Volleyball was a change from previous years, and a welcome change for us. We went down to the school and helped set-up the net and soon kids were organized out of the classrooms to join us. It gave us lots of opportunity to interact with the kids as we played along side them and different kids rotated in and out. We played for about an hour and really enjoyed the time.
Returning to the community center we were greeted by a new group from Food for the Hungry. The country director, Tom, our friend over many trips Carlos and a film crew came along with Chris Tomlin. He will be promoting FH child sponsorships at his concerts and wanted to see the work first hand. They were very glad for the opportunity to hear from us about the changes we have seen in Sierra Prieta over the years we've been able to be involved. We enjoyed sharing what God has done and mope that it will open up vision in more people to become involved in this effective ministry.
Our next activity was Church Leadership training. We were blessed to have representatives from 4 different congregations. Greg spent a little over an hour sharing principles of leadership selection and motivating leaders to keep their relationship with God of prime importance in their lives.
At the training we met the new pastor of the church. Santiago has taken over the pastorship from Pastor Juan Segundo. He seems to be full of energy, but has 5 congregations to serve as pastor. We pray that he leads well and develops good leaders.
Following the training we transitioned into the farewell ceremony. We were blessed to hear from so many of our long time friends. Monica, Jocasta, Guadalupe, Juliana, Rochelle, Joel, and Taina From FH. There were tears for our departure, but more so there were tears of gratitude for what God has accomplished in Sierra Prieta. They thanked us for being the conduit God has used to bring so much encouragement and motivation and hope to Sierra Prieta.
The dynamic with the women of the Sierra Prieta is different with our team as we have no ladies with us this year. But the depth of emotion shared in the farewell, has impacted us. It revealed that despite our lesser emotional connection on an interpersonal level, there is still real and genuine emotional connection in Christ and through the hope and vision the people of the community have gained through this process. They invited us to please come back and asked that we bring our whole families.
In addition to thanks to God for working in us they expressed thanks to all of those who made it possible for us to be here. They thanked each of us for leaving our families to come here and asked us to express their gratitude to our families for allowing us to leave. There were also words of thanks to Cornerstone Church and to all who gave generously to make this trip and the building project possible. It is our desire that more people will come with the team next year to participate in the blessing that we gain in being here.
Following the farewell ceremony Bob and Austin completed their Sponsored child visits. They met with Elva and Leysi. It's always a blessing to see these kids and the care and concern that Bob shares in his meetings is a blessing to us all. I hope the Picture of Elva's beautiful smile with Bob and Austin comes through.
This evening we are showing a movie for the children of the community. It is a special treat of entertainment that they rarely get in this setting. The movie is Finding Nemo and the crowd is huge.
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement. I once again apologize for the blog and lack of pictures. With our internet connection it is difficult to get much out. Thank you for your prayers we look forward to sharing more of our blessings and experiences once we return.
Returning to the community center we were greeted by a new group from Food for the Hungry. The country director, Tom, our friend over many trips Carlos and a film crew came along with Chris Tomlin. He will be promoting FH child sponsorships at his concerts and wanted to see the work first hand. They were very glad for the opportunity to hear from us about the changes we have seen in Sierra Prieta over the years we've been able to be involved. We enjoyed sharing what God has done and mope that it will open up vision in more people to become involved in this effective ministry.
Our next activity was Church Leadership training. We were blessed to have representatives from 4 different congregations. Greg spent a little over an hour sharing principles of leadership selection and motivating leaders to keep their relationship with God of prime importance in their lives.
At the training we met the new pastor of the church. Santiago has taken over the pastorship from Pastor Juan Segundo. He seems to be full of energy, but has 5 congregations to serve as pastor. We pray that he leads well and develops good leaders.
Following the training we transitioned into the farewell ceremony. We were blessed to hear from so many of our long time friends. Monica, Jocasta, Guadalupe, Juliana, Rochelle, Joel, and Taina From FH. There were tears for our departure, but more so there were tears of gratitude for what God has accomplished in Sierra Prieta. They thanked us for being the conduit God has used to bring so much encouragement and motivation and hope to Sierra Prieta.
The dynamic with the women of the Sierra Prieta is different with our team as we have no ladies with us this year. But the depth of emotion shared in the farewell, has impacted us. It revealed that despite our lesser emotional connection on an interpersonal level, there is still real and genuine emotional connection in Christ and through the hope and vision the people of the community have gained through this process. They invited us to please come back and asked that we bring our whole families.
In addition to thanks to God for working in us they expressed thanks to all of those who made it possible for us to be here. They thanked each of us for leaving our families to come here and asked us to express their gratitude to our families for allowing us to leave. There were also words of thanks to Cornerstone Church and to all who gave generously to make this trip and the building project possible. It is our desire that more people will come with the team next year to participate in the blessing that we gain in being here.
Following the farewell ceremony Bob and Austin completed their Sponsored child visits. They met with Elva and Leysi. It's always a blessing to see these kids and the care and concern that Bob shares in his meetings is a blessing to us all. I hope the Picture of Elva's beautiful smile with Bob and Austin comes through.
This evening we are showing a movie for the children of the community. It is a special treat of entertainment that they rarely get in this setting. The movie is Finding Nemo and the crowd is huge.
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement. I once again apologize for the blog and lack of pictures. With our internet connection it is difficult to get much out. Thank you for your prayers we look forward to sharing more of our blessings and experiences once we return.
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