Saturday Post -- 20/10/12

Before sharing ministry developments, here are some pictures taken last weekend of the new house. The roof (which I reckoned was looking pretty snazzy -- shame it can't be glass) is by now almost completely tiled.

This is the large upstairs window which will let a
lot of light in.

A view from the front which, in the coming weeks, will be obscured by the
perimeter wall (now completed round the sides and back).

A view of the back garden area from the rear living-room window. A
supervisor stays in that shed at night to make sure no-one runs off with
the building equipment! You can also see from this picture just how low
everything is -- the whole plot needs to be filled in with earth up to
the height of the small bricks in the perimeter wall.

Our upstairs bedroom.

Amanda pokes around.

The living-room, looking out the front door. The perimeter wall doesn't
allow for a lot of light to come in, but it should make things a lot cooler.

KC and I are now into the 'interview' stage with all three of the classes with whom I've been working through the book on John's gospel. Yet more students have come to a saving faith this week, either while completing the questionnaire for homework, or by asking to be prayed with (and, of course, we do stress that the students have to ask for it -- in this culture, saying 'yes' to things without considering the consequences is all too prevalent). So we continue to give thanks that a harvest is being reaped for the kingdom.

In my other main teaching involvement, FT's Community Classes, it's been encouraging to watch my assistant Elizabeth's development in the last few weeks. Elizabeth, as regular readers will know, came on board at the start of this year, having been identified in the church's ministries as a young woman with potential. There is, however, a danger -- particularly here in Bolivia where genuine talent can be so thin on the ground -- that we throw too much at such people and they become overwhelmed. Furthermore, it can be easy for us to forget that, coming from a secular background, she doesn't have the support at home that we at times take for granted. 

This is a trap I have fallen into at times this year. At the start of the session, for example, to encourage Elizabeth in her development, I essentially gave her free reign over the teaching schedule, taking something of a hands-off approach. We were soon working methodically through the battles of the book of Judges -- and when we got to 1 Samuel, an extended lesson on Samuel's anointing of Saul was on the cards. Fascinating stories in their own right, but challenging material for children of 5-10 years-old, who comprise the majority of participants. But then again, with zero experience of growing up in Sunday School, it's little wonder Elizabeth wasn't hitting the notes that kids respond to -- something I overlooked at my peril.

In any case, we're essentially on to David's Greatest Hits now and the kids are relishing stories with action, suspense and themes which most certainly relate to their own lives. And yesterday Elizabeth herself commented on how she feels the teaching sessions have become a lot easier recently. Encouraged, then, to see the direction this is taking -- and reminded of just how privileged an upbringing I enjoyed.

Keeping things in the family, Amanda mentioned last week that she was about to begin a formal discipleship programme with Grecia. That started yesterday, using a book called 'Vida Discipular' (rough translation: the life of a disciple), published by Lifeway, who specialise in discipleship materials. Please be prayerful for the two of them as they begin this process, again bearing in mind that Grecia does not enjoy Christian support at home.

Elsewhere, Amanda's been ploughing ahead with preparation for next Saturday's social night at the youth group. Social nights are a departure from the traditional format and tend to take place every couple of months. However, given everyone's busyness, the preparation can be a little haphazard and last-minute. So, as part of their new roles as youth group coordinators, KC and Amanda are forensically planning social nights many weeks in advance. This time, a Just Dance evening is on the cards, with the group divided into four teams for a Nintendo Wii dance-off. However, that's not what I'm most excited about. Oh, no. Because it's not only sweet moves which will be recognised, but punctuality. As Amanda knows all too well, I'm something of a stickler for doing things on time, meaning that Latin culture, to me, represents not only an affront to my way of life, but also a grave health risk. This applies no less to church activities.

So I'm pretty pumped about next Saturday, because the first 25 youth to turn up will be given crowns/tiaras to wear, while the stragglers will be invited to don a pair of donkey ears, thus exposing their tardiness in all its folly. 

Anyway, I'd best be off or I'll be late for a trip into town (bit ironic, that, eh!).

Prayer

• For Amanda and KC as they continue their preparations for next Saturday.
• For continued progress on our house -- we're hoping to start meeting with the builder this week to look at the interior design.
• For Grecia, as she would grow as a disciple as Amanda works alongside her.

Praise 

• For encouragement in the Community classes in recent weeks.
• For the several young people who have trusted the Lord over the past seven days. Prayer is appreciated that they would get themselves plugged into a local church where the Bible is taken seriously.

¡Que Dios les bendiga!

Craig & Amanda