Hey Everybody,
Well, I’ve been here for about a week now, and I would like to give you all a brief overview of the ministries I have been a part of in Portoviejo.
Working at the Church
This month my team is working with the equivalent of a megachurch. One thing that has greatly impressed me about this church is it doesn’t use size or resource constraints as an excuse not to glorify God. They take great pride in their ministry and make sure their church is fit for a king. My team and I have been fortunate to share this passion with them by clearing out a side path full of rocks so grass can later be planted there. Below are pictures of the church and the path.
Nursing Home
A few times this past week we had the pleasure of meeting some new friends at a local nursing home. In my opinion, this is the hardest ministry so far. Communication is nearly impossible with these older people because of the generation gap and their limitations in mental ability which only add to the language barrier. Also their situation is heartbreaking. Some of them are in such rough mental or physical states that I started to wonder if I should pray for peace instead of healing. Also, many of them have been abandoned by their families. One man said that the only company he has now comes from books which is a shame because he is a very interesting a knowledgeable guy. He spent our time together teaching me where the providence and country got its name, at least I think. Regardless, I had a great time talking to him. Here’s a picture of my new friend and me.
Soccer Game
Similar to church league softball back home. This community uses soccer to reach out to the local people and invite them to church. My friend, Josh, and I joined them for a game a few nights ago. It turns out Josh is really good, and I… tried my best.
Church Camp
The church I am working for recently bought a new property a few miles away where they hope to someday reach out to the surrounding community and host camps. (I don’t know why but I am still amazed by the similarities of this church and churches in the U.S.) We were able to assist in this ministry by digging a ditch so water would run away from the building.
God Bless and Go Blue,
Chance
