Today we went to Pastor Manuel's church. After a long bumpy ride(think Motocross), we joined many children and their mothers. there were no men except Pastor Manuel, Luke, and William. the sanctuary was a bare,dirt lot surrounded by palm trees. the children were so loving....they came around and welcomed each of us by name.There is no way to describe how special the simple service was. How marvelous that God can be so close and so real, and that even though you can't understand all the language, His spirit is there in abundance.
The song service was led by the pastor's daughter who is such a spiritual person,so precious. She told me that she prayed for each of us and for our families back home many times a day;that we were her forever brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though I could only understand an occasional word, I immediately recognized a song I learned as a child, Standing In The Need Of Prayer".All the songs were sung with great enthusiasm, and it was very evident that this was a service meant to glorify God with a "joyful noise unto the Lord".
After the preaching service (no sleeping during THIS message!),the children including our group played soccer and Duck, Duck, Goose. Courtney and Tiffany are pretty good runners!t While they were playing, I walked under the palm trees, still praising God for the service. His love is manifested in SO many ways and many times"a little child shall lead them". To see those children who have so little, yet are so happy, is awesome. To have those little arms around your neck and here "I love you"...if that wouldn't touch your heart, it would have to be made of stone!
This afternoon we packaged one hundred pounds each of rice and beans to give to the church families. Pastor Manuel said each portion would feed a family of five for two or three days.
Our continued prayer request is that we are able to make a difference in the lives of the children and that their memories of us will be as precious to them as theirs to us. I know you are already praying for a church building for Pastor Manuel and his people. Please continue to pray to that end, and if God lays it on your heart to help, well,Praise the Lord! And if you are blessed with the opportunity to join us, I assure you,you will never be the same. Blessed beyond measure..Linda Gentry
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The blessings that you are receiving are overflowing in your blogs. The pics of the children are so touching. The little girl with Courtney touched my heart. She reminded me of the little girl that sat on Troy's lap last summer in the picture. I really hope to be able to go back with you over the summer. We are continuing to pray for all of you. Court and Tiff - hope you guys continue to feel better. May God's protection continue to cover you. Love ya bunches
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