A Warm Welcome

Yesterday the team enjoyed a rest day, and woke this morning (Wednesday) feeling refreshed and looking forward to the day ahead. Carolyn reports on the day's activities...

After a brief team time we were collected by Margaret and Robin to go to the Santa Elena two day club. As we travelled through the different areas of the city to Santa Elena we were struck by the usual mixture of sights and sounds.

The Santa Elena area consists of row upon row of identical housing built by the government and sold at an affordable price. There are 11,000 people living in these houses in this area. When we arrived the children were singing songs and we joined in enthusiastically. OMS are pioneering a venture known as Every Community for Christ (ECC) who are forming a network of house churches to reach this needy area. While the children were completing their crafts some of the team took part in a basketball competition against the mums of the children. Suffice to say - I think a few rules were broken!! But all enjoyed the craic and fun of a game that crossed the language barrier.

The rest of our time was spent helping with the activities, playing with the children, and chatting with them. At the end we had the opportunity to give each of the children a bookmark with a Bible verse on it. To draw our time to a climax Pastor Benito shared his testimony with us. It was such a blessing to hear of the way in which God saved and used this man to reach out to others. Please pray for him - the need is great, the labourers are few, yet with our God nothing is impossible. Pray that as each Christian reaches out to his neighbour that they will accept the Lord as their Saviour, and in turn witness to those around them.

Overall the team had a really fulfilling day. The warm, affectionate welcome we received from the children was overwhelming, and we really enjoyed the privilege of getting to know them. Please pray for these little ones whose hearts are so open to the gospel and yet there are so many temptations around them.
















PS - it was our anniversary today, and what a special day!! Thanks to all the team for their pressies, and to the Agnews for a tasty anniversary cake. Andrew could also recommend Margaret and Robin's flower courier service, who delivered a beautiful bouquet at his request!!