Day 7: John 3:30

Rhonda and Sandy dancing with some of the ladies from the nursing home. 

Children from Iglesia Bautista singing at the nursing home.

Rhonda taking care of her new friend.

Sherry spending time with some of the children from Iglesia Bautista.

Roger and Helbert after Helbert's solo performance.

Lisa and I (Meredith) mingling with the residents of the nursing home.

Mark doing some "mingling" of his own. :)

Stacy doing what she does best--playing with the kids!

Today, Kenny was the leader of our morning devotional. He went into his "God story," talking about challenges and victories, alike. He did an amazing job and truly touched our hearts with his words. He emphasized that he is a simple man and his favorite verse is a simple one-- "He must become greater; I must become less," John 3:30. As Kenny explained his favorite verse, it was realized that Mark Houser was wearing a shirt that had "John 3:30" written on the front. Just after that, it was realized that the bracelets we would be giving out at the Narcotics Anonymous meeting carried a message that reflected John 3:30, as well. So, the (obvious) theme for today was John 3:30. 

This morning we had to split up our team to accomplish everything on the day's agenda. The men went back to the school to finish painting, while the women visited a local nursing home. At the nursing home we opened up with a "mini" church service. A group of children from Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh sang a beautiful song for us, and one child, Helbert, sang a solo. Pastor Mark Wood delivered a short sermon focusing on our walk with God and the wisdom that we gain from that journey. He encouraged the men and women at the nursing home to continue their walk, clinging to God's love and staying in the Word. After the message, Marcos (the Worship Leader) asked us to find one person from the nursing home to pray for. We scattered, found a new friend, and began praying for them. This really was a beautiful moment, and it was evident that the residents of the nursing home were very grateful for the prayer and the love we hoped to convey. Next, it was time for snacks and makeovers! The ladies were treated as if they were in a day spa. Their hair was brushed and fixed with beautiful pins; their nails were painted an array of different colors; and their make-up was absolutely beautiful when the volunteers were finished applying the shadows and lipstick. The men may have felt left out; however when we asked if they wanted their nails painted or make-up applied, they politely declined. :) After everyone was looking beautiful the dancing began! Rhonda and Sandy were busting a move on the dance floor with a few of the residents. They said they felt young again. :)

Later in the afternoon, the men returned to the school to finish painting. Dinner followed with the usual recap on the day and friendly conversation. After dinner we had a meeting at Margarita's home with the church leaders of Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh. We spent time expressing our genuine gratitude to Iglesia Bautista for all of their preparation, work, and prayers over these past several months (and this week). They returned the sentiments. At the end of the meeting, Pastor Rudolfo showed us the "blueprints" (or plans) for their future church building. It will be two floors when finished, complete with classrooms and a worship area. They ask for our prayers that they will be able to fund the project and reach more people in San Marcos for God.

(Side note: As we pulled up to Margarita's home for the meeting, Lisa and I [Meredith] saw the Matron from our home visit on Tuesday walking down the street with assistance from her walker and her daughter. This seemed like a miracle to us! Just a couple of days earlier she said she could not walk. She said walking was not possible because she was in so much pain from her heartache and poor hips. To see her walking was answered prayer. We hope to visit her tomorrow, encourage her, and invite her to evening worship. He is good :) )

We left from the meeting around 7:30 and went to "The Hope and Faith Group," also referred to as Narcotics Anonymous. This was such a humbling and wonderful experience. We were able to participate in an "open meeting" with Narcotics Anonymous. They explained that they use a 12-step program (similar to what we would use in the US). They also have 35 spiritual principles that they reference through their recovery process. Not only do they treat current addicts, but they also provide prevention education for children and families that may be susceptible to drug or alcohol addiction. The meeting began with a message of welcome and a wonderful "drama" put on by the Worship Team of Iglesia Bautista. Following the drama, individuals came up to share their testimony. From our team Kenny, Zach, Meredith, and Mark spoke to the members in attendance. It is our prayer that everyone there was blessed, because we know we were. We left feeling inspired and promising prayers for these men and the struggles that lie ahead. They claimed that they will struggle with addiction all their lives. However, they said with God's strength, they will overcome these struggles day by day, victory by victory. We left bracelets carrying the John 3:30 message for each member in attendance. Everyone seemed so grateful for the bracelets, the message, and for our visit. The director of the meeting said he wanted to thank us for our visit and our message of Christ because it gave them hope and strength to continue in their journey. God is good.

As our day winds down, we think of our family and friends back home. As always, your thoughts and prayers are so powerful. We thank you for your support as we finish out the last day of this mission. God bless! 

Always in His love,


1 Corinthians 13:13