May 1, 2019

Good Friday drama 

Well the Easter weekend I mentioned last time turned out beautifully. For Good Friday the building was filled to overflowing if one was to include the actors in the tally. This year, one of our worship leaders wrote a drama in which several scenes from the life of Christ were depicted, leading up to and including the crucifixion and His resurrection. Including the director and the musicians/singers not on stage, there were twenty-five of the church members in the production.

Of course, Easter Sunday was a full day. We always have a sunrise service. Mary counted twenty-five in attendance followed by a breakfast. The Sunday service started slow but as I looked up from the piano ten minutes later, I saw the building was almost full. One of our young women did an interpretive dance about the death of Christ and what it meant for people. She did s spectacular job as she gave herself to the moment. Our worship leader that day also sang a special for the Lord's supper. It was a beautiful song. I spoke about Mary at the cross, and the probable confusion she had to contend with considering the many supernatural events that had taken place at Jesus' birth and during His ministry. Her confusion was swept away early Easter morning.

Baptism

After the service I had the privilege to take this woman's profession of faith and baptize her. Since she was a little unstable on her feet, getting into the baptistry posed a challenge. I asked one of the deacons to assist me. As you can see the woman gave me a huge hug and then the deacon, a pretty good-sized man,bear-hugged us both. It truly was a touching moment.

Guajataca Beach a few miles from our place

After the service Mary and I treated ourselves to dinner at a place overlooking the ocean, near the scene you see below. Later on that night, our band had practice. We were preparing to travel to Ponce, on the south side of the island for a three-day revival. What started at 4:00 am concluded at 8:00 pm. It was a tiring but very satisfying day.

From rubble to...

...a ruby

The International Disaster Emergency Service projects are wrapping up. Here is one completed project, the before and after photos. From rubble to a "ruby". I am so happy for these people. The other project is close to being finished as well. Both families were devastated after Hurricane Maria. I saw tears of sorrow and uncertainty as both families were left with little more than the clothes on their backs. Now, through God's generous people, there are huge smiles, tears of joy and life is filled with delight. Thanks IDES.

The new church plant in Ponce, under the auspices of Myrtle Breach Christian Church and spearheaded by Samuel Muñoz. is moving forward. Five people were baptized during the days following Easter Week. As I stated earlier, our church band traveled to Ponce for three nights of special services. It was a long trip but rewarding. I am proud of our band. Several are very talented and freely use their gifts for the Lord.

That wraps it up. Thanks for staying up-to-date on Mary and I.