Prayer at Esperanza-Miralta

(Fun fact of the day; this is where coco comes from)

Father, we commit this day and everything in it to You. Thank you for the relationships that will be built during this trip, with teammates, missionaries, partners and community members. Tear down anything that would hinder them, and help us instead to build each other up. May we experience together the beauty of being one. Amen

What are some ways to strengthen relationships around you? 

If you haven't heard of Carlos, or seen a picture of him, he is a promotor of  agriculture for Vine & Branches in Esperanza-Miralta. He is a strong leader in the community and very involved in the school. He is a great role model not just for the young boys of Esperanza-Miralta, but for all men. He is a great example of a Godly man. He strengthens the community by practicing, promoting and teaching organic farming technics. He's a strong father for his family; that was evident today as we toured his house and land. He's an encourager and inspirer for the children. He's got an engine inside him that strives to always be there and do the right thing. He's full of heart and emotion. He could barely speak this morning bc he was so overwhelmed with gratitude. He is so thankful for our church and our visits. My words here can't explain his compassion and thankfulness that God has orchestrated between our communities. Carlos thanks you from the bottom of his heart for our prayers, financial support and our visits. 

(Carlos pictured in the white shirt)

Esperanza-Miralta is the village where we helped finance their new school kitchen. It looks beautiful and strong!! 

For most children, they don't get a meal before school; so, it's important they get a meal during the school day. This building provides that meal. It really looked great! Thank You for making this possible! Let us lift this up to God. 

(Gifts we received from the village)

Terri and Bonnie had the humbling priviledge of praying in the homes of the village people. One experience was particularly powerful. Bonnie will share from her journal.

 Adolfo, Luis, and Carlos along with a security guard led us along steep terrain through this beautiful country (that is jungle to us) to the home of an elderly couple being cared for by their daughter. The man cannot see, can barely hear and is not able to walk. The woman can not see or hear well and is unable to move. They have not left their home for a long time and visitors are few. When we arrived we were so welcomed. We spoke with the daughter awhile. She needed to know they are not forgotten. That our great God sees and cares. That she is loved. We then went to the bed sides of the couple. I found myself kneeling on the dirt floor beside a fragile woman so thin and crumpled on her bed. On the bed across from her is her husband who has worked hard many years with the promise of a social security to help care for them that they will never see. God broke our hearts for what breaks His. We prayed. The presence of God filled that tiny room. Words fail to describe the beauty of prayers spoken in different languages to one God through our risen Savior Jesus Christ. 

From Julee: We saw Vidal today!  Many of you will remember him. He is as quiet and wonderful as ever!  He is one of the promoters (leaders) of the community and is a strong leader by example and is respected by his peers and our group alike   We were also to once again able to meet his family. He was so proud for us to see them!! 

(From Terri) Vidal has much expertise in areas of health care and agriculture. He has been the health  promoter for Vine and Branches, and now works in the area of adult literacy.

(Vidal in blue, & his family)

Have you thought about the question that was asked earlier? What are some ways to strengthen relationships around you? 

If you don't know, pray and ask God to make the gifts and talents He gave you more clear. This can be kindness, teaching, giving, being genuine and/or encouraging. (Romans 12:7-8) He filled us all with different talents and gifted us in many ways to use them - He gave them to us to strengthen the relationships around us and make our community stronger. Carlos is a good example of this bc he continually trusts in our Lord. Do you trust Him? May we be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen - 1 Peter 4

Happy Birthday to Trudy Ash!!!