We get to stay!

This past week we had the privilege to minister and hang out with a group from our home church, West Cabarrus Church.  Even though we have only been here a few weeks before they came it was quite refreshing and uplifting.  It was such a joy to have them working alongside the Harbinsons and us.

  Here we are on the last day which was a "fun day" to visit a volcano and bat cave.

We were able to spend 2 days ministering in the San Antonia village and 2 days in the Las Delicias village.  We participated in projects such as painting tables, a church, a woman's house, fixing an older man's rocking chair, building a bed for a young blind boy, playing games, told Bible stories, several gave their testimonies, and had Worship services.  Through it all, we pray the people at each village saw the love of Jesus displayed from each action and service. 

The 83 year old lady was very excited about her house being painted. 

 The group worked really hard and some came away looking a little blue.  :)

 We believe these children could play the entire day and still not be tired.

 Below is the young blind man that the bed was built for by the group.  He was so faithful to attend each time we came to play games, taught a Bible story, and worship.  We taught him how to speed stack so he could be involved also.  He learned quickly!  We also had him playing "Hot Potato".  We loved his bright smile!

The week before the group came we visited the village to play games and challenge them to learn John 3:16.  We were excited when at least half of them knew the verse this week.  Now they have another verse to learn for the next time we visit.  The ones that knew the verse were rewarded by a sweet treat. 

On the last night at Las Delicias Eric Harbinson was sharing with the people how the WCC group was going to be sad leaving them and the friendships that were made.  I found myself a little sad.  And then all of a sudden I thought, "Hey!  I get to stay!!"  Yes, it was sort of a "well, duh!" moment.  I have been on several short term mission trips.  Each time I remember being sad that I was leaving the people that we met.  Now - PRAISE GOD - He has allowed my family and I to stay here and continue building on the relationships that we have made.  We get to stay here and share His love weekly!  Thank you Jesus for giving us this opportunity!

Please join us in prayer for:
*WCC safe travels home today
*Relationships made at each village...God's Word being planted and hopefully seeing fruit produced fromt the planting.  And pray for their openness to us coming weekly.  We will be returning to Las Delicias on April 22nd to do more AWANA games, Bible lesson, etc.  That afternoon the Harbinsons and our family will be discussing with the Pastor about a good day for us to come weekly.  It appears that he is very willing for us to return.  The day and time will be tricky to figure out.  Some of their children attend school in the mornings and some in the afternoons.  We want to be able to include all of them.  Please pray that we will be able to schedule the best day and time to do this. 
*Our future contact with the First Baptist Church in Matagalpa. 
*Our Spanish learning - muy importante!!  
*Financial provision for a vehicle that the Harbinsons and us to share in the ministry

We treasure your prayers and support!
The Perry Gang