We had the honor and true pleasure of installing 14 stove tops in El Obraje for families who suffered from respiratory health issues as a result of inhaling smoke from years of cooking over an open wood stove, and in most cases this was done indoors. The families were extremely grateful and appreciative and several actually assisted us during the construction of the stoves.
On Wednesday, we participated in Worship with the congregation and shared a meal consisting of jelly sandwiches, chips, cookies, licorice bites, and a drink (the majority had never had these items before). We had approximately 90 in attendance which included 40 adults and 50 children. It was amazing how everyone treated us as if we were family, you could feel the energy in the Community Center where we met. That evening I had the opportunity to say a few words and I thanked the congregation for letting us come share this week with them.
I saw what GOD’s smile looks like and what it feels to receive a hug and a kiss from HIM. Let me explain. On Friday, after we completed all of our stoves we decided to give our leftover bricks, cinder blocks, rebar, and wood to a family who lived on the hill (they were also recipients of a stove). They, by far, were the poorest in possessions but richest in happiness. As we carried the items up the hill, the father, Don Antonio, wife Julia and their 2 daughters had the biggest smiles on their faces. They joined in helping us carry the items to their home, and you could see their joy in receiving these things. To say the least, their gratitude for these items was overwhelming. The smiles, hugs and kisses from each of them truly felt as if it was GOD who was smiling, hugging and kissing me. To be honest with you, I have never felt that way before and it was extremely hard for me to leave them, as I wanted to make that moment last as long as I could. As I was walking down the hill towards our truck, Pastor Alejandro who was also helping us told me that Don Antonio had just told him that he has decided to start going to church as a result of the Evangelism that Pastor Alejandro had done on him. For which the Pastor replied to him, I can’t take any credit, it was all GOD not I.
I personally feel that we received far more last week than we gave. And I can’t tell you enough, how proud I was to represent The Church of the Resurrection. During the last Debrief with the team I informed them that each of us has been selected to be Disciples of Christ through this Ministry and it is now our responsibility that we share our stories so that others can also answer the call to serve. My hope is that this flame that is lit in each of us is not distinguished but rather, multiplied.
Thank you, Elisa