June Team Returns Blessed

June 13^th marked the second trip for Household of Faith members to travel to Vicente Guerrero through Mission Oaxaca.  The team consisted of a three father and son(s) combinations, three men without their children, and three young men without their father’s, for a total of 14 team members.  We also had the privilege of having Chris and Liz’s son, Elias, who fit right in with the group from day one.

Once we all got our bearings in Oaxaca, Pastor Beny took us to Vicente Guerrero in order to start planning for the workweek.  We were able to meet some of the people we would be working beside, which was, as always, a blessing.  The following day, a Sunday, we were able to worship at the church in Vicente Guerrero that is developing into a family counseling and resource center under the direction of Beny’s p

arents, Felix and Gloria.  

Worshiping along side the people of Vicente Guerrero was a blessing for each one of us as we were able to witness the joy they experience within the context of their dependence upon God for their daily provision.  The love they demonstrated toward us and toward each other was humbling and inspiring at the same time.  The young people on our team were able to experience a joy expressed through people that is not determined by what earthly possessions one has or does not have.

Prior to the trip there had been discussion regarding pouring the second floor of the Women’s Shelter that is being built on the church property.  We did not think there would be enough funding for the materials as the dimensions of the concrete slab were approximately 15’ x 60’, and we did not know where the wooden forms for the floor would come from as it was going to require a significant amount of lumber.  F

ollowing the church service that Sunday, three of our team members who are well versed in construction began figuring the materials needed along with the associated costs.  We figured out that with the material that was already at the church and the funds that had not yet been designated, we would have close to enough.  Beny also found a source in the community for the forming material.  As a result, the decision was made to include the second story floor in the planning for the week. 

The following day, the team split up into three separate work groups.  One team worked on pouring floors in another church building and two nearby homes in the Village of Zapoteca, the second team worked on pouring a kitchen floor along with starting an above ground bathroom project on that same property.  The third team started work on the forms at the women’s shelter in order for the concrete to be poured by the end of the week.  Work at all three of the sites progress well throughout the week with each project being completed as planned, 

even though it took a number of late evenings to get it all in.  

The following Saturday, the day before most of us were flying out, the floor of the women’s shelter was completed, just in time for t

he torrential downpours began.  Fortunately, the concrete had set up enough that the rain did not wash it all away.  

In general, the young people on the team did a tremendous job working hard throughout the week without complaint.  In addition, they (we) were prayed over and blessed by gracious, humble, loving people who seek to honor God through their giving spirits.  We were all were tremendously blessed and are the better for it.  We are also grateful for Pastor Beny and his parents as they set Godly examples through their sacrifice and service to the people of Vicente Guerrero.