Catching Up...
The weekend activities went very well- there was an excellent turnout in El 7 and some very good discussion of how to apply Biblical truths to our lives. Sunday services went very well- we are using a new format and time in Los Santos and it seemed to work well. They are struggling there but I feel hopeful that in time, with prayer, they will grow stronger and stronger. Please keep Sol and the other members in your prayers as they seek to grow and minister as a team.
Tuesday's Bible study in La Canela went well- we didn't have a big turnout but I was very pleased with the discussion and the people involved. We have been able to make friends and gain the ear of the leaders of the community. One in particular is very honest in saying he doesn't have much use for "church." As we talked about his vision as community club president, he shared he was concerned with the lack of values and the deterioration of the family. We talked about that, and brought it back to God and the Bible being our anchors and when we cut loose from Him and His Word, we find ourselves in chaotic situations. We went through a number of Biblical passages and had a great time of sharing. We shared our vision of spiritual renewal through repentance and obedience as the way to community transformation and offered to work with them in their vision. He seems very pleased to have us help and very clear of the spiritual dimension of our vision. He has invited Victor to lead a seminar on developing leaders and I think we will use "Glory Road" as a lead-in. I love the movie and it shows how important determined leadership is and the vital need to work as a team to overcome and achieve.
Last night in the Hole the church sponsered a seminar on drug prevention- it was very attended and afterward we had a great discussion. I hope the church will continue to offer these typse of seminars to help strengthen the family and through that reach people who are not traditional church goers. I was excited last night, yet the bleak picture of our society and the effects of drugs was pretty depressing.
Tonight we will be visiting in Guayacanal. I am looking forward to seeing those folks. We want to help them form a neighborhood community leadership council- it will help them to get more assistance from the government and help establish a better sense of community. Currently there is a mafia type presence that controls things and basically oppresses the poor to make money for themselves. Pray for Victor as he works with the people to break those bonds and help them establish themselves.
This weekend we have the Couples Seminar. I am pretty discouraged right now as two of our participating couples are seperated! One is pretty surely heading to divorce and the other I just don't know. I am sad for them and concerned. As I have shared for a long time, healthy marriages are few and far between among our people. Please continue to pray for our leaders and their homes.
