Paraguay, Day 3 (Monday)

Well, here it is Monday, and it already seems as if we have been here for a week, even though we have just spent 2 nights in Asuncion. It seems that's what happens when you pack a lot of new experiences into a short time.

Last night, at the San Lorenzo church, last minute, we found out that even though Jorge, one of the pastoral staff, was preaching, they wanted someone from the team to give a testimony. The service had already started when we found this out, so as a good pastor would do, I looked at David and asked him if he would give his testimony. He wasn't scheduled to speak until the next night, but said yes. Lenny cued him when it was time, and Brenda interpreted. David told how he had met Holly, and presented a great testimony of the very personal way in which God works in each of our lives.

This morning (Monday), we began the construction and painting at the church. Lenny and Lori, expert painters, made great progress on painting the inside of the sanctuary. The building had been built with the help of teams from the Central Pacific District of the C&MA, so it felt as if we were working together with others from home. In fact, Kelly, from Trinity Alliance Church in Redding, is here for 7 weeks, and worked alongside the painters. Aaron worked with Alberto from the church in patching the walls with concrete, in preparation for painting. David and I started putting up one of the walls to the new church office, while Bob worked with one of his congregation, Andres, to put up the other.

The wood we are using for the studs for the all is 3" by 3" hardwood. It is just beautiful wood, and it seems a shame to cover it! It also likes to grab the drill bits and keep them, so we spent a lot of time getting stuck drill bits out of the wood. Oh for a drill with an American, precision chuck! Tomorrow, we should finish the stud work, mount the doors and windows, and be ready to put up the tongue and groove pine walls, which will be insulated for sound.

This afternoon is rest time, and preparation for speaking at cell groups. It looks as if everyone will be speaking tonight. The team is wonderful, all willing to be used by God. We are enjoying working together, both with each other, and with our Paraguayan brothers and sisters. It is wonderful to be a part of what this church here is doing as they are reaching this country for Christ.

We covet your prayers for strength, energy, and safety as we work. Pray also for God's covering as we speak at the groups. There will be many people who do not know the Lord at each group. Thank you.