Day 6 has come and as quickly as it came (4am) it is leaving. But....but....there is 1 difference.
A CHURCH HAS BEEN BUILT!
By our team, a team you helped send. We drove in horrible conditions out there for over 3 hours, but we got there, worked hard, and a building was up BEFORE 1 PM! That is right, not 1 day, it was accomplished in between meals. BULL-RUSH!!!! You don't know what that means, but trust me, it is funny.
After we completed the build, we had a group picture to prove that we were here and that Molly was with. We then had lunch, which is the biggest meal of the day in the D.R. (rice and beans and pollo--chicken) and Ryan had at a minimum 3 helping. Kamryn, Hayley, Natalie, and Hannah were getting their hair done by some kids and to end our time in the village, we had a ceremony. This was amazingly sweet. I was able to share and give the keys to the new facility to the pastor. Wow.
You should have seen the joy on the faces of the people here. It was only a small building, but they were beaming with excitement. There was no disappointment and no complaining, just appreciation for having a place to worship. I think we could all learn a lesson from this community. To define it as poor would be inadequate. But in the poverty, there is a church, and lets pray that this church is full of LOVE.
Live.Love.
From the D.R. to you with Much Love,
Mark
Jake, I'm posting first! What an amazing accomplishment. The Lord is smiling down on all of you. Thank you so much for living out the love in your hearts. Can't wait to see you.
ReplyDeleteAnna says:
ReplyDeleteWassup champ :) Can't wait till we can be on a mission trip together.
WOW...what an amazing sight. We are so proud of all of you. Can't wait to hear all about everything. Thanks for posting this Mark.
ReplyDeleteKamryn, love you to the big dipper!
mom
That looks like the Brooklife cross!! You are an amazing group serving an amazing God.
ReplyDeleteCurly Fry, you appear to be working hard in every photo. I am so looking forward to hearing your stories and seeing your pictures.
Lori
Such a beautiful and amazing sight! To know that each one of you built that church not only with your hands, but with your hearts and souls makes us the proudest parents around! We are so excited to see you and to hear your stories!
ReplyDeleteBob and Kim Beisbier
The picture of all of you in front of the church made me well up with such joy! I literally cried at the site of it. You are all amazing people! What a beautiful way of giving from your hearts and being the hands and feet of Jesus! We have loved every word, picture, and video of watching this journey unfold. Can’t wait to see you Krissy & Tim and hear all about it! “….well done good and faithful servants…” Matthew 25:21 -Ron&Karen Euer
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ReplyDeleteSorry guys, hit the wrong button on my last post...
ReplyDeleteAmazing job everyone! Wish we could have been with you to celebrate with all the people as you completed the work and turned over the keys. "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
Kamryn, love the hair! Miss you and can't wiat to hear about this amazing journey. Dad
Brooklife Status, you have made us all very proud. What a beautiful church, with a foundation of compassion, walls of faith, and a roof of love,(yours and God's!) Tom, we love you and can't wait to see you and hear about your excellent adventure!
ReplyDeleteWOW! WOW! WOW! I got chills (that were multiplying) when I saw the pic of you all in front of the finished product! Can't wait to see you all and hear of your experience!
ReplyDeleteSTATUS LIVES LOVE!!!!
Trina
This is all truly amazing. I cannot wait to hear all your stories and see them smiling faces...or tired faces. haha. praying for a safe trip back :)
ReplyDeleteThis has been an amazing week to watch unfold in pictures. Well done! James, we love you and can't wait to see your pictures and hear of your adventure.
ReplyDeleteAmazing... beautiful... I'm in awe of what you accomplished in 5 days! So very proud!!
ReplyDeleteWow,
Stacy (Kaily's mom)
Awesome job STATUS!!!!
ReplyDeleteMakenna, it made me smile to see you rockin' your Curly Fry shirt. Awe.....
We love you very much, and miss you.
We know this, for all the love we have for you God loves you so much more.
I already felt the love that has built and FILLED the church!! Status Rocks! And, now I have to go wipe my tears away....don't say it Grant!! :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible week, so cool to watch this church being built with love, sweat and smiles! You have honored God and blessed this village. So looking forward to seeing you all and hearing about your experience. Kari-what is it with us Gibson's and electronics and water lately? I'll have a cream soda and apple pie for you! Miss you and love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Hayley Parsons! You're an adult now. Now you can vote and buy spray paint as often as you please.
ReplyDeleteDawn said...Incredible!!! You students are amazing... and you leaders too! I am so proud of each of you. I loved seeing this happen as the week went on. I actually have a lump in my throat with pride. Thanks for representing our church so well... but more importantly, thanks for representing Christ to all those people you've encountered. Yes, the building is nice and beautiful, but each of you are shining even more!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fun day today. Celebrate how God has used you.
Molly, we all miss you terribly... especially Reggie... very lonely!
Mark, thanks for the picture with Molly in it... you're the best!
Love, Dawn
Some say "Go big or go home." Well, you guys went BIG and now get to come home. Do your best to keep the momentum when you get here... call it a BULL-RUSH!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Hallelujah! Not too pretty good with the computer stuff- hopefully this gets to you. Grant we love you too much! Praying you all have a safe trip back home and enjoy your last day. Kisses! Grant's Gang
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