We have been blessed by Antioch Community Church putting together a team of 14 individuals to come down for 8 days. Not only did they provide physical labor and help the community by building 2 latrines and 2 floors, but they provided our family with unconditional love. Words do not adequately express our hearts; but never -the- less we will remember their love towards us. The actual face to face contact was so meaningful, especially after months of only having contact through Facebook and emails. We also send a big "Thank You" to family and friends who sent items included in the bins of necessary supplies and tools, as well as the comfort foods from home.
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| Rob Mancuso's photo: The team mixing concrete. |
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| Proyecto Libertad photo: Team putting the top on the latrine. |
What is the value of short term missions or missionaries in general? It is brothers and sisters physically working, disciplining, and enjoying time with one another. The value is concrete. God in Christ chose to become human alongside us, and this action in eternity gives us value. We imitate this when we go to others in this same manner. We participate with Christ by coming close physically with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and at the same time preach Christ--in a personal manner--to those who don't know Him.To the team from Antioch: Thank you for the time and money you sacrificed to come here; for blessing the community of Bocachica; and for sharing the gospel with those who don't know it, or are not mature in it. It gives us joy to be part of this work.To all of our friends and family: Thank you for your encouragement, for your support, and for your prayers. We leave you with this prayer; notice that it is both for us as individuals and also for us as the church, but it is an Action of God toward us! (I know it is a re-run for those of you who were here.)
Ephesians 1: 15-23:
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened;
that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
God bless you all,
With love,
Nate, Tara, Valerie, Alicia, Jaiden, Kristen, Nathanael, Patrick and Vincent
