The woman and the oil

Barry Rehm revisited the scripture that Pastor Carlos talked about on Sunday.  2Kings 4 tells the story of the woman and the vessel of oil.  Her husband was dead and creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves in order to settle her debt.  She went to the man of God and asked what she could do.   Elijah asked her what she had in her house, and she replied that she only had a small vessel of oil.  Elijah told her to collect all of the empty jars she could find and fill them with oil.  She didn't think this would work because her jar was very small... however, she obeyed, found all the bottles and jars she could scroung from her own home and her neighbors, and she went inside, closed the door, and filled all the jars.  When the jars were filled, the oil stopped flowing.   The she went back to Elijah and reported to him that she had done what he told her to do.  Elijah told her to take the jars and sell them, and take the money she made to pay her debt.   Her children would be safe.

Barry's interpretation of the story was a little different from Pastor Carlos's interpretation.  While Pastor Carlo's preached about being filled by the Holy Spirit (the oil), Barry talked about using his oil (the Holy Spirit) to work for the Lord as if he were working to save his child from being enslaved. 

I think Barry's interpretation is just as important as Pastor Carlos's interpretation, because that is exactly the amount if dedication that the Lord wants from us.  He wants us to share our blessings with others, He wants us to do great things through Christ who strengthens us.  He is a mighty God and expects us to let the lamp oil, which is the Holy Spirit, shine to fill the darkness that surrounds us.  Each time you help someone in need, you are letting your light shine.  Each time you give to a family member or a neighbor who is going through tough patches, without expecting compensation, you let your light shine.  Each time you take part in any program at your church, you let your light shine.  

I ask you now...... will you pour out your oil into the world, so that God can clearly be seen in you, all the days of your life?    OR, will you let the creditors come and take what is yours?   Will you let Satan steal your light?   I'm with Barry.... I'm going to work for God, as if my children were being taken away.  I would protect my children at all costs, and I will protect my faith, at all costs.  I love the Lord and I love that I am free to serve my God.  

This is the progress so far on the upper level....

Well friends, we have shown you some of the work we've been doing over the last few days... but now I want to introduce you to our team.  For those of you who do not really know us, we are a faithful group and are blessed to be able to serve God and His people in some small way.
We miss you, but know that God has sent this particular group to this particular place for a very specific reason. 

Reid Hildreth - team leader - 4th year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Wanda Hildreth - 11th year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

George Beck - 14 years on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Luke Whitehead - 1st year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Barry Rehm - 2nd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Dennis Coggins - 2nd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Kay Coggins - 2nd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Damien Whitley - 1st year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Susan Whitley - 1st year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Mary Lou Braswell - 1st year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Jason Vinson - 2nd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Ashley Vinson - 2nd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

Terri Griffin - 3rd year on Mission Team to Costa Rica

A couple of updates from the team.  Reid has his arm x-rayed today and we found that his has no break or fracture.  He is doing better, but trying to avoid heavy lifting.  He was able to work today, mudding sheet rock seams.   Thank you for your prayers, they are all so very welcome.

Luke had a little accident today at the waterfall.  The team knocked off just a little early and went for a little swim.  Luke was doing what anyone would have done, swimming.  He did a little dive and scraped his side on a log in the water.  He was taken to the docter and examined, and is okay.  He has a prescription for some pain medication, has a bit of a bruise and scrape, but will be just fine.  He has spoken to his wife, so you all keep her in your prayers as well.    

God has been looking after us.  Although we have had a few accidents and diversions, and those could have been very bad, we have been blessed in that there was nothing more serious.   

We are so grateful for the love and support of our friends and families back home. Please continue to pray for our team, for our safety and our hearts.  

We love you all,  Dios te Bendiga!!!