Last night we enjoyed sharing dinner with the kids from the home, watching a video on the story of Joseph then indulging in a cheesecake kindly provided by Jeremy & Sarah.
This morning we were up and ready for our last brekkie of scrambled eggs, mango, pineapple and bread. Wow!
After devotions, off we went to work - today's short day included building door frames, cleaning up the work site and sorting donated items.
After 10am Mariana time, we were driven and accompanied by local Christian Pastor Larry and Renay to a very poor Muslim community to distribute our gift bags.
After the men lugged heavy bags up a slippery muddy hill, crowded both sides with ricketty shanty-style dwellings, we sang songs and Pastor Keith gave a word. After this spiritual input, we gave out the bags of food etc. These were eagerly received.
The utter poverty, huge number of children, squalid living conditions, hopeless cycle of despair and poverty, beautiful smiles of gratitude and the radiance of local Pastors all left an indelible impression on the whole team. 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
To take part in this ministry was a most humbling privilege and a fitting end to the official activities.
We were also able to say thank you to our local co-workers on the building site by leaving boots and clothing for them. These were received with delight as each of us had been previously eyed off for sizing!
Our time here is rapidly coming to an end. Please pray for safety tomorrow as we leave here at 2.30am on slippery roads!
God bless
Julie & the Team (Chris is not with us tonight, so I am safe!!)
This morning we were up and ready for our last brekkie of scrambled eggs, mango, pineapple and bread. Wow!
After devotions, off we went to work - today's short day included building door frames, cleaning up the work site and sorting donated items.
After 10am Mariana time, we were driven and accompanied by local Christian Pastor Larry and Renay to a very poor Muslim community to distribute our gift bags.
After the men lugged heavy bags up a slippery muddy hill, crowded both sides with ricketty shanty-style dwellings, we sang songs and Pastor Keith gave a word. After this spiritual input, we gave out the bags of food etc. These were eagerly received.
The utter poverty, huge number of children, squalid living conditions, hopeless cycle of despair and poverty, beautiful smiles of gratitude and the radiance of local Pastors all left an indelible impression on the whole team. 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
To take part in this ministry was a most humbling privilege and a fitting end to the official activities.
We were also able to say thank you to our local co-workers on the building site by leaving boots and clothing for them. These were received with delight as each of us had been previously eyed off for sizing!
Our time here is rapidly coming to an end. Please pray for safety tomorrow as we leave here at 2.30am on slippery roads!
God bless
Julie & the Team (Chris is not with us tonight, so I am safe!!)
3 comments:
Have really enjoyed your posts, thanks for them.
We will hold you in prayer until you are safely home. Hope to see most of you on Sunday - and I'll see Margaret and Felicity at school sometime soon :)
Take care and God bless
Jean and Colin
Hey Paul
What is your flight details?
Pottsey
Hey guys sounds like a successful trip. Give my regards to the road to the airport. Take care Aaron and Allison.
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