Hope:Rebuilt

2005 was a hot summer in Anapra, Mexico. The children had been out of school for a few weeks when we arrived at a pallet house owned by Cecelia and inhabited by three grandchildren. Somewhere in her two year wait for a new home they saved enough money to purchace concrete for the floor, which is better than what many of the neighbors could do. Cecelia was a proud Mexican grandmother who had been trying to make ends meet for her family in this dry, hot and to use her words "ugly" place to live. It was a great build, as builds go. The lot was located right next door to a church, where the family was attending occasionally. This meant that we had access to a toilet and electricity for the tools. The team was able to build the home and dedicate it to the glory of God and the benefit of the family by Wednesday evening. Three days and lives were transformed in real, practical ways by the love of God being demonstrated through the lives of caring people.

We visit the families that we build for almost everytime we go, just trying to connect with them once again, bless them with some food, prayers and a little hope too. So in 2006 we reconnect with Cecelia, it was our final stop before leaving the country and as we pulled up we noticed that the house that had brought such hope was now a shell of burnt embers.

What a tear-filled reunion with Cecelia that was! She was weeping confessing her "sin" of not tearing down her first home like she had promised. She felt that God was punishing her for her stubborn refusal.

Just a few days ago we were able to rededicate a brand new house for Cecelia and her family. that was quite a scene to behold. Come to find out, Lorena Nowakowski (young white girl from Mich-i-land) and Cecelia back in the summer each had taken a nail from the burnt shell, crying while they did. Then at the dedication they brought those nails back (one all the way from Michigan) and used them to attach the Casa Por Cristo nameplate, which is the final act of building by the team.

We were so blessed to be able to witness the grace of God being poured out on this family not once but twice. The team was so determined to make this happen for this family it was truly inspiring to watch! Thanks to all who prayed and gave and went!

The Rest Before The Drive

Soon and very soon we are entering the twilight zone portion of our 2007 Mexican Adventure in Missions, that being the 36 hour driving marathon. In order to prepare for this bodily punishment, that begins Thurday night, I have been trying to rest more. A week ago I was struggling to sleep at all. Several nights I was kept awake by the four billion things my brain was processing at the same time. That makes for restless times staring at the dark ceiling. Just ask my wife! However, as the day draws near I am happy to report that I have been sleeping much better. Two out of the last three nights I was able to log about 11 hours of sleep each night, ahhhhhh! Hopefully tomorrow I can accomplish that feat again.
Thank You God!
Once again the Lord is providing for the trip. Hudson Taylor has a great quote: "God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply." As of this post we are only $700.00 short of our financial goal, which a week ago we were $6,000.00 short of the money we needed to accomplish our goals! We are rebuilding Cecelia's house that was burned to the ground last summer and we are attempting to get the bunkhouse to the place where teams can use it, including finishing the bathrooms, drywall, outside trim, etc.
My prayer is that we are doing God's work God's way trusting His supply!