Chiapas Trip October 2010
Our last trip down to Chiapas was wonderful! Thank you to all who prayed for us; the prayers definitely made the difference. We started our trip down along the hot, humid coast of Chiapas and finished by spending a couple of days in the chilly mountains of central Chiapas, around San Cristobal de Las Casas. One morning we were at sea level and by that afternoon we were at over a mile high in elevation. In our next post we will update you on what's going on in the central part of Chiapas.
Our efforts of bringing a cup of water in Jesus name along the coast of Chiapas have started to become more defined and established. The area is becoming saturated with clean water wells as a testimony to God's love. At the same time, God has provided for our needs by bringing us together with a Christian man, Jose Louis Candelaria and his crew, who are well drillers. We have spent this whole year building a relationship with them and they have helped us accomplish what physically would not have been possible for us by ourselves. On this particular trip, all of our projects were in and around the village where they live. So they were able to witness first hand the other aspects of our ministry, sharing the Gospel and evangelism. We feel that this helped them to see how their help with this ministry goes beyond just meeting a physical need; it is about building the Kingdom of God as well.
The first well completed was at a middle school. I (Jessica) distracted the kids while Gabe and Jose Louis installed the pump. I was literally suffocated by all the kids wanting me to tell them about my kids, where I live, my faith, how to speak English, etc... they were full of questions. I was able to teach a hygiene class where they learned about how sickness is spread and what they can do to prevent it. After the class, each one was given a booklet with scriptures explaining the way to God.
The second well was placed in the central plaza of the same community. There is a small public library beside the plaza and the ladies who work there were so excited to have this water. One lady mentioned that when the kids are there studying they get really hot and thirsty (on most days it's around 115 degrees), some kids are so poor that they can't afford to go and buy a bottle of water. This well will provide a much needed source of water. One night we showed the movie "The Hope" in that same plaza. The local pastors were invited to come so we could present them to the crowd and show that there was unity among the body of Christ. There were many who came and sat up front, but there were many more who just stood around along the street to watch out of curiosity. After Gabe gave a short message and invitation, around 10 people came up for prayer. We tried to make sure every person present received a booklet with scriptures explaining the way to God.
Another well was drilled for a church who is in the process of constructing their building. The well will help speed up the process, as well as, provide water for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathrooms once they have completed construction. We also drilled a well for the local high school on the land where they will be constructing their school. Right now they are renting two classrooms but before the end of this school year they should have their new building. I also taught a hygiene class with this group of students. I always love the part of the class that involves me making poop out of play dough and then asking them to guess what it is; some of the answers I get are hilarious!
We finished up by drilling 2 more wells in a neighboring village; one for a school and another for a church. At the church, we showed the "Jesus Film". Afterward, we all gathered in the church for a time of prayer and thanksgiving. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit there with us. We wanted to really bless this group so we gave them reading glasses, medicine, Bible study material, and Bibles. Our time there was short but very precious.
Our next trip is planned for March. We are still hoping to have a big summer trip and would love to bring some of you down with us. Pray about it and if it is something you would like to do, let us know. God bless you and thank you for all your prayers and support.
Our efforts of bringing a cup of water in Jesus name along the coast of Chiapas have started to become more defined and established. The area is becoming saturated with clean water wells as a testimony to God's love. At the same time, God has provided for our needs by bringing us together with a Christian man, Jose Louis Candelaria and his crew, who are well drillers. We have spent this whole year building a relationship with them and they have helped us accomplish what physically would not have been possible for us by ourselves. On this particular trip, all of our projects were in and around the village where they live. So they were able to witness first hand the other aspects of our ministry, sharing the Gospel and evangelism. We feel that this helped them to see how their help with this ministry goes beyond just meeting a physical need; it is about building the Kingdom of God as well.
The first well completed was at a middle school. I (Jessica) distracted the kids while Gabe and Jose Louis installed the pump. I was literally suffocated by all the kids wanting me to tell them about my kids, where I live, my faith, how to speak English, etc... they were full of questions. I was able to teach a hygiene class where they learned about how sickness is spread and what they can do to prevent it. After the class, each one was given a booklet with scriptures explaining the way to God.
The second well was placed in the central plaza of the same community. There is a small public library beside the plaza and the ladies who work there were so excited to have this water. One lady mentioned that when the kids are there studying they get really hot and thirsty (on most days it's around 115 degrees), some kids are so poor that they can't afford to go and buy a bottle of water. This well will provide a much needed source of water. One night we showed the movie "The Hope" in that same plaza. The local pastors were invited to come so we could present them to the crowd and show that there was unity among the body of Christ. There were many who came and sat up front, but there were many more who just stood around along the street to watch out of curiosity. After Gabe gave a short message and invitation, around 10 people came up for prayer. We tried to make sure every person present received a booklet with scriptures explaining the way to God.
Another well was drilled for a church who is in the process of constructing their building. The well will help speed up the process, as well as, provide water for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathrooms once they have completed construction. We also drilled a well for the local high school on the land where they will be constructing their school. Right now they are renting two classrooms but before the end of this school year they should have their new building. I also taught a hygiene class with this group of students. I always love the part of the class that involves me making poop out of play dough and then asking them to guess what it is; some of the answers I get are hilarious!
We finished up by drilling 2 more wells in a neighboring village; one for a school and another for a church. At the church, we showed the "Jesus Film". Afterward, we all gathered in the church for a time of prayer and thanksgiving. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit there with us. We wanted to really bless this group so we gave them reading glasses, medicine, Bible study material, and Bibles. Our time there was short but very precious.
Our next trip is planned for March. We are still hoping to have a big summer trip and would love to bring some of you down with us. Pray about it and if it is something you would like to do, let us know. God bless you and thank you for all your prayers and support.
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