And on that day, you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted." Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth. Ezra 3:11
Back to Back
In these two months (May and June), God has allowed us to have two back-to-back construction/evangelism campaigns. It brings great joy to see how God responds to the prayers of people groups deep into the jungle to have a house of prayer. This report provides two updates, one for the NgobeBugle and one for the Nasso people group.
Our hearts burst in praise, for He is good all the time.
Next week (June 25-Jul 1), a team from Madison will arrive to serve on evangelism, VBS, and teaching.
All components (VBS, construction, medical, Bible Institute, etc.) are used by our Lord to plant His Church in this broken world and bring transformation.
Venado Creek
Venado (Deer Creek) is a two-hour hike for my mom, but she made it there. The purpose of the trip was to start a house of prayer and share God’s love in the area, which Mama Tata believes is dominant.
While the construction was underway, the evangelism team was also working. Rotation was implemented so each team member could experience sharing God’s message.
The team visited 24 homes, presented the Gospel to 155, and shared with +111 kids.
The house of prayer had to be built on a slope, and big rocks had to be dug out. Even though the work was unfinished, our Ngobe brothers continued after the team departed.
Moral Principles
School supplies were handed to the headteacher; they were very happy with the materials.
As you visit the school, you will be welcomed by a display of the morals taught there. School buildings.
Back in 2017 a team came, and the village remembers them with love. Guillermina is one of them. Her kids are men and helped in the building. Loving children today guarantees men and women of God for tomorrow. The church grows.
More pictures here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H3zgCm589K-EDZp-4DH4r3Npx3rovGgo?usp=sharing
Video at https://youtu.be/z_Q6iYL8z7c
Rancho Quemado
Rancho Quemado is a small village consisting of a cluster of families with one root family, whom we met about 20 years ago when coming to the Nasso reservation was only possible by boat or hiking. We did both, but I do not recall that this village existed back then. Anyway, it was so pleasant and, at the same time, overwhelming to meet brothers who used to come to the VBS in a nearby village called Bonyick. Today, they have families and make memories of when they were kids. They used to hike for two to three hours to attend the VBS or the movie during the night services. As they grew, they settled in Rancho Quemado (burnt hut). The name? I have no idea, for I asked, and they just moved their shoulders as if saying, “We do not know.”
During our stay, one of these brothers graciously hosted us in his home. As I held his little girl, Sherlene, who was just 1 year old, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection. His wife, Migdalia, was overjoyed to have us as guests. Magaly and Dixia, two other family members, cared for us in the kitchen, making us feel like part of their family.
The community of Rancho Quemado has been fervently praying for a church building for the past couple of years. We are grateful to Jesus, who has uniquely answered their prayers. He inspired a church in Arkansas, USA, that partners with the ministry to feel a calling from our Lord to come and serve in helping to build it.
The intense heat, humidity, and sun of the area left their mark on each of us, and by the end of the day, we were all ready to relax, cool down, and enjoy a good clean-up time, of course, accompanied by a meal.
Today, one day before our departure, a dear missionary with whom we used to venture by boat up the Teribe River came to meet us. Her daughter Samaria and husband Daniel are the pastors of this small but open-hearted church.
The church building turned out to be at the same place where the Bonyick dam generators were; upon removing them from the place, a cement floor was left behind, but with bumps that needed to be removed. David managed to rent a big hammer jack, and God already had a person who worked teaching students in the US how to use it, taking over this work. God was orchestrating things.
At the end of the week, we were all tired but extremely joyful for the work done.
Thanks so much for praying and for your patience on this update. In Him and until He comes back again,
David, Cinthia, & MGP team.
More Pictures here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iQikejif5wlyvAJ01bYLNHFJ1H_s88LH?usp=sharing