Tuesday

8:00 breakfast at HQ of eggs, fruit, pancakes, and oatmeal. Chris led a devotion on the parable of the sower.

The first stop was "our" church or AMI (Azua Mission International). This team-funded compound continues to expand every year. The team split up going various directions to include playing baseball with the boys, face painting and playing games with the girls, running errands, and canvassing the area passing out bible tracts and connecting with the community inviting them to events and worship at AMI. Around noon the team fed the kids sweet rice and then headed back to HQ for lunch of their own. 

The afternoon was for ministering to the minister (and his wife). Pastor Wilfredo and his wife stopped at HQ not knowing why they were asked to come. The girls pampered Miguelina with flowers, candy, hand and foot massages and whatever else girls do to love on each other. This was a complete surprise for "Gina" and she was overcome with gratitude. The men had some honest discussions with Wilfredo about his family and ministry and both came away with a new and profound appreciation for each other and the love the team has for them.

A delicious supper of fried chicken, plantain, salad, peas and rice was served by Pastor Anderson's wife at their house prior to leaving for the Jesus Film.

Las Veredas is a favorite village of the team as they've made many past stops at this very poor village north of the city in the hills. Their pastor is dear to the team as he leads with passion and authority. This short, older gentleman with the machete on his side tells us that "we are not poor, because we are rich in the love of Jesus".

The film hasn't been shown here for 10 years and this night won't soon be forgotten. It rains more frequently in the hills and tonight it started about 20 minutes into the film. The team is used to quick and light showers but the umbrella over the projector wasn't enough as people started to leave and the rain grew heavier. Our projectionist was having some concerns with the mix of expensive equipment, electricity and water.

As the rain continued the team scrambled to move cabling, power cords, speakers and projection equipment into a nearby shelter that animals frequent. The film continued with messages and worship songs after. The shelter was at capacity and no one wanted to leave. Hugs all around finished off a wonderful evening. 

The night ended with debrief and back to the hotel around 11:30.

The author would like to remind the reader that the spiritual nature of our business is our focus. Yes; we fund and help with building projects, pass out food, bibles, gospel tracts and fund countless other items but it's all about Jesus. Tonight we were reminded of our devine appointment. Las Veredas was not our original stop to show the film. Plans not of our own doing were changed and ultimately this led to a situation that may have saved a young boys' life. God is good!