Day 4 Bonao

We slept in this morning but I managed to sneak out of my room early enough to spend time in devotions and journaling. I happened to be reading about Peter standing before the priests and Jewish leaders in Acts 4 being questioned for healing the lame man in chapter 3. Peter asks the question, ‘You are upset with us for healing this man, aren’t you? Well, it wasn’t us, it was the mighty name of Jesus that caused this man to walk.”

It was a great reminder to me that no matter what good comes out of the day or our ministry wherever we are it’s because of the mighty name of Jesus. We have nothing to offer! It was the mighty name of Jesus that allowed us today to have a great Children’s Day with over 70 children. We were expecting 30? Planned for 50? We had gifts for 50. Jesus multiplied the gifts, provided a great day and the children had a great day. The Men of Faith provided Bibles for all the children – they were thrilled to receive that gift. Most of the children received their first Bible today. God has to be pleased with that!

Each of the children also received a beanie baby that Amy purchased on Ebay for next to nothing. They loved that too. Then lunch was served (provided by the love offering that Shorewood Church of God gave!) We served over 70 children for under $2.00 a child which included the taxi bus to get the children to the center. The meal included chicken, rice and a potato salad. The children were thrilled with the lunch.

As the children were saying ‘good bye’ to us one of the little boys said to Lori Ackerman in English, “I hate you” and gave her a big hug. Lori, looked puzzled and hugged him back and he looked up embarrassingly and said, “Sorry, I mean I love you!” It was cute to see the children trying to speak English to us.

It’s frustrating not being able to love with words! But we are making it! Kirk and Perry have worked like dogs providing a great place for children’s small group at Pastor Elvis’ house. Amy, Lori and Lisa have a great connection with the ladies and children when we visit in the homes. I just sip Fresa’s while they work! Fresa is an awesome strawberry drink that I can’t seem to do without!

Last night we visited nine families from very poor areas. They all lived in the same alley. As we walked down the alley people stared at us as we carried these gifts. It was a little intimidating because Pastor Carlo and Elvis warned us about sticking together in this area. God provided safety and the people were so happy! They had been expecting us and we were greeted into their two room homes with hugs. This was one of the heaviest depressed spirit areas that I have yet to enter in Bonao. The needs are overwhelming.

We are having a wonderful time with Pastor Elvis and his family. The bond is growing with each trip. Praise be to God. I will be praying for the services tomorrow at Shorewood. As you are worshipping and Kyle is teaching I promise I will be praying. Our service tomorrow doesn’t begin until 6pm. It’s cooler at that hour and the breeze is nice in the place we are renting. This is a good thing that Shorewood Church of God is doing! I am humbled to be your pastor.
With Love,
Pastor Eric