August 2013 Cojutepeque, El Salvador

Its time for WCBC classes again as this month kicks off. Professor Samms was here from West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster California and taught Sermon Preparation. It was a great help to both pastors and church workers/ministry workers alike. What a blessing to see another 20 people here to participate in this intense 3 days class for about 8 hours every day! What a way to take a college course!

One of the boats over the lake filled with church ladies.

The ladies of the church have a ladies night once every couple of months and this month was no exception. We were able to go to a giant lake about 45 minutes away and go on a boat ride. It was fun to be able to get to know some of the ladies more during this activity during the drive there, and then another drive to the location of the activity. The theme was "Launching out" and it was centered around doing your all for Christ. It was a lot of fun, and the focus/theme got the ladies thinking about serving more in the church. A lot of them since then have been even more involved in stepping up and serving when needed, without being asked. What a blessing!

A few of the ladies that attended the event.

Greetings from Costa Rica!

What a great time its been! I left mid month on a 17 hour bus ride to Costa Rica. Each 90 days here you are required to leave the country. It is permissible to pay 100.00 and remain in El Salvador. However, at the 180 day mark you must leave; no extensions will be granted. The rules are that you must leave not only the country, but the region. You must exit El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala. So, I decided to go south through El Salvador and Honduras to Costa Rica. By bus that costs about 200.00 and is a really interesting time clearing customs, police searches, bag searches, and people that sit next to you. An adventure it was!!

Amalia and I out exploring the countryside

During my time in the military I met a friend named John. His wife Gaby is from Costa Rica. She offered her mothers house for me to stay in during my time in Costa Rica. I was able to stay in San Jose and explore Costa Rica for a day and then was wisked away by my gracious hostess. She's 68 years old, still lives on and manages and large and active farm, and still raises, kills and cooks her own chickens! The amount of work this woman does in one day is amazing! Coffee is key! Thank goodness for this lovely lady and her kindness. What a joy it is to be able to get to make new friends!

 

A beautiful church-one of the many Catholic churches in Costa Rica.
"Bascillica de Los Angeles"

Beautiful View of one of the many volcanoes (Poas)  in Costa Rica.

Enjoying the day with animals and waterfalls!

Back in El Salvador for the 2nd half of August, I was able to take the books that I'd found around the school, in closets, and donations from students and friends in the U.S. and make a small library. Right now its got a collection of almost 100 books and growing. Praise the Lord for fun books and Bible books in English and Spanish that are in good condition for the kids to read and learn from!

Small library, complete with cool dinosaur books!

The last Sunday of the month I had the great privilege to attend the baptism of David, Tania, Sabrina, Camila, and Jose. Its been amazing to see the change in each one of their lives.

David (boy in red)  is one of my 4th grade boys and a joy to have in class.

David, Tania, Sabrina, Camila and Jose. 

Tania (in red) has a brother who is in my 9th grade English class. As a young, single mother I didn't know how to reach out to her. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, I gave her a package of diapers, and a card that said I hope to meet you some day. That's all it took. She was in church a few weeks later, and hasn't missed more than a few services since June. Since then, shes proceeded to invite 3 others, 2 of which are her family members, and also now regular attenders! Praise the Lord.

Tania getting baptized. What a joy to witness. 

Sabrina (in black) is one of the girls in my Sunday School class, who before I met her had only attended a few times. Esther Fridenstine does a fantastic job as the teacher of the class and with prompting, Sabrina returned.

Next is Camila (in purple). She began to attend mid year with her mom and sister. She is always a joy to have in Sunday School with us, and is a regular attender as well.

Jose (with the hat) attended church a year ago one time, and was a first time visitor when Brother England came to visit Cojutepeque to teach a WCBC class and preach. One year later to that date exactly, brother England returned. On that same date, Jose returned to the church. He said he wasn't sure why, but he woke up that morning and knew he was supposed to go. He has been faithful to many services, and has helped even with the building projects. What a joy to see him saved and baptized.

Church members looking on at the baptism.

Each one has a story to tell. Its been amazing to be a small part of their stories here in Cojutepeque, El Salvador!