John Preaching

We had to get up early Sunday to make it to church on time, since John was preaching. Church in our little town is supposed to start at 8:00 am. We picked up our friend who walks 45 minutes to church on our way. We got to church right at 8:00 o'clock sharp, but only Cassandra was there. She had already opened the church, swept and set up the chairs. Little by little, people started trickling in. Even the pastor was late, but he has to pick up quite a few people on his way. They quickly set up the instruments and started to play. I think we started at about 8:45. They are trying to start on time because the pastor has to go to the other town for a service there also.

After about 45 minutes of praising and singing on our feet, it was time for John to speak. He spoke on Psalm 139. While John was speaking, they took the instruments out one of the windows, loaded pastor's car and drove to the other town. After this service, we piled up in the pastor's SUV and went to the other town. We could not go in our little car because we had to cross two rivers and go up a rough road. (Please pray that our car gets fixed soon)

The other church is even humbler than the one in our town. I have told you that we have gaps on the walls, but at least we have walls! This little group meets in somebody's yard. They have six poles stuck in the dirt and have some tin sheets for cover, no walls. They have strung an electric wire from the house and have electricity for the instruments. They actually have better singers here. There are two young women who have very pretty voices. Everywhere we go in this country we find contemporary style worship. I think John's message was better the second time. Right during the service a little two-year-old boy needed to go to the bathroom. Grandma simply took him to the side, pull down his pants in the weeds, and he went. No bathroom, no walls, no fuss.

After the service, we all had chicken and rice, salad, a drink and home-made ice cream. I guess because some come from so far away, and the group is small, somebody cooks and they all contribute to the cost. I was concerned eating and especially drinking because it was well water, but we have not had any problems. Even in the poorest areas, these people are very clean. The pastor drove us back to our town to get our car, but he had to go back again to get his wife. As far as I can tell, he made at least three round way trips between the two towns. We gave rides to one young man and to the lady who walks 45 minutes. They have gone with us to give their support. The walking lady liked John's sermon so much that she asked for his notes, so he gave them to her. We finally got home at one in the afternoon.

Today we went back to the local clinic here because John's shoulder is really bothering him. She sent us to an orthopedic doctor one and a half hours away. She even called and made the appointment herself and did not charge us for the visit. This is the town past the airport where they have a Burger King and a Mc Donalds; therefore, we had a Whopper for lunch today. After lunch, we found the clinic without much difficulty. The doctor ordered X-rays, which were done right there. He also sent me to the pharmacy with a prescription for a cortisone shot while the x-rays were being taken. He told me that the pharmacy was "across the street," but it wasn't "across," and not even on the same street! I found the pharmacy, got the prescription, and a syringe, for nine dollars. I walked back to the clinic, and John got the shot. On our way home, we stopped by the German Bakery. I had a capuccino, John had a strawberry shake, but we shared a dessert. Yummie!! John now needs to rest his arm for 48 hours, so he can't play golf. Pray that he feels better soon.

Tomorrow the two missionaries from Christ for the City will spend the night with us, since we haven't had a chance to talk about the ministry yet. Friday we will have our first follow-up with the couples. Please pray that the six couples will come back and bring some friends. Saturday we are going to do an outreach event in the second town. The clown, the MAF missionary and the sewing instructor are all coming to help and are staying here. Please pray for all these activities.

Until next time...from the beach...