June is past, but no sign of Dry Season yet!

The heavy rains of the annual Rainy Season have left our road a bit of a mess! Just past our house, between us and Palmira, the road bed gave way and is taking some work to get back in order. Still, we are thankful for many sunny mornings to get outside and get our exercise, work in the garden and yard, and soak in some Vitamin D. At this point, the rains come every afternoon, keeping our world bright and green.
 

Happy July 4th!

Such a challenging time for the world and specifically for our country...these present times remind us of the “groaning” that Paul talks about in Romans 8: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, goan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies...” vs 22,23 Oh, such groanings our country is feeling as we come to this Independence Day!

Recently we were considering restarting the Sunday services when a new wave of sickness hit our area. We’d appreciate your prayers as we help the sick and encourage the fearful and anxious. Some believe the sickness that is passing around comes because of witchcraft; reassuring the believers that God is with us and that His power is not diminished even in the face of tough times has been vital in these days. Many days here at the Outpost we have become something akin to Grand Central Station as many are not wanting to go to Lita or to the city for their errands. We are happy to help the people as much as we are able, through the internet or other resources. On any given day we may be the local gas station, Internet cafe and copy & technology center, hair salon, small engine repair shop, garden center, clinic, or elementary school...even the local news station. :-) Grandma D. comes every few days to ask: “Is the big sickness getting lost yet?”
 

 

The local kids are encouraged to get online to do their schoolwork, and one worried mother asked us to please start a school. With more or less 500 schoolkids up and down our valley, we aren’t sure how to provide all with help, especially without congregating in large groups. How we appreciate your prayers for strength and stamina, patience, and joy in serving the people here. May each one who comes up our driveway, a precious soul for whom Christ died, experience our Savior’s love through us.

• Please do pray for Kathy and I to have a right heart attitude when they come. We are not beyond having moments of selfishness in our hearts and seeing their requests as a imposition to what WE want to do at that moment…
• Continue to pray for Paulino’s parents, Jose & Senovia, as they have been sick and are presently seeking medical help out in the city.
• We ask prayer for God’s wisdom as we move forward into the month of July: for the timing of re-initiating Sunday services and for the best way to go about ministering to the people here.

In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
 

Pictures of the month:

June:

We are missing seeing the Sunday School children like Mauro and his little brother! Their family, like many in the community of Palmira, have gone to stay at their land further in. Thanks for praying with us for the right timing to re-initiate classes for children and for youth!
 

July:

Manuela, Paulino’s widow, has continued faithfully to follow God and to work hard at raising her kids. She often expresses her sadness to us, but even then she shows a steady trust in God. It is a joy to be around her!