About half of the team worshipping together.
Friday night we left our home with excitement for the upcoming weekend-long retreat with our church plant team. A house had been found in the country, about half an hour from town, with plenty of space to fit our team, play games, cook meals, and talk strategy. The first night was spent eating, talking, and figuring out where everyone was going to sleep, as well as how we were going to wash dishes and hands without any running water. The running water bit was unexpected, but we were assured it would be back on by the next afternoon. True to Bolivian timetables, we joyfully welcomed running water again by about 8 the next evening. The days were filled with reading and studying the Word together, talking and praying about the vision and core values of our church, and playing together. Everyone pitched in to prepare meals and clean up afterward- we feel like we are becoming more and more a family.
Scotty had the chance to speak on the importance of God's word and we both invested time in getting to know various members of the team more. Unfortunately, about a fourth of our members were not able to make it or had to leave early, but the time spent together in preparation was invaluable. Scotty and I led a group the last day that discussed particulars of how we would like to see small groups as part of our church ministry. We are planning on leading a cell group from our house as soon as the church opens, hopefully comprised of those who are new to the church and not already plugged in elsewhere. I love the idea of Scotty and I doing ministry together- a mix of hospitality and teaching- just what God has gifted us to do! 
Pastor Edgar, Becky, Daniel and baby Samuel (have you ever seen a cuter baby??)
Scotty and I had the chance to talk to Edgar and Becky, our pastor and his wife, one evening and learn about their background and excitement for all that God has ahead. We remain grateful that God has brought them to us, impressed by the gifts they have and sure of the impact they will make in our team and in the community. Overall, it was a rich weekend and more great Spanish practice- what an exciting time in ministry!
3 comments:
The Mamami's little Samuel is indeed a darling .. and their older son is a good looking fellow as well. We look forward to meeting this family when we come in December.
Praise God for such a sweet time of fellowship and growing together. We're excited for you and for all that God is doing. God has given you and Scotty such perfectly complementary gifts - I know that those who come to your home for a cell group in the future will be greatly blessed and drawn to Jesus.
that looks like a great time of "bonding". The weather seemed to hold out for you, and even the dog was listening!
May God bless your efforts.
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