Thursday was quite busy, and after breakfast, we packed up our things in preparation for being gone all day. Our team was joined by the four men who attend the Bible Institute at the church, some of their family members, a missionary family on deputation to go to Bolivia, and several church members. There were about thirty people in all. We packed a lunch and packed into the three vehicles.
Our First stop was in San Martin, a town about 45 minutes away, where there is a fledgling church. Long story, but Daniel (the missionary) is now pastoring that work, too. We handed out flyers and tracts all over the neighborhood where the services were to be held that evening, then loaded into the vehicles again.
Man reading a flyer that he was given
Ladies at the corner store grinding their cornmeal for tortillas and their refried beans
Lady with children (one is in the sling) and a basket on her head – just a thought, if you carry your basket on your head, does it really need handles? :)
After we passed out all our flyers and tracts, we headed up the mountain to some remote villages. It was then that we realized our vehicle only had brakes when it was in neutral. Uh-oh! It was a little scary when we had to turn around and almost went over the cliff! Thank the Lord there was a large ditch that caught us! We lost reverse, too, and had to push the car out of the ditch. We did a lot of praying on that trip!
After extricating ourselves from the ditch, we walked up and down the roads in the village, passing out Romans booklets, and inviting people to a service. We also had a drawing for a soccer ball giveaway, and gave everyone in attendance a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Samuel, one of the Bible Institute students, preached a Gospel message.
This young mother was quite attentive, and responded at the invitation, along with several others.
After the first service, we went to a nearby secondary school, and were given permission to have a service there as well. The students were very attentive, and though I know of no decisions made, they were given a clear Gospel presentation.
Leaving the villages, we headed back to San Martin for the evening service. We had a good crowd, and afterward made banana splits for everyone!
On the way home that night, Mom and I rode in the Spanish-speaking vehicle (they didn’t want to risk driving in the brake-less vehicle with all of us, so we were dispersed accordingly among the safe cars). It was a little awkward at first, since I know only enough Spanish to be extremely dangerous, and the silence was somewhat strained. Then, I decided to speak with the driver, Edwin, who, I found, had been to the states several times, and spoke some English.
We continued the drive speaking “Spanglish” to one another, with lots of “huh?s” and “que?s” and “what?s” sprinkled in among the conversation. The others must have just been listening to his side of the conversation and laughing at my pronunciation and bad grammar, but they said nothing. He asked about our political situation, the current president, and a few previous presidents. Then he asked about the governor – was he a good man? I was puzzled for a moment, not knowing which governor he meant, then he said, “Schwartznegger!” I laughed right out loud, and everyone else in the car did as well! Apparently our politics are somewhat of a curiosity to them. I can hardly wonder at that, though, since I am somewhat puzzled by the people we elect sometimes, too!
It was quite late when we got back to the church, and I was so glad to finally get in bed after a long and fruitful day!
Thus ended the third day.
To be continued…
I still remember opening the door in the dark and seeing all the heads in the Spanish vehicle. It was quite close communion in there, but very friendly. I love the freedom to preach the gospel at the school without government interference. The young people really listened and it was a great blessing.
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