Today was our first work day. We are working in one of the small communities along the road to the top of Pacaya. The town is on the mountain, built in the side of it. This morning everyone did construction. There were two groups of people building houses and one group building chicken coops for each of the homes. The chicken coops provide a source of food and income for the family.
One of the recipients of the home is a single lady who couldn't go to church because she lived too far away. The pastor of the church chose her to receive one of the homes so she could go to church. The other recipients are a young family. The couple is in their 20s and has one baby, Jessalyn, who is 10 months old, and the mother is due to have a son at the end of the month. Each of the homes is 20'x20' and will have three rooms and a front porch in that space. Each of the two bedrooms is 10'x10' and the living room/kitchen area is 14'x10'. The front porch will be 6'x10'. These homes are nothing compared to the homes in which we live. The recipients, though, are all so proud of their new home and are so excited to see the works in progress.
In the afternoon, two groups of people broke away from the ongoing projects to do VBS and women's ministry. There were about 45 children at VBS and they were so happy! They got to play with the puppets and numerous toys that we brought with us. We had soccer balls, jump ropes, frisbees, balls, and lots of other things.
The women's ministry time was very special. This ministry is very new. We have never done anything like this before and I don't think the ladies in the town have ever experienced anything like it either. We met in the church and about 30 women were there. Cindy and Ashley both shared their testimonies and then had a craft time with the women. We made tea towel angels and told the women they could take them home and use them. Most of them indicated that they would use them that evening! We also had a time of singing and women were asked to come to the front of the church if they had a burden and needed prayer. We were able to pray over them. We found out later that many of the women are interested in accepting Christ into their hearts! This is a very special time because we are going back tomorrow for the last day of women's ministry. It's so exciting!
At the end of Day 1, the framing is complete at both of the houses and they are in the process of putting up the walls. Most of the exterior walls are done. They have made a lot of progress on both homes. The chicken coops are over halfway finished as well. Jerry Little referred to them as "chicken condos".
There are many things to pray for today:
--For Dan. He is a Guatemalan who speaks English very well. We are not sure about his situation at this time.
--For the weather. It didn't rain today until around 3:30, so we had a lot of good working hours today. It was a beautiful day until that time.
--For Sandra, the young mother and one of the recipients of the homes.
--For the children in VBS and their receptivity to the message we are sharing with them this week.
--For the women who will come tomorrow. Pray for open hearts and minds and openness to the gospel. We are having a time of invitation tomorrow at the close of our time together.
Thank you so much for your prayers and for keeping up with the team by reading of this blog! We covet your prayers each day as we serve. Please pass this along to your friends so they can be praying as well. Dios le bendiga! (God Bless You!)
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