Update on Chris

Chris went for xrays and to the Dr yesterday. Our prayers have been answered. The dr said the x rays show no break or dislocation. He feels it was dislocated and from the pressure of the boot it located in the night. This makes sense as she was in so much pain but was feeling better in the morning. Jurgen had prayed at our debrief that it would loccate itselfnin the night on its own, Praise God he answered our prayers!  Chris still has to wear the boot for 4 weeks. This was really hard for Chris to hear. Chris is very active and to have to wear the boot for support is discouraging. We are going to have a man in the village make a crutch for her today so she can brace herself on that and walk. Continue to pray for Chris.

Missions Possible

Mission Possible because with God all things are possible. I have to say that I thought I was coming here to help others. To build them safe secure homes to live in. But I have to say that maybe those that are really in need is Us.  We are living in decent conditions and are able to work and put food on our tables but I'm not sure we get it.  When we first went to the village to build I was embarssed because of  the amount of people that came out to help us build these homes and they didn`t have a home for themselves. Unselfish giving out of their  poverty and giving themelves to help their communtiy. Where back at home we barely have time to share a coffee or tea with our neighbors. Our closets are full of excessive stuff we haven`t used or needed in years (where is your MISSION POSSIBLE ).
We will do fund raising for situation that come up but what do we really give that costs us. Will we use all our savings to save someone? People know we care for them because we Carry Them!!  Tommy Vinson
Today was another amazing day!  While the team men and local men were building the houses and building relationships with each other the girls were doing the same building relationships!  We spent most of our day with each other painting fingernails, some times repainting fingernails doing crafts and put sparkles wherever we could and sharing Jesus!  It's so amazing how we are all the same wherever we are in the world.  We may have a different set of life circumstances but we all want and need the same things in life.  To have our basic needs met, to be valued, respected, loved, cherished and to know Jesus!!!  Nicole and Jasmine :-)

Prayer

We had an incredible day at the work site. We completed 3 homes today with the whole community coming to help and be a part of it. We shared at the debief how we have lost community in Canada. We live in neighbourhoods where we don't know our neighbours. Today we seen everyone coming around to help us and the community get 3 houses built. Chris, Sid, Edith and I were able to share the gospel message with one of the homeowners. He was not ready to surrender his life to Christ but we continue to pray that the spirit will move on his heart.

We  need to ask for prayer. Late in the day Chris Frere fell off the curb and has done some damage to her ankle. She was taken to the local clinic and was checked by the dr. She is in a lot of pain. We will be taking her back to the clinic tomorrow as they need to take xrays before they can tell if it is dislocated or torn something. She has a boot on and is in bed with her leg elevated. She is on a lot of pain medication but she continues to be in a lot of pain. Please pray for her. Please pray that she gets rest tonight and that the Dr will have answers after he see's the xray.
We covet the prayers of our friends back home.

Building

Today we start the building. When we visited with the families yesterday the sites looked like they would be easy to prepare. I guess we will find out today. They have been getting a lot of rain in October so the ground should be soft. Well....we are hoping for that. :-)

We are open to serve the community of San Antonio. Some want to build, others want to work with the children and minister to the local people. Whatever God has planned for us we want to be used. Used to be His hands and feet. Last night we prayed for team unity, for health and strength, and to be a light in the community.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.

Thankfulness

After preparing, fundraising, team meetings amd much prayer we were finally able to meet the families who will be receiving their new homes this week. The team is excited to start working tomorrow and getting to know their stories. Their hopes, dreams and their struggles.

One of the things the team shared at our debrief  tonight was how thankful each of these families are to God for His provision. Many have been praying for years for a house that would provide shelter for their families. They gave all glory to God. One of the men shared that they work hard and are able to get food for their families but they would never be able to afford a home. God heard the cry of their hearts and met this need.

We are humbled to be given the oppurtunity to work this week alongside these amazing people. I know we will learn many life lessons. Today we learned the lesson of thankfulness. May we return home realizing that everything we have has been provided by God. Everything! God is our great provider. Every good and perfect gift comes from above.

The Voice Of Adventure

I was reading a devotion today by Max Lucado. The passage that he used was Psalm 27:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
Max writes the following "Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is a voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry for what you don't try, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don't try it. Take the safe route.
Or you can hear the voice of adventure-God's adventure.  Instead of building a fire in the hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Make a difference.  Sure it isn't safe, but what is?

I feel each of the team members listened to the voice of God. Each said yes to getting out of their safe place. Making a difference! Making a difference by going to build homes so families no longer have to live in mud. We are ready for an adventure. An adventure designed and planned by God. An adventure to share the gospel message. I am thankful that when we do say yes to God's plans we do not need to fear. May He be glorified in all that we say and do this week.

Ride For Refuge

Waking up on Saturday morning to a thunder and lightening storm was very discouraging. I was worried about us having to ride in the pouring rain and if the weather would deter people from coming to the Ride For Refuge fundraiser. We only had to wait a few hours and the skies cleared and it turned into a beautiful day for the ride.

The Bethany El Salvador team had 14 people who rode and we as a team were able to raise over $6100 in donations.

What a difference these funds will make to people who living in poverty. The money will go toward purchasing the material to build homes when we are in El Salvador. We will be there from March 1-9th building with team #1 and from March 8-16th with team #2.

We are excited to see how God will use the teams to share Christ love.