As Thursday draws to a close, so too do the projects we came to accomplish. The Kids and Ladies programs have been a huge success with attendance numbers well exceeding initial expectations. A definite highlight of the trip has been the beaming faces of the kids and ladies as they interact with the team. Despite having little in the way of material comfort, there is a depth of enthusiasm and joy that the Quiche (pronounced Key-chay) people bring to their lives. It's infectious and we can't help but feel a sense of worship toward the Lord as we see His sweet image in them. A common theme in our team worship time is gratitude toward God for all that He has done not only for us at LBC, but for these people as well. Life filled with such abundant goodness must flow only from a kind and ample creator. Here, we seem to feel that truth a little more acutely.
At the well site, the team was successful in reaching an approximate depth of 193 ft by Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday was spent cleaning the well and installing the casing and today we were able to complete most of the final steps required to insure that the pump system is functioning properly and that the well is tied into the village's current infrastructure. We're now projecting that the pump will provide something on the order of 7,900 gallons of pure water per day to the village. With conservation and wise usage, we're hoping that this will meet all of their potable water needs for years to come.
There is something special about a newly drilled well. Fresh, safe, life giving water spills effortlessly from deep in the ground where only hours or days before lay barren sand. If there is a better picture of the gospel in nature, I can't think of one. How sad a thought it is to consider that most people live there lives separated from the Water of Life by only a few metaphorical meters. They slog through the dust planting seed after seed in desperate hope of a harvest of meaning and satisfaction and peace that never comes. It isn't until the good news of the gospel is shared, a conduit opened, that the redeeming flood can have it's effect. In a small way we've changed the landscape of Guatemala this week, in a larger way the landscape of our own hearts and priorities. Oh that the Lord's most profound work be done in the hearts of those who heard the gospel this week.
Pictures to follow.
Love reading these updates and I can't wait to hear all your wonderful stories. To God be the Glory! Praying specifically for those women to fully know God's presence. Love to the whole team!
ReplyDeleteSoldiers,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a good job. You have brought the King's water from deep within the ground to overflow and quench the thirst of many of his creations bearing his image. You have been successful. For this, be thankful. Many dangers have been avoided because you have been alert and prayerful. Now let the water flow! Let the people rejoice!
Start cleaning up - you are all very dirty. The King wants you to be clean and properly dressed as you return home from battle. Many are awaiting you. They have been watching and praying. Be sure to wear a smile when they see you. If you look sad, they will beat you up.
I am giving my full report to the King of Kings today. I will tell him I am very proud of you all and that you have succeeded in accomplishing the tasks he laid out for you. Not many have been as successful as you have been. You have done this with energy, vitality, joy and a smile. Now as you go, please sing together, "Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle, see his banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before." (If you want more stanzas, look to your cell phone for further words of marching as soldiers of Jesus.)
Farewell, Christian soldiers.
Five-star General, Alexander Strauch