oh man, do I have some great stuff for you guys. we had the day 'off' yesterday until about 3:30pm when we left to do some health screenings at a neighboring church. Of course, by 'off' i really mean that everyone except the leaders. I spent some time after breakfast in the word reading Psalm 105. As a response to what I wrote in the last lengthy blog - that I focus more on my shortcomings than on Christ's redemption - I am going to read a Psalm a day. The psalms are great in showing God's attributes and thus I believe it will be a fruitful journey. Here is verses 1-5 and 11-12:
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.... For as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

So lets live like it! One of the things I would like to delve into sooner or later (probably not today because I have some other stuff) is the lack of joy in the majority - heck lets just say all - of my life and other Christians. It has to do with what I spoke on recently. But, before I do, I will tell you about my day. So the morning was 'off', but busy nonetheless for me getting all the forms prepared for going into the community. We left for Iglesia Baptista los Vecinos to be a part of a carnival they were having for the community. If you are an attentive reader of this blog, which I hope you all are, you would notice that this is the same church I attend on Sundays. Our role at the carnival was to set up 4 tables to do health screenings and share the Gospel, as well as assist the church members in games and what not. It was a great time of fun, fellowship, medicine, and sharing Jesus. I started off at one of the screening tables and interacted with a very pleseant gentleman from the area. He was in good health (no HTN or DM) and a professed catholic that attended a nearby church. We talked about the Gospel and what it meant to him and how I (we) could pray for him. It was awesome that God allowed me to be a part of his life - however short a time it was - and pray with him for strength in his faith and walk.

I was relieved after a while by another student, which allowed me to wander the grounds and play with the kids. At one point, I was having a jump rope contest with a little girl - I think she was 5 - who I totally demolished, but I dont think there's any pictures to share. It was great to be able to teach her biblical humility at such a young age. She ran away crying, but I'm sure she understands and is thankful for that valuable lesson I taught her.

At the end of the day, we debrief for a short amount of time to share stories, experiences, etc. Overall, I believe 3 people accepted Christ that day and will be followed up with by the pastor of los Vecinos. Very exciting to see God's spirit moving in the community and the opportunity to be a part of it.

I'll add some pictures from the carnival in another post. With the website I use for this blog, it only puts pictures at the top and not necessarily with the text describing it, thus inconvenient at times.

We got back around 9:30pm (long day!) and got together with the D-group guys. God's spirit was moving here too, but He brought out some conflict and sin that was brewing between some of the guys. No need for details, but be praying for us. What a great time to learn how to be a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper. Also a great opportunity to learn to let God heal wounds and not myself. We had a great discussion on idolitry and spent time in pray. Continue to pray for servant leadership in my heart and our time together as a group.

Today we head across the line to another clinic; pray for safety and smooth passage. Hopefully I can tell you guys about it tonight.