First Sunday Back

Leidy with her youngest daughter Yismeidi

Yesterday was my first Sunday back in Concho Primo.  Wednesday was actually my first day back, but this was my first Sunday.  It was so nice to visit with everyone.  We got there early, so I was able to talk to a couple of the ladies for a while - in particular Nina and Leidy, 2 ladies with whom I am wanting to build more of a relationship.  Nina invited me into her house and we talked for a while about the kids, school, family.  It was a nice visit and a huge step for me.  Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me in this area of stepping out of my comfort zone and building new relationships.  Please continue to praying for the salvation of Nina and Leidy.

I had been looking forward to being part of a regular Sunday church service, but the kids had a surprise planned for me!  They had gotten together with Mike and Annie and planned a special day to welcome me back.

First, they had two of the boys bring their horse to guide me up the hill from the batey to the school, where we hold services.  Unfortunately I had worn a jean skirt which is not ideal clothing for riding.  I was not quite sure how I was going to get on the horse, but I ended up riding sidesaddle . . . bareback.  That was a scary experience!  I nearly face-planted in the mud multiple times!   But the boys were nice and went very slow while Claudo made sure that I stayed on. J 

When we arrived at the top of the hill, all of the kids were eagerly awaiting my arrival.  They had decorated the small building in which we hold services with balloon and signs.

They even had a special song prepared to sing during the service! It was priceless!  

Michael and Annie had prepared a video of all the activities of the summer to show after the service.  We hoped that it would encourage some of the moms who only attend sporadically to come up to the service (they love to see photos of themselves and their kids).  It did!  

We had several adults attend, but the most exciting part of all (for me), was to see Leidy come up to a service for the first time!  (for those of you who saw my PowerPoint presentation, you may remember that I said one of my desires was to see her come to a service during these 3 months that I am here. . .  She came the very first Sunday!  Isn’t God good?  I’m not counting on her becoming a regular just yet, but I am so excited to see this first step!  God is at work in her life!  Please continue to pray that I would be able to share the Gospel with her and that she would see that the Gospel is the answer to the joy and purpose of life which she is seeking.)

All-in-all it was a great day.  Between kids and adults we had 49 people in attendance!  I can't wait to see what God has in store for Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia and the people of Concho Primo!