When we arrived in the province, we were told that because painting the church would take too long, we would only be doing the outside property wall instead. OK. So we started sanding and painting. And when one is sanding a concrete wall, one needs to wear a mask! Thankfully they are not too hard to find seeing as how these masks are for sale everywhere as a normal accessory. Here I am with one of my amazing students, Dina...
The sun was brutally hot on Saturday and there was no shade. Don't worry, I loaded up on the sunscreen and did not get burnt at all, which in and of itself is a miracle, I might add, since I have the unique ability to get burnt in the shade. Not sure how it is possible, but it does happen...and I have witnesses who were just as confused as I was. But I digress..It would have been very easy for everyone to move slowly, work with no drive and complain with what I would see as just cause. But none of those things happened. Everyone worked hard and we were able to finish the wall in less than an hour. They then realized that we would be able to sand and paint the building as well. And we did. In record time. I think we shocked them...and maybe ourselves a little bit too! They love bright colors! The walls went from concrete gray to this peach-ish orange color in no time! Here is the side of the church building...
I love that we are able to meet a relatively simple need/desire as we serve with all our hearts. And people notice. Not that we are doing any of it to be noticed, but it says in the Bible that our offerings will produce worship and thanksgiving in the hearts of others so there is a double blessing! Here we are offering our lives, our time, and our hearts to bless this church. And it wasn't just people from the church that noticed, but others from the village would stop and comment as they passed by the church property.
After we finished painting, we quickly cleaned up and headed out to visit people at their houses. Some that we visited were already believers and we were able to encourage them and pray with them. Others were not and they allowed us to share with them about Jesus, about how He has changed our lives and how much He loves them. If I may, I am going to brag on my students a little here. They are amazing!! The group may be quiet and a little reserved as a whole, but when given the chance to share with someone they have never met before, they don't hesitate. They all support each other as one talks, they all engage in conversation and they share truth. They are not discouraged when, at the end of our time with them, the people do not decide right then and there to make a decision for Christ, but they are encouraged that those we are talking to were willing to listen and seem receptive.
They always ask how they can pray for them and are sure to bless them in prayer before we leave if the person is open to it. These students really are great!! I wish you could meet them and see exactly why I love them so much!
Sunday morning rolled around and the kids showed up at the church for games, songs, and a lesson.
One thing that I have learned beyond any doubt is that they love of messy games! This one in particular makes me laugh. There are balloons filled with powder and strung up high on a rope. The kids then put a headband on their heads with a straight pin on the top and have to jump up and try to pop it, sending powder everywhere. The team that popped the most in the shortest time won.
This term for the Harvesters Class is going to finish on August 28, only a few short days away. This is a group that I have thoroughly loved working with and can't wait to see how they continue to grow and be the ones that transform this nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment