Monday report...
My thumb hurt this morning from working the remote control so much last night- the Red Sox were playing the Yankees (not a good result!) and the New England Patriots were also playing, after having spent most of the week in the headlines in an unpleasant development! I was happy, flipping back and forth between the two and although I have been disappointed before, I am hoping for a World Series/Superbowl year!
Yesterday was a good Lord's Day... I was able to visit all the churches and we visited in La Canela. I was glad to see everyone and enjoyed the little welcome party they had for me in The Hole- it was a special touch! While I am pleased and excited, I am also very aware of the hard work that lays before us!
This coming week, we begin a very focused study on the Christian Life, beginning with the basics of salvation, moving on to a basic orientation to the Bible, the spiritual habits, and finally, the character of a Christ-follower. We are initiating our study in The Hole- every night this week, Tuesday-Saturday. I have never done it quite this way before- usually it is done one night a week. My hope is that we can focus this week on the basics, equipping our members to be able to simply and clearly teach others these basic truths. Every conversation I have here reminds me of the spiritual confusion that clouds the hearts and minds of people.
One thing to rejoice with- yesterday afternoon we met in Villa to catch up on things and talk about the future. One of our members shared she had a difficult situation she needed help with. Making a long story not so long, she had gotten into a bad business deal- a supposed friend took advantage of her and she was facing paying $1800 pesos for a refridgerator that didn't even cool! Rather than loan her the money to pay the loan shark who was threatening her, the members decided they would go with her to the Court and plead her case. She got a hearing for Thursday. I suggested they go immediately and let the lady with the non-refrigerating refridgerator know. When they did, the lady immediately gave back the money so R. could pay the loan shark off today. I am so thankful for this group of people who support each other and help each other through mistakes and tough breaks!
Upcoming projects...
- we have long wanted to get the Public Health department to send doctors to Villa and Guayacanal since these two communities are quite removed from health care. We now have the structure in Guayacanal and through some special gift monies, we are going to enclose it. Felix has offered to work this weekend on it so we are going to check it out and get the wood ready. I am excited for this important step forward!
- Victor is working on getting us ready to incorporate a foundation that will serve as an arm to our ministry, particularly in encouraging education, job training, and help to get started earning a living. Pray for him this week and next as he enjoys his vacation and works on our special projects!
I hope tomorrow and Wednesday I can touch base with the folks in Guayacanal and El 7- they are the only groups I haven't seen yet. I hear good reports from Guayacanal but we have not been in touch with Morena. Pray they are still together, seeking the Lord!
