The construction work begins

Today was day one of our work on the second floor of the Christian School in Zapote sponsored by the Galilea Church.  Zapote is an hour and half drive from the Oasis.  The first 45 minutes covers the majority of the distance on paved roads and the last 45 minutes covers that last 5 kilometers on rugged roads that closely resemble the surface of the moon, except that we have to drive through 4 rivers, whereas there are no rivers on the Moon.  Nonetheless, the Lord showed up in a major way.  When we finally got to the school, the children radiated with the joy of the Lord.  They were so eager to help, even the smallest child wanted to carry some of the many heavy materials from the first floor up to our work zone on the second floor.  It was a joy to see their excitement to help.  The team had a productive day.  A lot of painting, tile laying, door hanging (mostly game planning and preparation), and electrical work (all preparation, cleaning plaster out of boxes and trimming pre-layed conduit).  We’ll be working in Zapote all week long, so we hope to really transform the unfinished second floor of the school.  The kitchen staff at the school truly went out their way to bless the team by cooking an excellent Mayan lunch for us over an open fire when they lost propane to the kitchen. While in Zapote, the team got to really see what a blessing that school is to the community.  Zapote is very poor community, with very sub-standard public education.  That school is truly a highlight to that community.  The team has a holy calling in helping to get that second floor opened to the children.  We are so blessed to be able to serve this way.  At dinner back at the Oasis we were privileged to have the Pastor of the Galilea church explain to the team the history of Zapote, their church plant in Zapote, the school, and how the Lord is working mightily in that community.  We also heard from Corbey, the director of the Oasis, of how the Lord continues to work strongly in the lives of the girls at the Oasis and all the wonderful ministries they are pursuing to restore families and raise disadvantaged girls in God glorifying way. Please pray that we accomplish beyond our expectations this week in Zapote and that we shine the light Jesus wherever we are.