As a result we began Conference with our hearts crying out for “Help!” from our Father God. Depending on Him was a good way to begin these three intense days! And He did send His help, in many different forms:
- Paulino, even though sick with a cold, came to Conference armed with his Bible pictures of the crucifixion and resurrection and with a deep yearning to teach his people. He spoke up at every opportunity!
- Gloria took over organizing the majority of the cooking, keeping the women all busy working toward serving breakfast and lunch each day to the 100~120 Awa who came.
- The Mission’s Impact team came with songs and a drama to share on Friday; and Saturday youth from the Ibarra Puente de Amor church helped with a fun watercolor class for the Awa young people.
- The tools of technology God has provided were a blessing! Our truck and trailer we used to transport 30 Awa from Rio Verde back and forth to the Conference each day. Technology in the form of our computer and speaker (each with their battery!) helped to play music when my hand was too swollen to play the guitar, and continued to work even when the electricity went off on Sunday!
- Rainy season torrents poured down, daily turning the church into a muddy mess. As we left each day with the Awa from Rio Verde, Gloria, along with her nieces and nephews (Paulino’s kids), worked hard sweeping and mopping the meetings rooms, wiping off the benches, and hosing the slippery mud off the porch so that we could start afresh each day.
- Kathy had her hands full with 50~60 children each day, many coming without their parents. She was thankful for some of the older girls like Carmen, Anai, Karina, and Maria who became instant helpers!
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy