TodaY has been one of the more interesting days of my life. We rose early to go to Buenaventura for worship. This is about a 2-3 hour bus ride down the mountain. We traveled through three different climate sytems, the coolest one to look at was the tropical rain forest. What a neat sight for those of us whove never seen anything like this before.
In Buenaventura we stopped at 2 mission churches before going to the big church. These were small in size, but they were HUGE in love. These exceptionally dark skinned believers hugged and kissed us all the way into the building. They stopped their service to applaud us as we all made a bee line for the bathroom. After introductions were made we posed for a photo at the church and then got back on the bus to go to the second mission point. The music at the second church could be heard a block away. They were certainly getting their praise on. From there we headed to the big church for worship and lunch. Buenaventura is a port city on the Pacific coast of Colombia. That being the case, it is exceptionally HOT! We sat with 250 of our newest friends as we worshipped and perspired together, all in the name of Jesus. We got up and sang a few songs them, then the pastor preached. Following the sermon, there were 8 or so ministerial candidates presented before the church!!!! Boyce called on me to pray over them. What a cool time.
Lunch was next on our list, and we scored big time. Fried fish! Red Snapper, heads still on, and it was without a doubt the best fish ive eaten, ever. The fish was seasoned with lemon and salt, and it was amazing. I know they sacrificed a lot to provide it for us and i am so thankful, but i wouldve killed for a couple more of those. I even ate the "head meat" which came out really easy if you snapped the head off and slurped real hard!
After lunch we went to a park at the ocean and took pictures and perspired. From there we went to a big store and bought snacks, coffee and Jet chocolate bars (Hunter & Baylee...daddy scored big time!). We were a complete freak show, as the entire mall stopped to check us out. It was here that a large number of kids surrounded the bus awaiting our return from shopping. I think they were begging for money, but they passed their time drawing phallic symbols in the dust on the bus. One boy extended his hand to shake, and when Julian, our reident sasquatch shook his hand the boy nearly passed out. He couldnt believe how big Julians hands were and proceeded to gather all of his friends to see the new spectacle.
The bus ride home was long and rough and uneventful. Thankfully as we got closer to the top of our mountain, the temperature began to drop. As always, the rapid change in altitude has given most of us excruciating headaches and we are preparing for bed early. We brought 2 pastors back to camp to work with us for a few days. Hopefully tomorrow will be a day of much progress as we have a lot to do before the week is over.
Many of us are homesick, myself included. I have to say, my wife is amazing for the way she supports my ministry. I couldnt be here if she werent so understanding and willing for me to do these trips. I love you darling! Keep us in your prayers.
Be blessed
Jeff
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7 comments:
I love reading your blog and it makes me long to return to Peru this summer! Sounds like you have met some amazing people and they have welcomed you with open arms. I bet the fish was amazing!! Good luck this week! I can't wait to see your pictures.
I am so excited to read about the work God is doing through all of you. Praying for a good nights sleep spider free for all of you and may you all wake up headache free. We are praying for you all this week and for the people who's paths you will meet this week.
Sheena, weve been coming to the same place for 3 years so we have many friends here. Things are going great. You can google earth Dagua, Colombia and see what its like. That is about 20 kilometers from here.
Sheena, weve been coming to the same place for 3 years so we have many friends here. Things are going great. You can google earth Dagua, Colombia and see what its like. That is about 20 kilometers from here.
I am thankful for those who will TRAVEL to spread God'S word. When you leave the United Statea, it ia a different world. Especially the third world countries, their lifestyle would be unbearable for most.
I am thankful and prayerful for those who will be missionaries.
I am safe at home on the farm between New Hope and Massac. Enjoy the friends you have there and I feel sure you will make a difference in others.
Lesa Elliott Clark
Jeff,
I am so very proud of you and the great work that you are doing! Spread the good word and be a teacher of Christ, but don't forget to be a student as well. Marvel at the spirit and passion in which others worship, let the love that they have for Christ truly inspire you!
You are right, you are blessed with an awesome wife. I hope Bert realizes that she is as big of a part of your missions as you are, for without her love and understanding, you would not be able to accomplish such great undertakings. May your time apart help you both appreciate, even more, what you have in each other. God has truly blessed you with that one (well, mostly)..lol. Love you Bert:)!
I don't envy your trips up and down the mountain, my sinuses would not be able to take it. I'll be praying for you on that one. But I am quite jealous of your meal, it's 5:30am here, and I'm craving fresh fish!
My family and I will be praying for you to help others find Christ, for your own faith to grow even stronger, and to have safe travels.
God Bless,
Tyler Vinyard
Springfield, IL
jeff you sure have a way with words! i enjoyed reading about your adventures down there. how sweet it is to hear you praise your wife! she is a great women and so are you guys for doing such a great thing. keep up the good work and i can't wait to hear the stories when you get home! be careful and i will continue to keep you guys in my prayers until y'all are safely back home!!
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