Today there is a lump in my throat. It has been there since we got in the van that Friday and wrapped up a full day. Friday was a day that instead of going by in a blur was filled with a thousand moments that will stay in our hearts forever. I want to share some of the highlights and God filled moments.
Power - The guys had more on their plate then they could chew. They had to rewire the whole building. They wanted to add lights and 3 outlets in each room. They also needed to wire a new control box. They were pushed on time and manpower. Bram was stuck in an attic for an entire day. A State Senator was shocked but they pressed on. Towards the end of the day they flipped the switch and they kept blowing fuses. Joey asked Todd if they could come back another day but was told no. In the very last room and on the very last outlet they found and solved the problem. Lights came on and outlets worked. All in God's perfect timing. All in His strength. All in His power.
VBS was a win! The kids got the experience, heard the gospel and by the end of the week were singing the songs with smiles big enough to light a room. We had a great opportunity to have parents come to the school on Friday and hear about what their children had learned that week. We were also able to give them the gospel presentation. Please pray as God will use the seeds planted in their hearts last week.
Friday wrapped up with our team delivering rice and beans and vitamins into the village. It was very eye opening for adults and kids alike to see kids and teachers they made friends with in their home environment. We saw a view of poverty that most Americans never see let alone walk through. It was so encouraging to see what God is doing in that village. In the center of the village was a church that just 7 months ago was a concrete slab. Now it is a building with walls and curtains and a pulpit. We got to meet with the pastor and his family. Please pray God will use His church to minister to the families and individuals in that community.
It was great to see the church be the church last week. Serving. Loving. Ministering. We saw What the church can do this week. The kids have more school supplies than last year thanks to the church and their messenger bag program from this year. They were playing softball with equipment donated from the church. We passed out school supplies in bags made from last year's VBS. I am excited to see how God will use the partnership with our church to build hope in this school and further God's kingdom.
I can't write all the things I learned and saw on this trip. It was different for each person. I can tell you God broke our hearts for what breaks His. I held my 7 year old and through tears we said "until we meet again." I cried for the teachers who give more of themselves everyday to kids that they chose to "teach." I cried when I hugged David and Karen bye. Their devotion to theses children and their dedication to reaching lives for Jesus is nothing short of extraordinary. They have done so much to not just meet the spiritual needs but the basic needs also. I cried for the impact the trip had on all of us. I cried for the bug bites that were totally worth it. Saturday morning I watched the sun come up on a beach in Belize down the road from where we left our hearts and cried with my friend about the greatness of our Father's love.
For we are God's masterpiece created anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good works he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Thank you for sharing in our journey.
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