January 19, 2010.
Another awesome day! In the morning, the team went to the dump, while Doug and Betty shopped with Pastor and his wife for the Bible conference. I think the horse and carriage only had to make 2 trips, but it was full both times. I’m always amazed at how long just a simple trip to buy groceries takes. I think we went to at least 5 or 6 different stores just to buy some of the basics. We left at 6:30 AM and didn’t finish until lunch time.
The team that went to the dump was encouraged by the welcome they received for bringing the workers a meal. Joanne shared how the simple tasks like washing the women’s hands and wiping off their face with the wipes that Kathy brought broke through all cultural barriers and passed on a touch of tenderness and love that only the Lord’s Spirit could give. It was a special time of bonding for our team.
In the afternoon, we went to “Bodega de Santa Lucia” Barrio for an outreach and if you look at the pictures of the kids coloring, you will get a little glimpse of the blessings we received.
After Bodega, we went to the Children’s Program at Torre Fuerte and there, we were able to witness 200 children receiving Bible teaching, love, cookies and juice. The church members of Torre Fuerte take teaching the Bible to the young children of the Barrios seriously. The principles the Lord gives are lived out and we see how it is affecting these children. The children who attend regularly received backpacks, notebooks and pencils in preparation for school. School starts February 2. This little church may not have much in the way of material goods, but they always have enough to give out in order to help the children. Today, we saw how it is their desire to help the children have what they need in order to attend the first day of school. In this country, you must bring all your own supplies and have uniforms in order to go to school. This is a great expense for families and what a blessing it was to watch the Body of Christ, take care of their own.
I can’t seem to find the words that would express the emotion that rises in me as I watch the Body of Christ in action, but I do know that the Lord tells us to trust Him and to follow His ways. Today we got to experience how everyone is blessed when one obeys the Lord’s call.
Blessings to all ~ Adios, Betty