Park Valley Church Visitors and My Ministry

A new day and a new message. Yesterday we had our first literacy class. It was a blustery, rainy day and only a few showed up but it was a good beginning. Today, at our church service, many said they would come to the class next Saturday for sure.

I want you to meet a new addition to the ministry. Francisco and Raquel are a young couple who are youth pastors at a local church. They had been in Chiquimula for about 3 months and wanted to help in a ministry. A friend brought them to me and they have been a blessing and a delight. Raquel teaches the literacy class as well as tutor my son Angel. Francisco shares the Word with the men once a month. Today at our monthly Men's meeting 27 men showed up. Praise God!

Last but not least, I'd like to share about the last group of visitors. They came mid-July and their impact on this ministry and with the poor community is still resonating. The group was led by good friend Kelly Schaeffer, who is a dynamic and dedicated personality. She brought the same caliber of people with her.

They wasted no time from painting my kitchen, doing activities with the kids, recovering plastic covered huts with new plastic, cooking and serving meals for the comedor (feeding program), killing mildew off of cement walls, baking cakes for a 15th Birthday party for one of the girls, to helping me with my newly donated computer. They even took time to visit Songs of Joy Children's Home to share play time with 60 children. I was tired just watching them.

Two of the most exciting times of their visit was when we took about 70 kids to the pool. They set up a fair day with fun stations for the children to visit and to enjoy. They also provided the clothing, ring and gifts for Carla's 15th birthday celebration. In this culture this is a special event that poor children never celebrate. Carla cried as she told them she never could imagine in her entire life that she would celebrate her 15th birthday in this special way.

They became attached to a number of the children. One in particular was Marco Tulio (14) who is one of my favorites. Marcos comes from a very abusive family. His father drinks and beats the mom. He has beaten Marcos so bad he's had bloody whelps on his arms and back. With this life style he had become a very angry young man. His house is up a hill on the back side of my house. When he is angry he has thrown rocks and has broken my windows. It's nothing personal...the windows are there in front of him and in his hand is a rock waiting to vent his anger. I talk to him and tell him I am not angry and always smile at him and over time he is doing better.

Marco was hit by a car and was unconscious for a day but thank God he revived and is on the mend. The visitors really took to him and loved on him. I pray this attention will inspire him to return to school and continue to study. He is a very bright young man with a winning smile.

That's all for today.

Love, Myra