Erika Padilla painting the nails of a resident at the local nursing home in San Marcos.
Pastor Mark Wood doing some reading during a break at the nursing home.
Sherry with a resident at the nursing home (photo from Sherry).
Phyllis cleaning away! :)
Mark Wood putting his mopping skills to good use! :)
February 20, 2014
Hello, family! Today was, by far, the busiest day for our
team and the members of Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yire. We started early with
breakfast and a devotional by Sandy. Sandy did a wonderful job! She spoke on
the fruits of the Spirit, specifically joy. She explained that there were many
ways to develop or seek these fruits in our lives. She listed some different
things that bring her joy in her own life. She mentioned things like family,
church family, and being here. She ended explaining that she promised Rhonda
she would dedicate her devotion to her; that Rhonda would be with us all while
we’re here. She explained that Rhonda brings her so much joy and in so many
ways—a great Sunday school teacher, a friend, and an inspiration for Sandy’s
own spiritual journey.
After breakfast and devotional time, we split off into two
groups. One group (Phyllis, Larry, Deanna, Sandy, Pastor Mark Wood, and Sherry)
went to the same nursing home we visited last year. They had a blast! They
spent time doing make-up, painting nails, dancing and playing games. Several of
our team members got out of their comfort zone and danced along with the
residents there. They also played a game involving balloons up the front of
their shirts. I hear it was hilarious and a great time! Pastor Mark Wood
delivered a sermon while they were at the nursing home. He did a wonderful job,
and I know everyone there was blessed by his words. During snack time for the
residents, our team took a moment to clean up the grounds. Several people
washed windows and others mopped floors. Sherry said she didn’t realize until
that moment that Mark Wood (her husband) knew how to hold a mop! I think she
has big plans for him when they return to Oak Hill. J
While group one was spending time at the nursing home, there
were two other groups working at a school. One group (Mark H., Roger L., and
Juan) was painting the outer wall of the school. They did an amazing job! These
men are true professionals! While they were painting, the rest of us (Maddy,
Lisa, Kenny, Roger T., Meredith, Pastor Roldolfo, Rodolfo, Otoniel, and Tony
and Erika—our awesome translators) were putting on a puppet show. After a
couple of complications with speakers and language, the show seemed to be a
great success! We went classroom by classroom giving a small 3-4 minute puppet
presentation on integrity to each class. Erika (our translator) did a wonderful
job driving the point home at the end of the show. Each of the puppeteers took
turns speaking to the classes about integrity, loving your neighbor because
Jesus loved us first, and bullying. The students seemed to enjoy the show, the
messages, and the visit! J
“Group two” left the school and made their way over to the
nursing home to share lunch with the entire group. After that, it was back to
Skylark to freshen up for a few minutes before the next adventure.
Shortly after, the group split up into two different groups,
again. Group one (Lisa, Deanna, Phyllis, Larry, Mark W., Sherry…) joined
several of our members from Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yire at the church grounds
to work on beautification and cleanup. It was reported that several bags of
trash were gathered and the area surrounding the church is much more beautiful and
much safer for young children to run around.
Group two (Maddy, Roger T., Kenny, Mark H., Roger L.,
Meredith, Pastor Rodolfo, Marcos, and Erika and Tony—again, our amazing
translators!) went to a high school to talk to the students about several
things such as: purity, the difficulty of being a Christian in high school,
seeking God, His love. The story of Marissa Miller was also shared thousands of
miles away in Nicaragua. It was emphasized that we are never promised tomorrow. Following the talk about Marissa’s
story, Marcos brought the point home, discussing the urgency in knowing Christ,
because so often students feel that they have all the time in the world. They
don’t think they need to accept Christ now; they can wait until they’ve “lived
a little.” Next, Marcos asked if anyone would like to accept Christ or
rededicate his or her life to Christ. Every hand in the room shot up
(approximately 30, in all). What an amazing moment. We took time to pray the
prayer of salvation together… and we left a room filled with new and
rededicated followers of Christ. Amen. God is good.
During the classroom talks, an earthquake shook San Marcos
(approximately 4.5 magnitude—thanks, Kenny!). Mark H. was convinced it was
because they were praying at the same time. J
Next up, it was time for dinner and immediately following we
left for a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in San Marcos. Almost as soon as we
arrived and settled in, the electricity on the whole block went out. It was
pitch black. Several people were holding up their phones and others were trying
to light a few candles to bring light to the room. By the time the meeting
started, it felt like we were sitting in on candle light service in February. What
an awesome experience. We listened to testimony after testimony of different NA
members and members from our own group, as well. Mark Houser and Roger
Ledbetter both spoke at different points throughout the meeting. They gave
their own testimony and offered inspiration and encouragement to everyone in
attendance. By the time the meeting ended, the lights flickered back on.
Perfect timing! J
By the time we made it back to Skylark we were all “properly
exhausted” from such an amazing day. The internet still has not been working. I’m
currently typing this blog update in a Word document in hopes of uploading
soon! Tomorrow we will be visiting the volcano in Masaya, visiting the local
market there, and a few other fun things on our day of relaxation.
We love you all! We love our 28 and our family of families
praying for us at home. Your prayers are felt so strongly—they even caused an
earthquake! J
God bless!
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