Well day two has come to a close with many people happy to get to bed. The base is buzzing with activity.
Following breakfast, the team gathered for an assembly complete with worship, and a message from Pastor Jose from Iglesia Pueblo de Cristo church in Heredia, Costa Rica. Pastor Jose shared his passion for the youth of Costa Rica.
Today was much like yesterday, with the final bits of ministry planning and prep completed and ready to go. Drama teams rehearsed their skits and presentations, while others completed arts and crafts prep. It was a very productive day.
We were also united with five teenage girls and one teenage boy from the Heredia church. These six individuals joined our team today to help us serve in Guarari. This partnership exposes these youth to the missions experience in their own community. They will be staying here on the base with us for approximately the next five days.
A number of the building construction team went to the community center in Guarari to assess what tools and supplies would be required to contine our work on the project. They reported back to the base with encourageing news indicating that construction work has continued on the community center since the team was here last year. As well, many of the housing projects that were in progress during the trip last year are now completed, and are providing much needed housing to many in Guarari. Building supplies and tools were ordered for the construction, and should be onsite tomorrow for the construction crew to get busy!
Tonight brought a very special reunion with Norma and Fernando as they came to the YWAM base for supper, followed by the team hearing their vision for Guarari. Melanie, who is a long-time helper with Norma and Fernando also came tonight, and shared her heart and told of the many ministry opportunities she is currently involved in. It was a great way to kick off our first day in Guarari tomorrow morning. Norma and Fernando asked that we continue to pray for them - for wisdom in what they do and where they lead the ministry, discernment in the many decisions that they need to make, and provisions for their daily ministry needs.
We board our bus at 9:00 am tomorrow and head to Guarari. For those are returning to Guarari tomorrow a number of emotions will be experienced as old friends are reunited, while other friends no longer there are missed. For those new to the trip, their experiences will vary, and will no doubt be changed.
Please pray for the team tomorrow morning:
- Travelling safety to Guarari
- For the various ministry programs that launch tomorrow
- Clarity and endurance for our translators (they will be VERY busy)
- Team unity
- That we would be receptive to God's leading
Good you all had some more prep time and got to meet and hear from both Pastor Jose and Norma and Fernando. Also good to hear of the building continuing. When doing community development it is very important to have "buy in" and "ownership" from the people. Well worth it to go slower and only proceed as that is present, and in a manner that allows the initiative to come from those who live there. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWill pray for the first day in Guarari.
"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the heart of the saints." Philemon 1:4-7
ReplyDeleteMissing you but praying for you constantly.