February, 2010

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GRACE ’10 I – DAY 7

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

We had a good final day as it contained a variety of projects – the fifth, and final, medical clinic of the week; a visit to Casa Aleluya; a visit to the village where this team built last year; painting at the seminary; securing the screens on the windows of the Camp house and Ford house; washing vehicles; et cetera. 

A large number of guests joined us for supper and then we had our final share time of the week.  Of course, as always, we had some “slackers” among us and the committee rewarded them accordingly! 

The greatest news of the week was that twelve folks prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.  All of these salvation decisions took place during the medical clinics.  That is why GRACE Ministries does ministry! 

The Michigan folks are leaving on a 7:00AM flight, the Californian at 1:05PM, and the rest of us at 1:50PM.  Pray for us to have safe travels to our respective homes today.  Thank you for taking the time to follow us via the blog.  I will possibly update the numbers on Monday, 2/8.  Blessings!

GRACE ’10 I – DAY 6

Friday, February 5th, 2010

This entry is being typed on Friday morning as I simply could not get online long enough last night to post.  Sorry about that!

Yesterday was a good day as the construction team completely finished all 20 houses in the village.  We were also able to dedicate all 20 houses and that was a special time.  The folks in Parajbey were very, very appreciative.  To me, the dedications are always such a special time and yesterday was no different.

The medical team saw another 200 plus folks.  It was good as we were all in the same village so the entire team spent the day together. 

We enjoyed a nice meal at Paulino’s on the way home.  That was a good time of fellowship too.

The seminary painters were able to get a lot more done yesterday and should finish today. 

Pray for us as we do a variety of things today bringing this first GRACE trip of the year to an end.  All is well here and we appreciate your interest and your prayer support!

GRACE ’10 I – DAY 5

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Today saw the construction folks go back to Parajbey Santa Apolonia and the medical team got to Aldea Los Corrales, Parramos. 

The MT saw 360 (don’t remember the exact number) folks which kept the three doctors and the pharmacist busy.  That puts them in the neighborhood of 850 folks seen thus far. 

The building team now has 18 houses that have received concrete.  Basically, only a couple are not completely i.e. barrel bolts, door handles, et cetera.  Two more have to be built but we intentionally delayed building them until tomorrow so one of the doctors can have that experience.  

The team members are in the big room spending some quality time in fellowship.  This team as a whole does not spend a lot of time on the internet which is a good thing. 

All is well here and we ask that you keep praying for us.

GRACE ’10 – DAY 4

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

WORDS TO ENCOURAGE FROM GUATEMALA

Pastor Bob

BE FLEXIBLE – Teddie gives us a wrist band at the beginning of the week. It has Grace Ministries” written on one side, and “Be Flexible” on the other.  Teddie says that’s important on this trip.  Teddie is so right, even if he is an Alabama fan.  Seldom is the day experienced the way it was planned.  Today bears that out, for many of us, Teddie included.  I’lll let Teddie tell his story.  Here is mine. 

I was assigned to “The Concrete Crew”.  That’s a lot like punishment.  After a drive of nearly 1 1/2 – hours we arrived at the building site.  Traveling up the narrow, winding, steep, steep, steep roads I figured we were close to heaven.  The construction crews were unloaded.  They headed off to their sites.  As I looked turned around I saw the concrete crew leave without me.  A mis-communication due to my lack of Spanish language ability might have contributed to that.  I walked for another 1 1/2 hours up and down mountain trails trying to find Max (my spanish speaking crew).  I’m not sure which was preferable- not being able to find my crew, or finding him.  Having found him we mixed concrete for the houses.

At the end of the day all was well. Some 15 houses have been built (5 to go). Over 500 patients have been seen by the Doctors. The Seminary is being painted.  Many children have been blessed.  The day did not go as we planned it, but I have a feeling it went the way God planned it.

BE FLEXIBLE –

Blessings from Guatemala, Pastor Bob

GRACE ’10 I – DAY 3

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Good day!  Let me give you the highlights – no wait, let me give you the “lowlight” for starters.  Carla Mast had the “gall” to lead the group in singing the chorus to a team’s theme song.  The team wasn’t Bama and it wasn’t even AU – it was worse, much worse!  I will probably have nightmares tonight!

Our medical team was expecting a huge crowd today but ended up seeing 255 patients.  I really haven’t gotten the details but know they had a good day. 

The construction team completely finished one house, poured cement in three others, have another ready for cement, and have three more basically needing about thirty minutes of work to be at the point of being ready for cement. 

The building conditions are pretty tough i.e. fairly steep.  Dave & Donna, we are looking “down” (literally) on the houses your team built!  However, it’s all good!

Two ladies went to the seminary today and did some painting.  I don’t know the details but know they have a lot of work to do – won’t get it done. 

My wife leaves for home in the morning.  It has been great having her here.  Pray that she will have uneventful flights and that we will have a productive Tuesday.