Sun!  Wonderful sunshine!  Unlike our last VBT here in Durazno we are experiencing wonderful weather for this weeks VBT in the park.  Thank you for your prayers.

Once again we are using a Wordless Book theme to be able to clearly give the Gospel.  My goal is that each child hear the Gospel at least two times from two different sources in a two hour time slot.  The time goes by so quickly.

Pastor Daniel Rojas (aka Cascarita the Clown) and two teenagers from Paysandu are helping us this week in addition to Victor M.  Without them we would not be able corral some of the more energetic children.

On the first evening we had 42 children slowly trickle in over the coarse of our two hour VBT hosted in Plaza Guayreña.  Friday evening, we had 45 children, and on Saturday morning we had 43.

Friday morning we followed up some of the parents from VBT#1, and reinvited their children to VBT#3.  In addition, we invited the parents to start individual Bible Studies with us.  So far we have not had any takers but on the other hand we only had one definite “no”.  Please pray that we will have some parents say “yes”.

Last Thursday we traveled north-west to Paysandu to help Iglesia Bautista Bíblica de Fe with their annual VBT.  Jo Anna taught the Bible lesson, while I taught the memory verse.  We had a great time with the children, Cascarita the Clown, and the rest of the family.

The VBT ended Saturday evening and we traveled back the same night to Durazno to be ready for Sunday.

During the time six children made professions of salvation and two received assurance of their salvation.  Of the new children that attended, two showed up for Sunday School the day after.

Praise the Lord for the fruit He is giving the believers in Paysandu.

Pastor and Nan Flinck arrived safe and sound after a long journey.  Their flight got in just a few minutes ahead of schedule at Uruguay’s brand new international airport.  Despite their exhaustion they were game to go and see the place were Ray and Sharon Pope had ministered for some many years, (Las Piedras)  especially as it was on the way to our home in Durazno.  This also allowed them to freshen up with a welcome and refreshing shower.

Due to the flooding that we experienced last week, we have been told to expect water cuts this week, and were not sure if we would have water in the house when we got home.  The city pipes did not withstand the extra pressure.  Right now the River Yi is approximately 30 feet higher than normal.  Fortunately, when we arrived home about 4:30 the water was still flowing to our house. Phew!

We are thrilled to see our Pastor and wife, and look forward to showing them the beautiful place and people that God has given us to serve.

February is child outreach month for us.  This week we are hosting a Vacation Bible Time in a nearby park.

We went door-to-door with invitations Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  We took our time getting to know people and handed out about 100 invitations.

Tuesday morning the Lopez family arrived from Las Piedras.  (They are a missionary family originally from Peru, and are assisting the BWM ministry in Las Piedras.)  Tuesday night we were all set to kick off the event, but were utterly rained out.  Wednesday evening we saw a break in the clouds.  For about 45 minutes we were able to sing songs, tell a portion of the Wordless Book, and play some games.  Then once again the rain struck.  Craft time and Snack time did not happen.

Tonight, we will see what the Lord has in store for us.  Because of being rained out on Tuesday, we are planning to extend our VBT an extra day into Friday.

Please pray that the children will come regardless of the wet weather, and that we will have some good opportunities to tell them about the Gospel.

UPDATE:

Thursday, we were able to have VBT once again.  We had 43 children show up with several parents watching from the sidelines!  The evening went smoothly and once again the Gospel was given.  This means we now have around 30 families to follow up, and to see if they are willing to have Bible studies in their homes.  Praise the Lord!

Friday, we were completely rained out, and our helpers leave in the morning to return to their ministry in Las Piedras.  It has been a huge blessing to have the Lopez family with us this week.  It turned a dreary rainy week, into one of laughter and fellowship.

We may try to have a final outreach Saturday afternoon, but with a reduced program.  As of right now, Saturday morning, this does not look promising due to a continual persistent rain.

Because of the rain, 530 people were evacuated in the region around the river earlier this week.  Two people, that we are having Bible studies with, may see their houses flooded today.  I plan to go and check on them a little later this morning.

Never a dull moment on the mission field even in spite of the rain!