January he couldn't die yet as he hadn't finished recording the book of Luke and John. He told me that was a reason to live yet. But God must have someone else to do that job.

Then the Jackson's wrote me today:

Garett Jackson: When the news of Israel’s passing was announced over the village PA system, they played the recordings of Israel singing those hymns that he had translated into Zapotec.

Sheri Burk: Oh, Garett Jackson that touches my heart more than you will ever know. Maclovio, his father’s wife accepted Christ when she heard his recording of Jesus calming the sea only weeks before her passing. She did not speak any Spanish, only Zapotec. His work was not in vain!!

Stephanie and Garett Jackson who work with us in the Lachiguiri area shared the following:

We arrived by 9 p.m. Sunday night.   We were amazed at the huge crowd at the Lopez house. People filled the house and lined the street on both sides sitting on the curbs and standing in groups. The back bedroom had been cleared of beds and was the viewing room. People were sitting in chairs against the walls there singing or listening to someone sharing a message. There was a table at the head of the coffin with a money box. We saw many people come in and contribute. 

Garett and I were blessed to be able to share some songs for about an hour in this room. It was very hot and stuffy, but no one noted that. It was a beautiful time.

Next day more crowds. They, of course, were feeding everyone both these days. Oh! We had stopped by Angelina's (My favorite restaurant in the area) on the way to see if she knew. They said Angelina and Carlos were already in Lachiguiri. They had brought a ton of meat and veggies. Many people brought dispensas (beans, other food).  Pastor Jose Pepe gave some words. Garett shared and then he gave words from you. You were there in spirit. They knew.

Garett added to Sheri: everybody really really really missed u a lot.
With the coffin being carried in front and the mourners walking behind, we all made our way down to the graveyard. Jose Eli (Israel's brother) and Pastor Nellie sang lovely Christian songs. Someone shared a short message of hope 

Israel's daughter, Emma approached and sobbed, yelling out "Papito!" It was so sad. The coffin was lowered, flowers and possessions put in and then the cement poured.

 
 The next evening a group of us went down (walking) to the grave to show our respects. I was able to encourage them with the truth that Israel is not in the grave; he is in heaven. 

 Veronica shared about Israel how he was always very kind and patient, and that he got along with everyone.

What next?

Veronica is getting married on May 3rd and I, Sheri, feel I need to be there for the family. But I am out of funds for another trip down so soon. How can I go? I thought. Then this morning a brother called and says he has a way of getting me a huge discount to fly down. 

I feel that is God's way of telling me, YES Sheri I will make a way.

I had to share this about our friend and Co-Bible Translator with you all. 

We are having problems with our web page but as soon as it is working again I will put up photos and more on how God used Israel and I in getting the gospel of the Book of Luke and John into his peoples language. 

Sheri Burk