It’s been a long day! It was our first full day of work and our kids (and leaders) did a great job. 11 of us went to paint a house for a seminary student and his wife. The man’s name is Nomar and he works for the government rescuing troubled youth. He could get into trouble, but all his entire programming is Christian based. He told me that he is willing to be fired from his job because only the gospel will rescue the growing number of kids addicted to drugs, the Rastafarians, Voo Doo, Gang bangers and AIDS carriers. He is a great guy training to be a pastor and his wife is 7 months pregnant. Here is some of our work on his house:
We got half the house done. Hopefully I will be able to show you an “after” picture tommorow. Some of our kids went to a school today and others will go in the morning to visit with the children. While we were painting a lady brought us a sack full of mangoes from the tree in her yard which were one of the best things I’ve ever tasted:
The other folks were over at Mrs. Rita’s cleaning up trash and covering up refuse and sewage with dirt so that they wouldn’t be in danger to paint her house. They also put a large portion of the ceiling into the church and some in her house. We had a quick break in the afternoon for lunch around 1:30, but by 3:00 we were back to Mrs. Rita’s setting up for VBS (which runs from 4:00 to 6:30 each day). Some of our guys worked hauling dirt straight on through VBS. The neighborhood kids loved flipping off the dirt and even helped shovel and haul it. We had around 70 or 80 kids tonight and Mrs. Rita thinks we will easily top 100 tommorow night. These kids are the poorest of the poor who live in hovels in the marsh with bridges made of trash to get to their front doors. A few of them stole the luggage tags off our folks backpacks and said “I’m coming to visit” or “I’m coming to stay with you!” Our kids did a great job with limited space and we literally had to drag them away at the end of the day. Here is the church during VBS (you can see the progress on the ceiling at the top):
This is a glimpse at the front yard and the street just before sunset. Our folks did a great job with very limited space:
All of the kids love Mr. Rodney Allen (he loves it when I call him that) here’s a great picture of them with him at the end of the day:
I want to upload all my pictures, there are so many good ones, but it has taken me an hour and a half to upload these and I’m tired!! we’re starting again in six hours. Everyone sends their love. Continue to pray for the safety of our students in some tough areas, for a couple of men from the City I have met and am trying to talk to about Jesus and get to come to church, for the impoverished children we minister to at VBS each night and for stamina. We’re tired, but it’s definitely a good tired. Talk to you soon!
So glad to know everyone is well. We’re praying for the trip. Give everyone a hearty Georgia hello! We look forward to having you guys back. Give Debbie V. a hug for me and encourage her to take care of her knees! Keep posting as time and energy allows.
Caleb, thanks for your extra efforts (and extra hours) in sending daily updates! We continue to pray for you all. God is blessing your work.
Mom and I saw the pictures, and we think we are very lucky to live and worship in the U.S. My Mimi said it looks like fun to be able to be there and share Jesus with others.
We are praying for your group.You are doing a great service for the Lord.
Our prayer is that many will be led to know the Lord.
May the good Lord continue to bless all of you.
I Love this photo!!
It’s my favorite!!!!