Aynsley and I also just wrapped up our debrief with our Shelter team tonight. It was more of a somber, reflective time, however, it ended in a resolve to continue what we're called to do and in united song of praise - the Doxology.
Why the somber mood: After the events of yesterday (See Aynsley's post below), we went back out to the community, prepared to build the 8 remaining houses. However, as we arrived that number had dwindled to 6. Why? The shooting we had heard yesterday, sent one man to the hospital (where he remains in serious condition). In fact, it turns out that we saw the gunman leaving on his motorcycle. The result of this activity - the families we were to build for have decided to leave the community. 6 new homes, dwindled to 3...which we built and then made a hasty exit. Later this afternoon, we sent a group of local people in, and they removed 2 of the homes we built. Everyone, but one family, has left that community.
Part of our prayer, everyday is for God to protect us from evil and for God to shine light into the darkness. We need both these powerful acts of God continually. These last two days has been a sober reminder of those realities. We are thankful that this community has been forced to face the reality of the evil that often stays hidden and that they made a choice to leave. We pray that the Lord would provide for them in the days, weeks and months to come. Please join us in that prayer.
We pray for the resolve to (re)build 9 homes over the course of the next couple of days in a different community and to be able to bless 9 families. Please join us in that prayer.
We pray that God would continue to deepen our love for Him, His purposes and the way in which He is coming against the present evil in this country. Please join us in that prayer.
We pray that God would rescue and redeem men, women and children in El Salvador, bringing them into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Please join us in that prayer.
The paradox, as Steve and I talked about is this: how could we witness lives being changed by Jesus Christ, and the resultant praise and joy, in a country where such evil and violence exists. This much we know that God is at work here and we're privileged to be a part of it; in different ways - all of which is making a tangible Kingdom difference.
This paradox of God's grace in the midst of evil leads us to doxological praise, knowing that God's purposes will prevail. Please join us in this:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen."
Deve
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