Playtime in Lourdes

The playground in Lourdes was officially opened yesterday after the morning service.  

Thanks to Pat Hord and his team from Ohio, the playground will bless all the Lourdes kids for years to come.

Finishing the Campaign

Every now and then I get behind on my blog posts.  I'm never sure if it's worth it to do catch-up posts or just let them go.  Today, my thoughts are to post a final post about the El Salvador campaign. 

Like every other morning of the week, we had devotions at the hotel, picked up the Salvadorans at the church and drove to a school.  Friday's school was just a bit north of Apopa.  

Over the last five years, we've become accustomed to expecting things to change; sometimes the school is closed, sometimes there are fewer classrooms than we planned, sometimes the school is being fumigated and on and on.  What happened on Friday was different--it was unexpected blessing.

Once inside the school, school was full of adults--not a common occurrence.  When we made it down to the basketball court, we noticed that the bleachers were full of parents!

It seems that it was the day for parents to come pick up their children's grade cards and the administrators were talking with them.  We expected to hear that we wouldn't be able to share, but God had other plans.  The principal sent the parents to the classrooms (with their kids) and we were able to share the lesson, testimony and gospel with them.  What a blessing to be able to have the parents and kids together.  

There were professions of faith by parents and children!  A follow-up team from the church in Apopa will contact all of them, and we're excited to see the church grow as a result of this unexpected blessing.

Is there a mission trip in your future?

Last night we had the privilege to enjoy BBQ brisket, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, salad and more at the home of our friends, Clayton and Suzanne.  It was a great way to spend a cold, cold evening.  (I'm sorry that the word "cold" has been one of my top words lately, but I just can't ignore the weather.)  Not only did the meal satisfy, but so did the conversation.  It's been quite awhile since they visited Guatemala on a mission trip, so we were able to fill them in on what has been going on at the church in Guatemala and the rest of our churches, as well.  The coolest thing was that we talked about their "next" trip.  I can't explain the blessing we receive when we have visitors from our home church. 

If you've never been on a mission trip, please consider going (or coming.)  It's an experience everyone should have and it means so much to the people "on the ground."  Abundant Life is planning a trip to El Salvador in March.  It isn't too late to join in.  We'd love to do important work for the kingdom along side of you and your family/friends.