Training Session for the men
Maria, Rufino and I rotated through each of the 5 sessions per day of the 3-day training teaching the men who could read, those that couldn't and the women so that each group received all that God had for them.
I want to thank you all so much for praying for us for our three day training this past weekend. It went very well and I am pleased to say that everyone seemed "full" by the time they left.
These trainings have proven to be very effective because when the villagers come they are completely relieved of all of their daily responsibilities of farm work, child care, food gathering and preparation and water collection. Since all of their meals are provided for and there is child care the only thing they have to concentrate on is the Word of God and all that God wants to do in them.
The goal of this training is to prepare and equip the believers with a firm foundation and how it applies to them so that they can share it with others. I have been encouraging them that they are the best ones to tell the people in their villages about the saving love and grace of Jesus Christ since they live right there and the people already know and trust them.
It is still quite intimidating for them to share their faith but little by little they are becoming more comfortable with it. In fact one man wants to build a church in his village, so that we have a meeting place when we come and also to accommodate a neighboring village who does not have a church either. Already they are thinking outside of themselves and toward others, praise God!
Eloisa teaching 5, 6, and 7 year olds
Carola teaching 8 to 15 year olds
At the end of our time together I asked if everyone would like to have the training last for five days instead of three and they were in hearty agreement. We also planned to have a three week training in February when the children are on summer vacation so this was very encouraging. We want to do all that we can to give them all that we have so that they can be strong, viable Christians that will stand in the midst of any trial. I want to thank all of you that stood in the gap for this training and for every other activity that we have been engaged with in this ministry. It is because of this that the people have risen to this level of commitment and interest in the things of God. May the Lord richly bless each of you for your very vital part in this ministry.
