Clare
Aug 01, 2008
Greetings!
Today was the first day of a three day gospel presentation that we are making in the neighboirhood adjoinuing ther construction site. We walked the mile or so to the home of Luis Miguel, who pastors the “Pan de Vida” church at the dump, and his wife Lupita (their daughter Damaris served as our translator for the day). A group of about 25 kids gathered and began to play soccer with us, or watch tricks from Clowns Linda and Jonnie. Julia introduced the team, telling them that we had come a long , long way to tell them about our special friend Jesus. We began by singing “Cristo me ama” (“Jesus loves me”), even teaching them the chorus in English. We discussed the impact of sin on our hearts and the fact that Jesus’ blood can clease away that darkness. Damaris read the story of the fall and of the healing of the paralytic from the Spanish NIV, so they got to hear the message in inspired form also! At the end Kevin began to help them memorize the precius promise of God to us in Ro 6:23. The children colored hearts, received a snack and a pair of sandals, taught us a lot of Spanish (unfortunately my pronunciation of naranja (organge) was not passing muster!). They were absolutely delightful, so we can’t wait until tommoow and Thursay when we will contiunue the salvation story with them.
The day after we arrived we visited the Pan de Vida church at the dump for Sunday worship. They specially sang the Englisg version of “How Great is Our God”. Amongst the beautiful Spanish songs was one I recognized for which I don’t know the title, which has “We want to see Jesus lifted high” in the chorus. I wish I could express to you what it was like to join our herats with these Mexican believers to worship our great God! We ran an abbreviated version of today’s gospel presentation during the sermon for 23 kids. There were two who I especially noticed, Jackie, who a wonderfully affectionate 7-year old and Tony, and older boy. I asked Lee and Carol about them afterwards. The experiences that they have undergone in their young lives were harrowing to hear, and unfortunately I am told are typical of all these chlildern. Only Jesus can heal the hurt they’ve been through. Please pray for them, and all the kids we meet.
On a personal note, the trip is mindbogglingly rich experience. I can’t belive it’s only been 4 days, so much has happened! I am so thankful for the prayer support from you guys back home. We need it so much, and know it assists our effectivness here both in the children’s ministry and the construction team. I have been feeling the whole time like we are bringing “2 loaves and 5 fishes” to Jesus, and that God is mightily multiplying the little we bring to His glory!
In His unfailing love,
Clare
Today was the first day of a three day gospel presentation that we are making in the neighboirhood adjoinuing ther construction site. We walked the mile or so to the home of Luis Miguel, who pastors the “Pan de Vida” church at the dump, and his wife Lupita (their daughter Damaris served as our translator for the day). A group of about 25 kids gathered and began to play soccer with us, or watch tricks from Clowns Linda and Jonnie. Julia introduced the team, telling them that we had come a long , long way to tell them about our special friend Jesus. We began by singing “Cristo me ama” (“Jesus loves me”), even teaching them the chorus in English. We discussed the impact of sin on our hearts and the fact that Jesus’ blood can clease away that darkness. Damaris read the story of the fall and of the healing of the paralytic from the Spanish NIV, so they got to hear the message in inspired form also! At the end Kevin began to help them memorize the precius promise of God to us in Ro 6:23. The children colored hearts, received a snack and a pair of sandals, taught us a lot of Spanish (unfortunately my pronunciation of naranja (organge) was not passing muster!). They were absolutely delightful, so we can’t wait until tommoow and Thursay when we will contiunue the salvation story with them.
The day after we arrived we visited the Pan de Vida church at the dump for Sunday worship. They specially sang the Englisg version of “How Great is Our God”. Amongst the beautiful Spanish songs was one I recognized for which I don’t know the title, which has “We want to see Jesus lifted high” in the chorus. I wish I could express to you what it was like to join our herats with these Mexican believers to worship our great God! We ran an abbreviated version of today’s gospel presentation during the sermon for 23 kids. There were two who I especially noticed, Jackie, who a wonderfully affectionate 7-year old and Tony, and older boy. I asked Lee and Carol about them afterwards. The experiences that they have undergone in their young lives were harrowing to hear, and unfortunately I am told are typical of all these chlildern. Only Jesus can heal the hurt they’ve been through. Please pray for them, and all the kids we meet.
On a personal note, the trip is mindbogglingly rich experience. I can’t belive it’s only been 4 days, so much has happened! I am so thankful for the prayer support from you guys back home. We need it so much, and know it assists our effectivness here both in the children’s ministry and the construction team. I have been feeling the whole time like we are bringing “2 loaves and 5 fishes” to Jesus, and that God is mightily multiplying the little we bring to His glory!
In His unfailing love,
Clare