Hello everybody up there in the states. We were unable to blog yesterday due to some technical difficulties here at the house. So a quick briefer over the past two days. Yesterday was a fun and unique day we started the day off attending a local Spanish church and I actually believe that the entire team attended that service, it was different but amazing. After the service we went to a local restaurant and did some shopping at a local market town called Vally De Angels.
Today was first brigade day and that was amazing!!! So many needy people that we were able to help both physically and spiritually. Five people verbally committed their lives to Jesus today and that is only the beginning of God's amazing work for us here. The children are beautiful, amazing and so happy just to hear the word and spend time just being with us. We poured a concrete floor for the church we worked in today so hopefully now they will be able to use that room for Sunday school and better able bring the children to God. I can not wait to see what else God has in store for us here but whatever it is I know it will be amazing.
A couple of people have given a theme to this trip. It is "Dios haz tu obra en mi", which was one of the songs sung in the worship service yesterday. With 22 newcomers to the team, we don't know what to expect, but know that God has great plans for all of us. The trip has seemed challenging in many ways - especially the uncharacteristic cool weather. It was about 50 degrees in the city this morning when we woke up, which made it maybe not even 40 up here on the mountain. It also took a couple of days to realize that one of the women's rooms had no hot water. (Actually, to realize the other rooms had hot water!) But we are clothed in Christ's love and mission and that keeps us warm. Every member of the team is finding clarity in their God-given purpose on being here. And I thank God daily for every member and their growth!
This is a picture of the Praise Band singers at CCI-The Spanish speaking church
These are just some of the people we have helped so far
This is a lovely view of the city from a park we visited, notice the Coca-Cola sign
Oh Yeah did I forget to mention we blew a tire on the way back to the house. HAHA could have been worse though and Praise to God that it wasn't.
We've had blown tires on Mission Trips, more then once. AH...nothing like the prospect of being stranded on the side of the road in a foriegn country. God is good EVERYWHERE, though. DIOS ES BUENO . I love to see the photos of all the lives you are touching. I hope things continue to go good, and temps start to rise...but not too much. Love Ya'll. You're always in my prayers. Christina D.
Posted by: Christina D. | 01/12/2010 at 09:32 AM
Dios haz tu obra en mi = LORD HAVE YOUR WAY IN ME
Posted by: Stephen A. McBee | 01/12/2010 at 11:42 AM
Always neat to see how it all works out....keep your hearts and your ears open! May he bless you with a harvest.
Posted by: PT | 01/12/2010 at 02:18 PM
Five said YES! Yea God!
Posted by: Pam Pinney | 01/12/2010 at 02:25 PM
Love and miss you ashley!!!
hope you're having fun and God is working in your hearts and the the hearts of those around you!!
can't wait to talk when you get back!!!!
love, hayley garr
Posted by: Hayley | 01/12/2010 at 05:58 PM
Hi Mark and amazing team -I know the rest of your journeys will be awesome and you will all touch so many hearts through your work and love.I can't wait to hear all about it.I love you and God bless each one of you.Mark's mom-Mark and Commander
Posted by: nancy buczkiewicz | 01/13/2010 at 04:30 PM
"Oh the joy of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble." Psalm 41:1 ...flat tires and all.
Posted by: Robin Dieken | 01/13/2010 at 07:25 PM