Forever Changed!

Hi All! Internet has been down at Tim's for the last two days so I am behind in my daily blogging. So much has happened, I don't know where to begin. Saturday teen worship service was amazing! I am so impressed by the overall spiritual maturity of these kids. They all work in the church in big and small ways, everyone has a job no matter how young. They all share their testimony and are quick to give all glory to God. Adam and Mariel spoke and I could not have been more proud. We prayed that God would touch their lips and speak His word into their hearts and He came through in a BIG way. Adam brought the message, Mariel read the Word and they both sang as Adam played the guitar. The teens here loved them and they (like most kids do) bonded and have become great friends. Adam was asked to join the praise and worship band that would play at both Sunday services. He played the bongo drums and enjoyed it immensely! He was very comfortable and hopes to play with them often. Tim asked him to speak again next Saturday, but I am not sure he is comfortable doing that. I hope Mariel will go ahead and accept the offer to speak as Adam will help her with the musical part of the service.

Jim gave an amazing message on fatherhood which was well received by all. He and Jake prayed over all the father's in the congregation personally. It was very moving and the men were touched.

We spent most of the rest of the afternoon in fellowship with the members (eating of course! Man, do these people eat!) and getting to know them better. Later, we divided up and went out on mission's to various parts of the city. Connie and I were on separate teams that each went to the very poor coastal area's. I was teamed with 4 other members (one adult, Ima and 4 kids, Desiree, Lanie, Henry). We took the churches newly donated "minicab" which needs much work. The exhaust spewed into the back to the point of making me ill. We were unable to open the windows due to the torrential storm we were traveling in. The streets were flooded and our student driver thought he was Mario Andretti and could use a few lessons in working the clutch. I must admit, I truly feared for my life. Never so glad to arrive at any destination until we got out of the van.

We went to a small village area called San Augustine. I have never personally witnessed such poverty. We walked in ankle deep water that had God only knows what in it. The allies we walked were very narrow, muddy and only one person could pass at a time. My umbrella did little to keep me dry and my flip flops offered no protection from the polluted water. I was in a sun dress from church, which was soon soaked. I walked with my arm around a young girl of 14, named Desiree. She quickly became my guide and right hand girl. She was very shy at first, but lots of hugs, smiles and words of encouragement soon won her over and we became fast friends for life.

The "homes" were mere hovels of scrap metal. One room, if you could call it that, no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no appliances, no furniture, no lights or windows. They cooked on a small propane like open flame in old metal pots. The children ran in the ran and I was told that is how they bathe. The adults were curious of me with my light hair and eyes, but all were shyly friendly. The children were shy at first, but soon warmed up as I started taking their pictures. They became "ham's" quickly and loved to see their photo's on the camera screen. Soon we were fast friends and I was a celebrity! :) I did nothing more than pray over the mother's (which was well received), smile till my face felt frozen, speak words of love to the children and give lots and lots of hugs. The children love to be hugged and kept coming back over and over for hugs. No telling what I was hugging as they were all dirty and most likely lice infested. But, it was worth any risk and I can't wait to go again next Sunday!

We arrived back at the church and each team reported their success, numbers and all in all God had a big win today. We sang praises, laughed and prayed. Each of our team shared our thoughts and feelings with the group and we closed in prayer and thanksgiving for such a successful harvest. Satan tried to stop our efforts through the storm, which was severe and frightening, but God had other plans and His protective hand kept all safe and sound. I cannot express how grateful I am to all of you who gave me this opportunity. I will forever be changed! I already can't wait to return and hope that many of you will join me. I have so much share and am still trying to process everything. Much more to come! Love and miss you all. Please continue to keep us in prayer for health, safety and God's glory! Debbie