We relaxed for a bit before we set up for our last day of VBS. All through the week there has been rain, lack of electricity and other frustrations while getting ready for VBS… today I found my iPod (with all the songs and puppet stories on it) dead… but just as He had done the whole week, God provided… Sam just happened to have an iPod charger with him and everything came off flawless…
More than 125 kids worshiped the Lord with all their might today…
You could see in their faces the fun they were having learning about our Savior…
Because it was the last day we gave each child a goodie bag filled with toys and a treat.
We all opened them together and it has to be one of the most beautiful sounds ever to hear them laugh and squeal over their treasures… it’s such a small token, yet they appreciate it so much…
It was sad to see them file out for the last time…
Back at the church the brothers prepared the lid for the septic tank. It consisted of palm branches, rebar and cement. 
After lunch we had a dedication service for the new church building. It was amazing to celebrate God in the house He helped us build over the last week.
Pastor Andrés made us aware of a dream he had over two years ago. Two nights in a row God woke him with a stirring for the community of Larida. God told him that one day a church would rise and that he was to lead it. He prayed and began to grow a home church in the area. Now a year later the congregation has their building and the community there will continue to reach out to the lost… it was a moving time. 
Brother Uriel prayed for the church building as did Sam…
After a time of worship and celebratory cake, we departed with conflicted hearts; full of joy for what God had done and sadness because this would be the last time we see our brothers and sisters in Larida. 
Back at the church the brothers prepared the lid for the septic tank. It consisted of palm branches, rebar and cement. Today was special as we got to break into groups of three for lunch. Six families took each group to their home for a homemade meal. The houses ranged from stick shacks to beautifully tiled, modern construction homes. Everyone had a wonderful time conversing (or trying to) with our brothers and sisters and enjoying the meals they prepared for us.
After lunch we had a dedication service for the new church building. It was amazing to celebrate God in the house He helped us build over the last week. 
Pastor Andrés made us aware of a dream he had over two years ago. Two nights in a row God woke him with a stirring for the community of Larida. God told him that one day a church would rise and that he was to lead it. He prayed and began to grow a home church in the area. Now a year later the congregation has their building and the community there will continue to reach out to the lost… it was a moving time.Brother Uriel prayed for the church building as did Sam…
After a time of worship and celebratory cake, we departed with conflicted hearts; full of joy for what God had done and sadness because this would be the last time we see our brothers and sisters in Larida. 
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It sounds like God did more than you could asked for or imagined. So neat to share in your time and sense the range of emotions. May God's ongoing work continue in the lives and hearts of those in Larida and all of you! Blessings to all of you! Who's going to start writing the article for our Connection? :)
ReplyDeleteHappiness Comes From Deep Within.
ReplyDeleteServing and Giving Is The Win!
Having MORE is NOT The Best...
It Is In Sharing With Others That We Are Blessed.
A Sincere Smile And An Encouraging Word,
Is The Silent Language That By All Is Heard.
A Million Dollars Is Just Paper And Nothing More!
A Giving Heart Is What Makes Rich The Poor!
I wrote this on the plane home from Honduras 2006 and thought you might identify.
Blessings, Connie
Wow. God is so amazing! It is so incredible to share in this with you all. The kids and I have really been soaking up the news and pictures. I even get choked up reading about the stories and seeing the joy on their faces. It was so neat for Lindsay & Ben to see pics of the kids with the goodie bags they helped assemble. Ben was very excited to see Mr. Brian. = )
ReplyDeleteYou all have worked so hard!! Can't wait for you all to bring your experiences and stories back home. Hope you all have a couple of days of R & R. Love~ Cheryl, Lindsay & Ben
God Bless you all for giving of yourselves for the Lord's use to fulfill as you become the answers to prayers and especially to Pastor Andres vision coming to life as God made it all happen through you and your obedience to Him. What a super blessing to be able to stand together and worship in that new church. I'll bet there were tears in most eyes and lots of 'Glory A Dios' ringing out among the body. Your memories will be with you for a life time and you will hear the children's pure sweet voices in your soul forever during times of reflection of how you were so beautifully spent in and through His love for everyone. The whole experience sticks to your heart and continues to be a blessing for a lifetime. Plenty of rest and traveling mercies I pray for you as you come back to your families and friends on Friday. Peace be with you as it already is. Blessings, Connie
ReplyDeleteWow!!! What a great story you've shared with us. The pictures of the the sweet little faces receiving their goody bags - MAN! stop making me cry. It will be great to hear your stories when you guys get home. So awesome to see how God moved each of you into position to do His work. Blessings to each of you. We're still praying for you guys. Can't wait to see you - Lots of love, Jamie, Miles and Brooke
ReplyDelete