11.24
This evening I am really struggling to communicate through the blog. It’s like writers block, and kind of a distracted writer’s block. There are so many things going on even at 10:30 at night. There are a number of conversations going on around me and my mind is a little bit shut down here in the middle of the night. But I feel responsible to share with all of you what God has been doing and how we have been blessed to serve him today.
We had a relatively normal day today. One exciting opportunity today was when Bob and Lori were able to share with the students at the school about issues related to HIV and pregnancy. In the morning they spoke to mostly the younger children and shared with them about Gods plan for one man and one woman to be married for all their lives and to keep themselves only for each other. They related to us that it went well but they were surprised at how young they were. In the afternoon they had the opportunity to share the same information with older children. This time was quite an eye opener. In the course of the discussion they received many questions, including from one of the teachers. She asked if it was better for the boys to approach the girls or vice-a-versa. Their answer was received with some surprise. They related to how God’s plan was for that to wait until marriage. The FH staff was very pleased that Bob and Lori could share so clearly. They will continue to bring this message to the young people here.
While the seminar was going on at the school there was a team of people visiting their sponsored children and another working on the house we are repairing. The home visits went in normal encouraging fashion. It seems as though the younger the sponsored children are the more likely it is that they connect well with the sponsors. It seems to be related to being older and more self-conscious. Still it is good to connect. The group visiting homes was able to stop and offer condolences in the home where a woman died earlier this week. It was a blessing to the family that they would stop by.
At the building site the morning went by very quickly. The Dominican part of the crew tore the roof off and replaced the tin with new sheet metal. In the mean time the ground bound Americans built a door and some windows. In the afternoon it went much slower. The home was built of limbs and branches of sturdy wood placed into the concrete foundation. It is a relatively strong frame but incredibly crooked. Nothing is close to square and the lack of power tools makes some adjustments very challenging. In short it took most of the afternoon to frame out part of a doorway. We hope that it goes faster tomorrow. In the morning while the guys worked some of the ladies were able to spend time with the children of the house. They have become very special kids to us especially as they are some of the poorest in the community. This does nothing to dampen their spirit and curiosity.
The afternoon brought another VBS as well. The children here continue to be a great blessing for us. Each one has a special smile and we can hardly turn around without 1 to 5 of them looking for a hand or a game or just some attention. Praise God for the opportunity to love them.
In the evening we had another service. It held more great times of testimony, this time from Terry. She was able to communicate how God has blessed her and brought her to value him above all things. Bob preached a clear gospel message from John 3:16. The people showed much appreciation for his message and I was particularly encourage to see that a few of the young men in the community had chosen to attend.
Please be in prayer for the pastor of the local church. He had to be taken to the city because of a headache that we believe was some sort of infection. We hope that he will be able to return before we leave.
We wish everyone at home a happy Thanksgiving and though we they do not celebrate this holiday here we with be giving great thanks along with our Dominican brothers and sisters.
The week is already winding down. Pray that we make the most of every opportunity.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Our hearts breaking open
11-23 pt 2
(Before I go any further forgive me for not sharing with you that Deb has fully recovered after a day of rest on Monday and she resumed normal participation in ministry activities on Tuesday and even attended the service on Monday night.)
One of the great challenges of a trip of this nature is to process the many emotional and touching things that you encounter while still operating at level of interaction with the people of the community. Tuesday evening we were gathered as a team in our “bunk house.” We began to sing some worship songs together which turned into a small scale praise service. All of our hearts were greatly blessed and encouraged.
As the singing concluded we began to share perspectives of the day and went around the circle sharing high points and low points. Many of the low points focused on what we have observed as a much greater sense of aggression in the children, especially towards each other. The high points were many and very exciting. Some shared of their visits to their sponsored children others of being encouraged by seeing God at work in families around the community, still others of the very encouraging time at VBS.
Dan shared, somewhat emotionally, about a young boy he had seen in passing who was obviously needing special needs education. He shared how he couldn’t imagine how this kid was going to get the help he needed and then reflected on how his daughter needed and received so much help. The needs here go from basic to complex and they all impact us so much.
Reanne was impacted today by the great need and shared about feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be done. But she also shared that God brought her to the realization that we have a very specific role for a short time and the rest is to pray and trust in God.
A few shared how before visiting their sponsored child they were little more than a picture on the fridge and a check in the mail. But the warm welcome received on meeting them and the time together really struck them deeply at the personal sense of need and the huge impact that the sponsorship brings to these lives. Hope is among the greatest things we bring to this community and more than that hope in Christ.
This morning we will be making some more sponsored child home visits and continue the work of repairing the house. But one special opportunity we have is an invitation from the principle of the school to speak to the children there. Bob and Lori will be speaking to them about the dangers of HIV and the impact of teen pregnancy, while sharing with them God’s plan for marriage and relationships. They will speak to both the morning session and the afternoon session. Please pray for them as they share this message. Pray also that the kids would be receptive to this message. The pattern of early pregnancy is everywhere. So many of the young mothers we see are 16 or less.
All the team sends blessings to their families and loved ones at home.
(Before I go any further forgive me for not sharing with you that Deb has fully recovered after a day of rest on Monday and she resumed normal participation in ministry activities on Tuesday and even attended the service on Monday night.)
One of the great challenges of a trip of this nature is to process the many emotional and touching things that you encounter while still operating at level of interaction with the people of the community. Tuesday evening we were gathered as a team in our “bunk house.” We began to sing some worship songs together which turned into a small scale praise service. All of our hearts were greatly blessed and encouraged.
As the singing concluded we began to share perspectives of the day and went around the circle sharing high points and low points. Many of the low points focused on what we have observed as a much greater sense of aggression in the children, especially towards each other. The high points were many and very exciting. Some shared of their visits to their sponsored children others of being encouraged by seeing God at work in families around the community, still others of the very encouraging time at VBS.
Dan shared, somewhat emotionally, about a young boy he had seen in passing who was obviously needing special needs education. He shared how he couldn’t imagine how this kid was going to get the help he needed and then reflected on how his daughter needed and received so much help. The needs here go from basic to complex and they all impact us so much.
Reanne was impacted today by the great need and shared about feeling overwhelmed by what needs to be done. But she also shared that God brought her to the realization that we have a very specific role for a short time and the rest is to pray and trust in God.
A few shared how before visiting their sponsored child they were little more than a picture on the fridge and a check in the mail. But the warm welcome received on meeting them and the time together really struck them deeply at the personal sense of need and the huge impact that the sponsorship brings to these lives. Hope is among the greatest things we bring to this community and more than that hope in Christ.
This morning we will be making some more sponsored child home visits and continue the work of repairing the house. But one special opportunity we have is an invitation from the principle of the school to speak to the children there. Bob and Lori will be speaking to them about the dangers of HIV and the impact of teen pregnancy, while sharing with them God’s plan for marriage and relationships. They will speak to both the morning session and the afternoon session. Please pray for them as they share this message. Pray also that the kids would be receptive to this message. The pattern of early pregnancy is everywhere. So many of the young mothers we see are 16 or less.
All the team sends blessings to their families and loved ones at home.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Some Pictures so far
Here are a few pictures that we have taken so far.
We are very encouraged to know that you all continue to pray for us regularly.
Lori with an old friend.
Enjoying the children.
Greg with Ivan teaching VBS.
Playing Limbo
Building
Dan Preaching
Playing Leap Frog
Parachute Fun
Hard at work
Reanne Sharing Testimony
Settling In
11-23
It was really a blessing to engage in more ministry opportunities today. Our first night without rain was a surprise and led to some welcome sunshine. Of course the weather has been wonderful during our whole time here, but the sun enables us to do more and visit places farther away.
Part of the group headed back to the house we had begun working on yesterday. They prepared more walls for reconstruction and others of them spent time with the children of that area, playing and helping to pickup broken glass and dangerous metal pieces. It is good to be able to bless this very poor family.
The other part of the group visited some nearby houses. So many of these places are filled with broken families. It seems there are few qualms about leaving one’s spouse. Pray for the families of Sierra Prieta, pray for protections and pray for God’s truth to invade these precious relationships.
One of the homes we visited was so encouraging to us. The Matilda is a young mother who is very much an anomaly here. Her husband works in the city and comes home every day. Every day after school she helps her children with their homework. When we invited them to come to the VBS this afternoon she said she would be glad to bring them but they couldn’t go alone because of the dangerous drivers. Many of the children here seem to run around rather unsupervised. Pray for her and her family.
We invited people at each of the houses to come to our service on Wednesday night. They all promised to come. Pray for Bob as he prepares to preach. Pray that many will come and that they will hear the gospel and respond.
It has been so great to see old friends but even better has been the way that even new team members are greeted as the old. If you are with us you are a friend. The warmth that we are received with in every home is amazing. Hospitality is a way of life here.
The VBS yesterday was a great challenge. The children were very unruly and became almost dangerously rambunctious during the games. Pray that a spirit of order will be present and that Gods word will be heard well.
At the service we had last night Dan presented a very clear message of God’s love for us and a method to come to him. We continue to enjoy sharing the songs we have learned with those here. It is an entirely different style than they are sued to but they have been very appreciative. Reanne shared her testimony and it was very touching and spoke clearly of how God’s love is for all of us.
The children continue to be our greatest joy. They are always seeking us out to play and even to just sit on laps. They don’t get a lot of affection from their parents especially from fathers, if they are even here. Dale and Zach are crowd favorites, their constant energy and care for the kids is contagious. They also love to have their pictures taken and then see the images on the camera.
Pray that people see the true reason for our visit, to share God’s great love and grace with them, not our different ways or unintentionally flashy stuff.
Finally please be praying for our FH support team here. Martires is our primary team liaison. Kelvin is the local director of FH’s work here and has many connections in the community. Edward is now beginning to be the local liaison in Sierra Prieta and was introduces as such at our welcome meeting with the community. Carlos is Kelvin’s brother-in-law and volunteers daily to come and help us. Interpreters who are giving their week to help us are Ivan and Wilamen. Please pray for their families and that we would continue to be a great team together.
We all think fondly of our families back home and look forward to seeing you all soon. At the same time it already seems like the week is progressing too quickly and too soon we will leave this place where we already have seen so much of God’s blessing.
It was really a blessing to engage in more ministry opportunities today. Our first night without rain was a surprise and led to some welcome sunshine. Of course the weather has been wonderful during our whole time here, but the sun enables us to do more and visit places farther away.
Part of the group headed back to the house we had begun working on yesterday. They prepared more walls for reconstruction and others of them spent time with the children of that area, playing and helping to pickup broken glass and dangerous metal pieces. It is good to be able to bless this very poor family.
The other part of the group visited some nearby houses. So many of these places are filled with broken families. It seems there are few qualms about leaving one’s spouse. Pray for the families of Sierra Prieta, pray for protections and pray for God’s truth to invade these precious relationships.
One of the homes we visited was so encouraging to us. The Matilda is a young mother who is very much an anomaly here. Her husband works in the city and comes home every day. Every day after school she helps her children with their homework. When we invited them to come to the VBS this afternoon she said she would be glad to bring them but they couldn’t go alone because of the dangerous drivers. Many of the children here seem to run around rather unsupervised. Pray for her and her family.
We invited people at each of the houses to come to our service on Wednesday night. They all promised to come. Pray for Bob as he prepares to preach. Pray that many will come and that they will hear the gospel and respond.
It has been so great to see old friends but even better has been the way that even new team members are greeted as the old. If you are with us you are a friend. The warmth that we are received with in every home is amazing. Hospitality is a way of life here.
The VBS yesterday was a great challenge. The children were very unruly and became almost dangerously rambunctious during the games. Pray that a spirit of order will be present and that Gods word will be heard well.
At the service we had last night Dan presented a very clear message of God’s love for us and a method to come to him. We continue to enjoy sharing the songs we have learned with those here. It is an entirely different style than they are sued to but they have been very appreciative. Reanne shared her testimony and it was very touching and spoke clearly of how God’s love is for all of us.
The children continue to be our greatest joy. They are always seeking us out to play and even to just sit on laps. They don’t get a lot of affection from their parents especially from fathers, if they are even here. Dale and Zach are crowd favorites, their constant energy and care for the kids is contagious. They also love to have their pictures taken and then see the images on the camera.
Pray that people see the true reason for our visit, to share God’s great love and grace with them, not our different ways or unintentionally flashy stuff.
Finally please be praying for our FH support team here. Martires is our primary team liaison. Kelvin is the local director of FH’s work here and has many connections in the community. Edward is now beginning to be the local liaison in Sierra Prieta and was introduces as such at our welcome meeting with the community. Carlos is Kelvin’s brother-in-law and volunteers daily to come and help us. Interpreters who are giving their week to help us are Ivan and Wilamen. Please pray for their families and that we would continue to be a great team together.
We all think fondly of our families back home and look forward to seeing you all soon. At the same time it already seems like the week is progressing too quickly and too soon we will leave this place where we already have seen so much of God’s blessing.
Monday, November 22, 2010
From 12 below to 78.
From 12 below to 78.
Arriving 11:20
We’ll take it. The long drive to the airport was made a little longer with the addition of icy roads and blowing snow. We all arrived without incident and even managed to connect without trouble through a foggy Denver Airport.
Arriving in the once familiar humidity was stifling at first by all thoughts of it were quickly lost as we became reacquainted with old friends Martires, our good friend and the team facilitator, Kelvin another good friend is the area coordinator and Isaiah, Martires’ brother who is our driver along with some new faces. We have not much more to report than that. Everyone is full of anticipation through the haze of travel lag.
This blog comes to you from the hour or so plane ride from the airport. We look forward to being reacquainted with members of the community in the morning.
We already greatly appreciate your prayers and support for families left behind.
The more things change the more they stay the same
Sunday wake up 11-21
Awaking to the sound of rain and the sight of a hole above my head caused a mini moment panic, to be surpassed by relief due to a quick assessment of my dry condition. We were waking in a new place despite returning to the familiar community of last year. Our accommodations were just down the road in the now empty medical office. Similar to last year only slightly smaller and a few leaks in the roof, though thankfully none above any beds or even suitcases.
We finally arrived last night/this morning 3:30 local time(11:30 MST). It was very good to see the familiar sights, and sounds (roosters) welcoming us back to Sierra Prieta. The church has other activities planned for the week so we are not staying there again, we have yet to find what has become of the medical clinic but had already heard that it was no longer in service. It’s been such a blessing to reacquaint ourselves with this blessed community.
The week is just starting and I have quite a challenge before me. On the ride from the airport I wrote a quick blog to reassure folks of our arrival. However, the modem I rented was not working at all. My background priority for today is to find alternative means of communicating this blog. The support we receive through this communication has been immense and we covet your informed and continuous prayers!
As the day began so it continued rain, rain and more rain. However, our spirits could not be dampened as we encountered more familiar faces. Before we even drug ourselves out of bed at about 9am the kids were all calling for Dale. He brings so much joy to them it’s a blessing to have him. Also many of the ladies connected with friends made the previous trip. I was especially encouraged when two young boys came up to me saying “Gregorio, Gregorio.” It is such a blessing to be among friends.
The staff of Food for The Hungry is taking such great care of us. We don’t want for anything we need, though the method of provision is different than we are used to.
Monday
This morning was a bad one for Debora. She was sick in the night and after some help from Bob, our team doctor. She rested until lunch and was beginning to feel much better. She had quite the headache, as did many of us after a very spirited church service last night. There was a lot of loud music especially drums and a over loud speaker for the singer.
The team had a chance to share some Spanish songs we had learned and they were well received even as we kept singing when the electricity went out. It was good to worship with the church family there.
Already so many of us are building close relationships with the people here, especially with the children.
I took a trip to the city today with Martires to acquire a new broadband modem so we could continue the blog. The rented one failed for no apparent reason.
I can’t write more now because the battery in the laptop is dying but we will update again soon. Pray for the rest of the team as they make home visits this morning and prepare for VBS this afternoon. The other half of the team is repairing the home of a very poor family.
Arriving 11:20
We’ll take it. The long drive to the airport was made a little longer with the addition of icy roads and blowing snow. We all arrived without incident and even managed to connect without trouble through a foggy Denver Airport.
Arriving in the once familiar humidity was stifling at first by all thoughts of it were quickly lost as we became reacquainted with old friends Martires, our good friend and the team facilitator, Kelvin another good friend is the area coordinator and Isaiah, Martires’ brother who is our driver along with some new faces. We have not much more to report than that. Everyone is full of anticipation through the haze of travel lag.
This blog comes to you from the hour or so plane ride from the airport. We look forward to being reacquainted with members of the community in the morning.
We already greatly appreciate your prayers and support for families left behind.
The more things change the more they stay the same
Sunday wake up 11-21
Awaking to the sound of rain and the sight of a hole above my head caused a mini moment panic, to be surpassed by relief due to a quick assessment of my dry condition. We were waking in a new place despite returning to the familiar community of last year. Our accommodations were just down the road in the now empty medical office. Similar to last year only slightly smaller and a few leaks in the roof, though thankfully none above any beds or even suitcases.
We finally arrived last night/this morning 3:30 local time(11:30 MST). It was very good to see the familiar sights, and sounds (roosters) welcoming us back to Sierra Prieta. The church has other activities planned for the week so we are not staying there again, we have yet to find what has become of the medical clinic but had already heard that it was no longer in service. It’s been such a blessing to reacquaint ourselves with this blessed community.
The week is just starting and I have quite a challenge before me. On the ride from the airport I wrote a quick blog to reassure folks of our arrival. However, the modem I rented was not working at all. My background priority for today is to find alternative means of communicating this blog. The support we receive through this communication has been immense and we covet your informed and continuous prayers!
As the day began so it continued rain, rain and more rain. However, our spirits could not be dampened as we encountered more familiar faces. Before we even drug ourselves out of bed at about 9am the kids were all calling for Dale. He brings so much joy to them it’s a blessing to have him. Also many of the ladies connected with friends made the previous trip. I was especially encouraged when two young boys came up to me saying “Gregorio, Gregorio.” It is such a blessing to be among friends.
The staff of Food for The Hungry is taking such great care of us. We don’t want for anything we need, though the method of provision is different than we are used to.
Monday
This morning was a bad one for Debora. She was sick in the night and after some help from Bob, our team doctor. She rested until lunch and was beginning to feel much better. She had quite the headache, as did many of us after a very spirited church service last night. There was a lot of loud music especially drums and a over loud speaker for the singer.
The team had a chance to share some Spanish songs we had learned and they were well received even as we kept singing when the electricity went out. It was good to worship with the church family there.
Already so many of us are building close relationships with the people here, especially with the children.
I took a trip to the city today with Martires to acquire a new broadband modem so we could continue the blog. The rented one failed for no apparent reason.
I can’t write more now because the battery in the laptop is dying but we will update again soon. Pray for the rest of the team as they make home visits this morning and prepare for VBS this afternoon. The other half of the team is repairing the home of a very poor family.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The impact of Child Sponsorship
Even after meeting Christopher, our sponsored child, last year it didn't really sink home to me. But reading the following post Juan Pablo Belmonte I was struck. The realities of harsh life and desperte people are too far from us. If you wonder what can be done to help people in desperat situations read this post.
I hope you will be touched and motivated as I was.
Link to it here => What Are We Building?
This blog also challenged me because of it's practicality. I was asking this question of our upcoming trip just a few weeks ago. I look forward to the "building project" God has in store for our team in just a week's time.
Keep an eye on our blog here to see what God does this trip in the community of Sierra Prieta.
I hope you will be touched and motivated as I was.
Link to it here => What Are We Building?
This blog also challenged me because of it's practicality. I was asking this question of our upcoming trip just a few weeks ago. I look forward to the "building project" God has in store for our team in just a week's time.
Keep an eye on our blog here to see what God does this trip in the community of Sierra Prieta.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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