Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday and Monday
Sunday morning we rose early to go back to the village. That was R. A., Arlene, Sonny, Gracie, Martin, and Judy Presley. Brandon, Tom, Ceil, and Wilson & Judy Gaunt stayed in town and rested. When we arrived in Puyipa and saw Justin and Cindy, Justin informed us that they had a serious discussion the night before on water baptism. He had at least one that wanted to be baptized after the morning service at the water falls. So we had the morning service beginning about 10:30. After some singing, and Justin preaching, we then gave certificates to 15 people that were leaders in the church along with the pastor and director of music who both were also given travel cards from RMFI to help them . These are picture ID's that prove they are in Ministry. Lots of individuals are traveling around saying they are ministers - but not really are. The service ended about noon and then it was time to eat. This time the ladies of Puyipa prepared Mole with rice and chicken. We loaded up the vans with the pastor and some elderly folks with Justin, Martin and Cindy walking with the younger folks and children. We traveled to a local waterfall controlled by a Rebel village only about 15 miles from Puyipa. A very intense time of travel as these individuals are very uncomfortable with outside travel, but God prevailed. Once down to the water falls, we had a quick service as a rain storm came. What a unique experience baptizing 3 folks at a waterfall with a rainstorm in the jungle so heavy you could barely see. The younger villagers and our folks that had walked down were not in a hurry to walk back in the rain. We had carried some 7 or 8 folks in each van down and then with the rain, several of the children made their way into laps of the older folks to ride back. We ended up with 12 in one van and 15 in the other and were very concerned about the van being too heavy in the rain to make it down that rocky, crevice filled caliche cattle trail called a road back to Puyipa. It took the folks walking much longer to walk back in the rain than it did going down. We barely got there in cars and they met us when we arrived. Coming back in the rain must have been much different as it took them much longer. The rain continued all afternoon as we traveled back to town. This time all of us went into Palenque to check into the Hotel to get a fresh shower as our trip was winding down. We had met a deacon of another small church of about 20 members that were meeting in the upper room of a business / house. Service was great, Wilson taught, Arlene shared her testimony and Sonny brought a short message. After the service, you won't believe this but the church members insisted on feeding us again. His church is in need of property in order to build. We found that 2 lots in this neighborhood would cost approximated $350.00. Once the service was over and had eaten, we traveled back to Jesus' church under the tent where they were waiting for us to have communion with them. RA and Justin did a great job of explaining why and how communion is done and everyone participated. It was obvious everywhere we went, the people really hated to see us go.
Monday morning started early for everyone but R.A., Arlene and Brandon as they all visited the Mayan Ruins and another larger waterfall. Many shopped and bought souvenirs. Everyone had to pack their bags before they left so that when they returned we would be ready to check out of the Hotel as check out time was 1:00 p.m. They managed to get back by 1:00 then we loaded up and went downtown and all ate at our favorite place for this trip and then shopped along the streets until about 3:30p.m. Once again we loaded up to start back to Villa Hermosa. We arrived at Villa Hermosa about 5:30 and RA and Justin returned the vans. Some of our folks went for a swim and some of us met in the restaurant around 7:30 to eat. All were really tired and ready to turn in.
Tuesday morning we rose early to meet in the Hotel lobby at 6:45 a.m. The Hotel shuttled us to the airport and most of our bags were gone through and even our carry on bags as we went thru customs to leave Mexico. Our flight was uneventful and we arrived in Houston about 11:00 a.m. Customs was a breeze for everyone but Martin, they gave him a hard time asking a lot of questions… but finally let him go. Once we were thru Customs, the Gaunts departed from us to find their connecting flight area and Brandon and Tom also departed to their parking area to head back to Alvarado. The rest of us caught our shuttle and made it to the parking lot to unload and reload into the vehicles to head back to Mason, Hext, Brownwood and San Angelo.
Saturday
Got to sleep in Saturday in Palenque while the village folks were up early working on Reading Instruction. In town we were invited to Pastor Jesus' house to have breakfast at 10:a.m. We had something that looked like a fried pie but had taco meat in some and chicken in others and were covered with lettuce. We had some kind of colored drink that tasted like watered down Kool-Aid. We visited he and his family about 1 hr. then were off to where the tent was set up to work with the children at 11:00. Gracie Hatten taught the curriculem about the 7 days of creation. Some 25 or so children colored the pictures and answered questions over creation. In between lessons Thomas Bowes did some biblically based illusions for the children which really intrigued them. While this was going on, RA and Martin went to order Pizza to feed the children, only to find out that the Pizza places don't open until 1:00 p.m. and they are not prepared to cook multiple pizzas like the US. They normally sell by the slice. After visiting multiple Pizza places, they managed to come back with 4 Pizzas and the Pepperoni Pizzas were more expensive than the Supreme Pizzas. The children were so excited about eating Pizza and Pastor Jesus' family provided the drinks. While waiting for Pizza, Gracie had the children memorize scriptures over the lesson. We had a bag of candy, Barbies, small cars, and sunglasses. Depending on how many scriptures were memorized determined how many prizes the children were allowed to choose out of the bag. The children memorized anywhere from one to five scriptures each. We were very impressed. We had one young girl, Maria who was quadriplegic, she had no use of her hands or feet and legs. Her cousin carried her everywhere they went. She was tall and slender for her age and was almost as big as the cousin who carried her. We inquired with the family as to if she had gotten any therapy. They told us that she went for awhile, but then it got to be too much of a hassle. Her aunt brought her to the children's teaching and as we talked with her, she said Maria's parents had left her with grandparents and came to the US. She was keeping Maria on Saturday as the grandparents had gone to prison to visit their son. This was a very sad situation. Maria only has use of a broken down wheelchair when she goes to school. She is very pretty and smart and memorized the verses. Judy Gauntt was great about helping her color the pages, which Judy put the crayon in her hand and moved the page up and down so that she could color. Judy also helped her memorize her scriptures. Gracie fed her pizza so that she could eat like the other children. They also brought her back for the evening service. R. A., Pastor Jesus, Gracie and Sonny went and visited several other Pastors who had churches in the Mayan villages between services. We spent time discussing their needs and praying with them and talked about what we might could do when we come back next time. Some of these villages had never seen white men. There is a big need for glasses, shoes, some clothing, spanish bible and educational instruction in basic reading skills in Spanish. We did learn that there is a bible college in the area. We met one individual that teaches there. We also met and prayed for one Pastor that works in the educations system that has offered to work with RA to teach him Spanish and to get him access to schools in and around the Palenque area.
Later that afternoon at 5:30, Pastor Jesus invited us once again to eat with his family. This time his wife and mother prepared Mole with chicken. It was very delicious and we had coke to drink... (What a treat). At 7:00 as a rain storm moved in, we started our church service under the tent. Sonny and Arlene led the congregation in a chorus in Spanish, then Judy Presley gave her testimony. Judy Gauntt also gave her testimony and sang a song in Spanish and played the keyboard. Then Pastor Jesus' music leader led more singing, then Martin preached, then we finished the "Life of Christ" movie. It was a wonderful emotionally refreshing service with many people being blessed.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday
Friday morning, RA, Martin, Gracie and Sonny headed back to Puyipa and Judy, Wilson, Tom and Arlene stayed in Palenque. Arlene was suffering from an upset stomach and later Brandon Hall also came into town from the village suffering from an upset stomach. After medicine was given, both are feeling somewhat better. We (the 4 mentioned above) arrived in Puyipa with instructional material and immediately began activities with the children along with the team staying in Puyipa which consists of Justin McFarland, Ceil Warden, Cindy Morris and Judy Presley. With the children, we covered the story of Noah’s ark and emphasis was on God’s love for mankind and the rainbow which represents his covenant with man. Once they finished their activity, the children went out back to do their arts and crafts which included coloring a rainbow.
After the children left the church, the instruction began for the adults. The primary instruction was on the first 14 verses of the Gospel of John. RA discussed the foundation for the writing of the book and Gracie Hatten interpreted along with Justin and Rohelio translated portions into Choe. Instructional activities took about 2 ½ hrs and when completed we prepared for the noon church service. Martin Venegas brought the message of First Fruits and the value of trusting God and giving to him the honor and glory. The service included a lengthy amount of music lasting about 2 ½ hrs. Of course once the service was over it was time to eat. The breaking of bread (corn Tortillas) is an important time to them to visit with us. Once the meal was finished, it was time to send the Palenque team back to town to meet with Bro. Jesus about establishing his license and discussing the material that was brought to him by Global University. The Puyipa team had a couple of hours down time as they prepared for the evening service and Justin brought the message and they watched part of one of the DVD’s we brought. At Bro. Jesus’ church the crowd had grown to 80 almost double what we had the first night. Bro. Jesus had spent the day inviting people. The service again was exciting and energetic and Wilson Gaunt had the opportunity to share his testimony along with educational opportunities through Global University. Education is needed (biblical and basic) in this area, something that will continue to be provided on future trips. Sonny read the opening scripture with Gracie interpreting for all. It was a very touching service as many folks came up for prayer. A lot of these folks are struggling financially. After the service we watched more of the DVD before announcing that we would be doing more children’s activities on Saturday. This is the first time to work with children in the town of Palenque. We offered additional incentives by promising pizza which excited the children and some adults. Our estimated number for here in town was 30 children but wouldn’t be surprised to see 50 children. Another long day has passed as we prepare for Saturday with our initial breakfast with Jesus’ family about 10:00 a.m.
After the children left the church, the instruction began for the adults. The primary instruction was on the first 14 verses of the Gospel of John. RA discussed the foundation for the writing of the book and Gracie Hatten interpreted along with Justin and Rohelio translated portions into Choe. Instructional activities took about 2 ½ hrs and when completed we prepared for the noon church service. Martin Venegas brought the message of First Fruits and the value of trusting God and giving to him the honor and glory. The service included a lengthy amount of music lasting about 2 ½ hrs. Of course once the service was over it was time to eat. The breaking of bread (corn Tortillas) is an important time to them to visit with us. Once the meal was finished, it was time to send the Palenque team back to town to meet with Bro. Jesus about establishing his license and discussing the material that was brought to him by Global University. The Puyipa team had a couple of hours down time as they prepared for the evening service and Justin brought the message and they watched part of one of the DVD’s we brought. At Bro. Jesus’ church the crowd had grown to 80 almost double what we had the first night. Bro. Jesus had spent the day inviting people. The service again was exciting and energetic and Wilson Gaunt had the opportunity to share his testimony along with educational opportunities through Global University. Education is needed (biblical and basic) in this area, something that will continue to be provided on future trips. Sonny read the opening scripture with Gracie interpreting for all. It was a very touching service as many folks came up for prayer. A lot of these folks are struggling financially. After the service we watched more of the DVD before announcing that we would be doing more children’s activities on Saturday. This is the first time to work with children in the town of Palenque. We offered additional incentives by promising pizza which excited the children and some adults. Our estimated number for here in town was 30 children but wouldn’t be surprised to see 50 children. Another long day has passed as we prepare for Saturday with our initial breakfast with Jesus’ family about 10:00 a.m.
Thursday
Thursday morning we all rose and started our day. The ladies of the village were cleaning turkeys that we had all seen walking around the afternoon before. One was boiling the heads and another had a pot of feet that she was stewing. They were preparing for the celebration feast that was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. later that day. We were served animal cookies and then breakfast was beans and rice with corn tortillas with coffee and papaya juice. Ripe papaya has a an odor much like sour milk - very hard to drink if you smell of it beforehand.
RA’s luggage with a lot of instructional material that had gotten lost on flight was due to arrive in Palenque, so he, Justin and Martin Venegas (Brownwood) went into town to visit with another Brother who has small house church and pick up his bag. (We plan to minister at his church on Sunday night) The remaining team members worked with the children. The ones 10 and under Ceil Warden taught about the 7 days of creation along with Judy Presley and Cindy Morris who were in charge of the crafts. Sonny & Gracie Hatten with help from Brandon Hall played games with the children.
The teenagers and young adults came in for a Pre-test on the book of John and after instruction is done for the next few days, the same students with take a post test and their learning will be measured.
Many of the Mayan Indians in this area are celebrating Thanksgiving at this time for the crops that the Lord has provided and the calves and poultry that have grown up that will be slaughtered for food. Justin preached the first noon celebration service to a packed church. The ladies then served fried chicken along with fresh yucca (much like a potato) and some squash. Some ate fried turkey feet. The group that were scheduled to stay in Palenque prepared to load up to go into town. The Van only holds 7 people and along with all of luggage it was impossible for all 8 to ride in together. The ladies, Gracie Hatten, Judy Gaunt, and RA and Arlene Evans left with the luggage to take the trip back into Palenque to work with Bro. Jesus’ church. The men, Wilson Gaunt, Sonny Hatten, Martin Venegas and Tom Bowes waited to catch a shuttle which is a small s-10 pickup with sideboards on the back and rode in standing up in the back of the pickup. It was a rough, hot, bumpy ride for them. That is the main mode of transportation for the Puyipa village to travel in to Palenque. The Palenque team checked into the Hotel and got showers then attended a tent meeting at Bro. Jesus’ church. The so-called tent is a truck tarp (25 X 35) that has 3 old 2X10’s supporting its middle with edges tied to the large trees on one side and a house on the other. There were approximately 50 in attendance scattered under and around the tarp in stackable plastic chairs and we had 19 professions of faith as Martin Venagas brought the message. We brought a DVD player along with a projector and they hung up a white sheet for a screen and we played a portion of a video of the life of Christ. (we will play a portion each service until the video is complete) After the service, Bro. Jesus wanted us to go to his home and meet his wife and family. We had a short visit with her in which they invited us from breakfast on Saturday morning. By this time it was around 11:00 p.m. We made a quick trip around the town to get something cold to drink. (not a vending machine on every corner) and then retired for the night with great expectations for the next day.
RA’s luggage with a lot of instructional material that had gotten lost on flight was due to arrive in Palenque, so he, Justin and Martin Venegas (Brownwood) went into town to visit with another Brother who has small house church and pick up his bag. (We plan to minister at his church on Sunday night) The remaining team members worked with the children. The ones 10 and under Ceil Warden taught about the 7 days of creation along with Judy Presley and Cindy Morris who were in charge of the crafts. Sonny & Gracie Hatten with help from Brandon Hall played games with the children.
The teenagers and young adults came in for a Pre-test on the book of John and after instruction is done for the next few days, the same students with take a post test and their learning will be measured.
Many of the Mayan Indians in this area are celebrating Thanksgiving at this time for the crops that the Lord has provided and the calves and poultry that have grown up that will be slaughtered for food. Justin preached the first noon celebration service to a packed church. The ladies then served fried chicken along with fresh yucca (much like a potato) and some squash. Some ate fried turkey feet. The group that were scheduled to stay in Palenque prepared to load up to go into town. The Van only holds 7 people and along with all of luggage it was impossible for all 8 to ride in together. The ladies, Gracie Hatten, Judy Gaunt, and RA and Arlene Evans left with the luggage to take the trip back into Palenque to work with Bro. Jesus’ church. The men, Wilson Gaunt, Sonny Hatten, Martin Venegas and Tom Bowes waited to catch a shuttle which is a small s-10 pickup with sideboards on the back and rode in standing up in the back of the pickup. It was a rough, hot, bumpy ride for them. That is the main mode of transportation for the Puyipa village to travel in to Palenque. The Palenque team checked into the Hotel and got showers then attended a tent meeting at Bro. Jesus’ church. The so-called tent is a truck tarp (25 X 35) that has 3 old 2X10’s supporting its middle with edges tied to the large trees on one side and a house on the other. There were approximately 50 in attendance scattered under and around the tarp in stackable plastic chairs and we had 19 professions of faith as Martin Venagas brought the message. We brought a DVD player along with a projector and they hung up a white sheet for a screen and we played a portion of a video of the life of Christ. (we will play a portion each service until the video is complete) After the service, Bro. Jesus wanted us to go to his home and meet his wife and family. We had a short visit with her in which they invited us from breakfast on Saturday morning. By this time it was around 11:00 p.m. We made a quick trip around the town to get something cold to drink. (not a vending machine on every corner) and then retired for the night with great expectations for the next day.
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