Greetings from sunny Guanacaste, Costa Rica, home of la Iglesia Fuente de Gracia. Where God is ever present and at work.
This morning Dennis gave the devotion and talked to us about being the salt of the earth and the light in the world. We are called to share the gifts that God has given us, not only with fellow Christians, but with everyone. We are to be the light that people see when they are walking in darkness, and we are to be the salt in order to sprinkle seasoning on an otherwise dull life or meal. God wants us to share what he has given us, not to hide it. We need to resolve to follow the Sermon on the Mount and be the light and salt in the world.
Scripture references for today:
Matthew 5:13-16
Deuteronomy 10:12
Today our team traveled to Canas, (pronounced canyes), a small town outside of Liberia. Our intended purpose was to do about a half day of work, "finishing up" work on a church that had been under construction for several years. When we got there, it appeared that there was a lot more to do than just 'finish' work. The front walls of the church were not complete, there were no doors on the side entrances, and the floor is rough concrete. So, we did what we do, and we all moved around looking for our 'assigned' project. The guys climbed scaffolding and the ladies were handed paint brushes. (note here..... not that our ladies aren't capable of doing anything but painting, but none really wanted to climb that scaffolding and hang sheet rock.... I'm just sayin'). What we thought was going to be a half day work, turned into a full day. It was so impressive to see the activity in that place, and to be a part of the larger project, which ultimately is furthering God's kingdom here on earth. As is the custom here which I'm beginning to get used to, the ladies cooked all day. They built a wood fire outside the church and fried fresh pork skins and tortillas for the morning snack, and for lunch they put a massive pot over the fire and cooked a traditional vegetable soup. For the afternoon snack, the men brought a very large grill inside of the building and grilled traditional sausage and tortillas. So, in case you had not figured it out by now, we were well taken care of for the work we were doing. I have to say that our team was very blessed today. The work and the fellowship was more than we expected, and God was certainly at work in the church in Canas. The building needed to be closed in because the lease that the congregation had on a smaller space in town is not being renewed, and they desperately need to get into their new building. We did not actually finish the project, but it is much further along than it would have been without the help of some of the wonderful men from the church here at Fuente de Gracia, and our own team. I do believe they can actually put up chairs and worship comfortably in their new building now. There is still some true 'finish' work to be done, and we may be doing that work next year when we come back, but for now, they at least have a large place to worship. Praise God for a great day of work.
I do have to slide a little prayer request and praise report in here. On our first day of work here, Reid had a fall from a ladder where he skinned up his arm and leg, and today, George got a pretty bad cut from some metal while installing framework for the sheet rock. Reid recovered very quickly from his fall and is walking around fine now. George was taken to the local clinic and received 3 stitches in one finger and 1 stitch in another. He's wrapped up great and is doing fine as well. We would like for you to pray for safety for our team, and for healing for those who have been injured. God Bless you all.
Prayer for the day - dear God, give us the courage to stand for you in the face of mockery or persecution. Give us opportunities to help spread the good news and to see lives changed. Amen.
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