On Friday we gathered with several of the believers from the church here to present a Christmas program in the community of Middle Rio Verde, about an hour’s hike uphill from the bridge crossing the Rio Verde river. We thank the Lord for strength and energy, good weather, and for the large group that received us warmly! It was a joy to be able to talk about Jesus’ birth to this needy group. Kevin and Paulino each shared, reminding the folks that God’s word is really important, and worth listening to. Milton told the story of Jesus’ birth. We invited those who were interested to let us know if they would like to hear more teaching. Pray with us that God would open up at least one home in this community where we would be welcome to go to teach regularly!
We often tell folks that the Awa don’t live in villages, but rather scattered out in the mountains. This month we feel like we ARE the village, as we have been surrounded by Awa full-time, for several different reasons. Paulino’s daughter Sandra has been staying here for the last month as she waited for her 2nd baby to be born (the little girl was born in the wee hours on Dec 4th---Kathy and her sister Chrissy got called into the birthing room to help out, as the ‘partero’, baby-deliverer man, felt like things weren’t going well. It was quite the experience as they learned more about Awa birthing customs, especially when the baby didn’t breathe right away! Thankfully all ended up well and the baby is now doing fine.) Of course, many of Sandra’s siblings and relatives took turns staying with her. Many others have also showed up for other help, some spending the night and eating meals with us. Some days we have felt a bit weary, being ‘on call’ from dawn to dark, but at the same time we are so thankful for the many opportunities to share God’s love both in action and in word. We are seeing God at work in many different lives. Anyhow, we’d appreciate your prayers for strength and stamina!
One of those who has been hanging out here quite a bit is Teacher Andrew. Last year we asked for prayer for him, as he has been listening to the teaching each month in P. Community. Andrew had asked us to help him with a thesis paper for his teaching degree. The first day he came, he asked if we could also use the opportunity to teach him more about God. “The community has been grumbling that I am bad, because I’ve argued with different folks. I realize that I lack character. Since you follow God, I think you could teach me about having character,” he told Kevin. We were a bit amazed, as this is probably one of the best opportunities we have had in many years to clearly teach the Word of God. Since then, we have talked for hours, sometimes going through Bible lessons, other times just answering his questions about God. When I shared the gospel with him, Andrew quickly agreed, at least in theory. Please pray with us that his understanding will make it from his ‘head’ to his ‘heart’!
We wish each one of you a merry Christmas season! May you rejoice with us in remembering God’s gift to us!
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
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