This is Not our Home...

We are loving life here in Juan Tomas. Our time in the Scriptures this morning reminded us that our union with Christ propels us in FAITH and not FEAR to accomplish good works and acts of service.

Last night we had the joy of worshiping with our Dominican brothers and sisters in their mid-week service.  Jansel Silva (who has worked with our group each of the last six years) began the service last night with a powerful reminder to us all.  He stated in a powerful way, that this country--that this world--is not our home.  It was such a wonderful reminder for me as I begin to miss the comforts of life in the states.  What a joy it was to spend 20 minutes or so praying with the brothers and sisters here in the village.  The sound of prayer rising from different prayer groups scattered throughout the church all speaking in different languages to the SAME Heavenly Father is always a powerful and uplifting experience.  

Dario is a computer programer and always does a wonderful job of translating our sermons.

Thank you, for your prayers back home for Dean Chia as he preached last night.  Dean bravely selected 1 Kings 13 and the portion of scripture about Jeroboam and the Man of God who failed to fully obey God's holy Word and was ultimately killed by a lion.  The Lord used Dean mightily in his clear presentation of the authority and sufficiency of God's Word. He also did a wonderful job of connecting this to God's provision of the Lord Jesus--and the WORD--who died to pay the price for our sins before a holy and righteous God.

Yankol (a Deacon in the church and science teacher in the school) graciously gave us a tour of the water purification plant that he runs as both a business and a ministry to the villagers of Juan Tomas. 

We were thankful as well for the opportunity to visit the water purification plant that we helped construct 2 or 3 years ago.  It's so amazing for us to see the plant fully operational and functioning as both a successful business and ministry to the village.  Despite the fact that water plant is run and operated by the school (which is in desperate need of financial resources), the brothers and sisters remain committed to offering the purified water to impoverished villagers in need at the lowest price possible.  Even though they are essentially without competition in the provision of this important resource, the believers here refuse to use the situation for their own economic advantage.  Instead they are eager to employ men and women in the village who are unemployed and they continue to remain faithful in fervent prayer that the Lord will use this as important outreach tool for the building up of Christ's Church.

Some of the ladies just before the Yanko's tour of the water purification plant.

The Lord continues to bless us with a tremendous spirit of unity.  This is felt powerfully by the members of our team and in the close relationships that the Lord continues to establish with our Dominican brothers and sisters.  Yesterday, Ian Pott (who has traveled extensively throughout the world) remarked that in all of his interactions with people throughout the world, he had never experienced a sense of community like he has felt here.  I asked him how much that was due to the fact that Dominicans are warm and welcoming, and how much of that flowed from the fact that many of the Dominicans that we are serving with are faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  His answer to the question was insightful.  Ian stated that 30% was probably due to the fact that the Dominicans are naturally such nice and hospitable people.  But in his mind, at least 70% was due to the fact that these Dominicans have a rich and robust faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Christina is all smiles here... but she has been an incredible leader alongside of Rachel. Christina has been to Juan Tomas five times... and she is truly leaving a mark on this beautiful Christian community.

Brothers and Sisters back in the United States, thank you, for sending us down here to experience the vitality of this beatiful Christian community.  It is such a blessing for us to serve a church family that is continually demonstrating sacrificial love and service that glorifies the Lord Jesus.  Thank you, for making it possible for our young people to see the powerful transformation that is taking place in the lives of folks here in Juan Tomas.  

Thanks to all the parents that provided dry-fit clothing! It's really pretty humid down here!

Please keep us in your prayers today.  Many of the teachers that have been working alongside of us have gone into the city for an annual conference for teachers serving in Christians schools (ACSI).  Additionally, many of the Dominican students have gone into the city for annual examinations required of 12th graders.  So progress might be difficult today in our work projects.  Regardless, many of our team members are excited about helping with the English presentations that are taking place this evening with a number of villagers that are in the Advanced English class that Linda leads.  This has been a tremendous opportunity for our team members to develop strong and enduring relationships over the years.  

Here is a picture of the guys' cabin with the goat farm in the background.

We're hoping to receive another tour of the award-winning goat farm from Linda, the missionary.

Here is a picture of the interior of the guys' cabin. Without the mosquito nets we would be in serious trouble!

Please pray for Rachel as well.  The humidity has made it difficult for Rachel at times, but the girls have really been tremendously supportive of her.  In fact, Kai went out of her way multiple times to tell Rachel to slow down or to take a rest break!  It really warms my heart to see the way all of the girls have cared for Rachel, even as she tries to care and support them.  In addition to the physical strains of the trip, today is difficult for Rachel in another respect.  Today is the burial of her Uncle Greg who was very close to both of us.  We have been making frequent trips up to Massachusetts to visit him as much as possible, but he sadly lost his battle with cancer on June 19th.  It's difficult for us not to be there to support Rachel's family, but we've been grateful for the way technology has allowed us to communicate with them in this time of loss.      

John 4: May our need for clean physical water point us to our greater need for true Living Water.

Soli Deo Gloria!!!