Worship in the DR!
Last night, Harry took us to the House of Joy worship service. Remember that everything here is on DR Time. We arrived only a few minutes late, which was on time, with the service already in progress. The pastor was leading worship, dancing, singing, hooting and hollering, clapping, waving hands to the Lord as were all the worshippers. We really could not understand much of what He said, but were able to worship our Lord and Savior as worship is universal. The joy on the people’s faces was so evident. It was also a joy to see all the team members enjoying praising the Lord. And to know that we will worship with them in eternity. I think that their pastor and Bono will be leading worship (totally editorial on my part…) Truly, we are blessed with music as it is a gift from the Lord to enjoy forever. Writing this, Third Day’s song King of Heaven is playing in my head as our devotion today was from Psalm 25. Read it and you will see why, as well as read along with us.
After the service, our team meeting last night was filled with talking about the snapshots of the day, such as the joy on the children’s faces in the orphanage as well as in the neighborhood. The bus fills up the street and several kids ran after the bus. I mean ran, sprinted. They are sporting some mighty kicks although they are only 4,5,6 years old. The kids were amazed at how eager the children are for affection. Within a few minutes, the kids felt like they had known these kids forever. Each of our kids bonded with a buddy or two. My daughter was inquiring about adopting two-year-old twin boys. Pray for continued grace to these kids, ours and theirs, that they will bond in the Lord.
Today we will start VBS with the theme of Juan 3:16. We will spend time talking about creation, and how much God loves the world. We have some awesome leaders, both team leaders, as well as youth leaders. It has been a privilege to see the gifts that our Lord has so graciously bestowed upon these youth. I also praise God for the gifts in our team leaders. Tricia is such a woman of God. Justin, Emily, Sarah love and pray for and lead our kids, and know how to interact with each kid.
This afternoon the plan is to go into Augua Negro to distribute bags to the kids and mothers (prostitutes in general) there. Jesus knows each one of them by name. Please let us look at them through His eyes. Let us see our sin in our own hearts if we think about idolatry and prostitution as we all chase after false gods. Let us see the poverty of our own hearts, and that He clothes us in righteousness. He clothes us in white linen, which is the righteousness of Him and the saints.
Pray for something that is upon Brad’s heart in prayer. Calling all baseball Moms! The leader and teacher/coach of a local baseball school has talked to Brad about desiring an American team to come down and play games with them. These kids are from impoverished areas, and going to school there while intensely training for baseball in hopes of professional play. The coach is a former Major Leaguer. What an awesome way to play a sport we all love and have the opportunity to minister to and serve the kids here. There is an opportunity to teach God’s Word to them, learn baseball from and with them, serve those in the community, and show any American team how to use the gift of athleticism. Now another editorial ……….. go to www.PujolsFamilyFoundation.com to see an incredible example of using our gifts ……..
Pray for us today and those we will see.
To You I lift up my soul.O my God, I trust in You. … Show me Your Ways, O Lord; Teach me Your Paths.
God Bless!