September Happenings

You know you live in Guyana when...

-You read an article about piracy in the daily news and it's not about music, it's acutally about pirates – aparently there's been a surge of pirates on Guyana's waters and the government is cracking down on their activity.

-You sweat so much from moving grass that you end up inhaling sweat beads through your nostrils, mimicking the sensation that you've suddenly gone under water and didn't get a chance to hold your nose.

-The neighbour's cow just knocked over your garbage can again.

Last month we had a team from Jamaica help us put the columns up on our new building. They worked like mad for 10 long days in the hot sun and got so much accomplished. Meanwhile a youth group from Georgetown also came to our aid in construction. We had so many people carrying in sand and rocks from the road, every bucket we had was in use. I even carried sand in an old igloo cooler when there were no buckets available! We were grateful for the help and the good company and we praise God for another step toward getting the building completed. Plus, it was fun for me to catch up with my Jamaican friends. Here we are at St. George's Cathedral in Georgetown. It's either the world's tallest or oldest standing wooden structure, unless that's one of those made up facts.

The guys also helped with some electrical work on our house. Turns out our ground wires have current – so that's why Steve keeps getting zapped by the microwave!

Since the team left, construction has come to a halt due to lack of funds and our need to focus on DTS. We have 3 couples in the school and one Alaskan girl. All the couples have small children so there are a lot of little ones running around which I find delightful.

I'm continually amazed by how God comes through for us. Last week, a family came by with loads of vegetables and today, the ice factory down the road decided to give us water to fill 2 of our tanks (450 gallons each) for free!

And God is faithfully working in me, too (Phil. 1:6). Space is limited here and I find that being around people constantly -as wonderful as they are-with no place of escape -exposes selfishness that I wasn't even aware existed in me. I'm thankful for those instances when my need for God's grace and mercy smacks me in the face -it's His kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

I heard someone say that the way you treat people is the only real evidence that you've connected with God. I pray that His fire burns away the stuff in me that doesn't reflect Jesus so that my life would be evidence that He lives and loves us.

God is faithful to bring me to my knees to look for Him like a lost coin and faithful to show up in conversations with neighbours and others we meet in the day.

In your prayers:
-Thank God for the DTS and how well it's going!
-Thank God for all the help we received in construction!
-Thank God for His provision in everything.
-Please ask God to send rain to keep our water supply replenished.
-For direction and unity among the leadership team as we decide on outreach locations.
-For opportunities to serve our community.
-For funds to continue construction.

Thank you so much!

eM