Last Night's Preparation and Day Two

Thanks to the grateful hearts of FBC DeFuniak Springs, FBC preschool, FCA, and Lattimore Baptist Church (Lattimore, NC), our team spent a good portion of the evening packing socks, Bibles, crayons, and coloring books in preparation for a visit to Santa Maria de Jesus and Rio Bravo. As you can see in the photos, a systematic work crew working tirelessly through the night. Our supervisor, Dr. Feitsma kept everyone on task, even Richard Murray.

The mission team just returned from spending the day in Chimaltenango, which sits below our lodge.
Our first visit was to Los Gozosos, a special needs orphanage directed by Ms. Maureen. The orphanage is home to 11 children that have various disabilities, such as down syndrome, severe autism, and brain injury. The children are provided with physical, educational, and spiritual care by several dedicated women on staff. Our team had the pleasure of socializing with the children, listening to the heart of Ms. Maureen's vision, and observe Bob, our leader, install a water filter system. Words and photos cannot truly express the beauty of these children......you may have to personally visit them!

Los Gozosos has numerous needs. Ms. Maureen shared about financial and facility needs. A financial cost per month for Los Gozosos is estimated at $8,000. The monthly cost provide staff salaries, food, equipment, and utility bills.

As you view the following photos, you will observe the construction that is needed.  Mission teams are an asset to Los Gozosos because they provide labor and funding for the projects.

After enjoying a lunch in a small cantina, we visited the Bible seminary in Chimaltenago. Kirk Lightfoot, a resident missionary, led our team on a tour of the seminary. The seminary opened in the early 1970's. Today, the seminary graduates 15-20 students each year that have prepared diligently for the work of the ministry.

As you see in the photo above, you see a foundation that has been constructed, but in need of completion. This future building will house married couples who attend and will attend the seminary for biblical training. In June of 2011, Austin Shoaf, Jeff Geoghagan, Billy Dawkins, and Richard Murray were able to participate in digging footing for this future building. Why the long building process? The seminary relies on teams to fund and complete the construction. Any men or women interested next February??????

During your time of prayer, please mention the orphanage of Loz Gozosos and the Seminary in Chimaltenago. Thank you for your continued prayers for our team. We will rise early tomorrow to travel to Pastores to build a home for a needy family. Good night and God bless!