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Pastor Neftali Barboza: God, My Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46)
Neftali Barboza, pastor of Iglesia Nueva Jerico in Uvalde, declared: “The Lord is my refuge. He’s my strength.” When we don’t know where to go or what to do, we can run to God, he proclaimed.
In the days following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, in which 19 children and two adults were killed, Barboza struggled to find the words for his community. He found strength in pointing people to God’s word.
He prepared to preach the following Sunday by praying and asking God for help, because he didn’t know what to say. Barboza preached through Psalm 46 in three sections.
When disaster happens, God is an ever-present help (vs. 1-3). God dwells in an indestructible city, though earthly nations are in chaos. God’s presence makes all the difference (vs. 4-7). God will end the warring of sin and will restore the world (vs. 8-11). We do best to be still and to surrender to God, Barboza concluded.
This sermon was delivered on May 29, 2022, for the morning worship service at Iglesia Nueva Jerico in Uvalde. Barboza preached in response to the mass shooting on May 24. The full service included prayers for each family of someone killed, for the wounded who survived, and over the children attending the service. Chaplains and counselors also were present.
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