Happy Father's Day!

This is a two-day update.

Saturday –
Sports camp was conducted in the morning. Attendance seemed a little lower than expected, but it was probably due to some unusual activity in town (unusual to the team anyway). One of the main roads through town which passes in front of the church was blocked off for what looked like a government-sponsored flea market. There appear to be more shortages this year than seen in past years (sugar, toilet paper, etc.) and this event seemed to be an opportunity for people to shop for supplies.

The early afternoon provided a chance to start preparing the interior walls of the church to be painted. After smoothing and sanding, they will be painted white.

VBS was conducted in the afternoon. The team did the Noah’s Ark skit – this year without the highly unusual and very dramatic rain storm that followed last year’s portrayal! Another story was told about a boy in a boat and how Jesus was with him as he was scared by a storm. Tom illustrated the story with paper folding that started as a boat and ended in the shape of a lifejacket, symbolizing that Jesus, our lifesaver, had been there all along. The kids got their own paper to play with and enjoy it very much.

Some of you from prior trips may remember Frenie, whose picture has been on our VZ Mission posters and slide shows. Jackie learned Saturday was her 13th birthday so the team arranged for a cake and held a small celebration with her.

The team had dinner together at a restaurant near the hotel, and Tom led the devotions before bedtime.

Sunday –
There were no plans for the morning so the team got a welcomed opportunity to sleep in a bit later. Glenn led the team in a worship service.

Next, it was off to the softball field for the “Father’s Day Cup” a local softball tournament. Reid and Shaun were allowed to play on the Punto Fijo team. At the top of the last inning, the score was tied, but the other team came back to score three runs, so PF was out of the running for the trophy!

As Barco and I talked, the team was preparing to head back to Punto Cardon for dinner and a service this evening.

All team members are reported to be healthy and happy!

The team continues to see the impact of our mission efforts. From the early days of our trips, Punto Fijo has a sturdy building in which to hold services, but perhaps more importantly, lasting relationships that are furthering the Kingdom of God are more apparent each year. This is particularly apparent to people like Glenn, who are returning to PF after several years away, but the feeling is shared by all the returning members.