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We really want to stay connected with all of you and share more about the ministry. One idea we had was to share through podcasts. As new communication tools are developed, we will try them to see if they help you to stay informed about the ministry. Please let us know what you think by using the comment feature below.
Episode 1:
While on our recent trip to Costa Rica, I took the opportunity to interview Timothy, Philip, and David. THis is the first episode with Timothy. I hope that you find it interesting and that it provides a little glimpse into their lives and heart for the ministry work that they do.
The team left San Jose at 8 AM. We passed through Atlanta and part of the group left us and flew into Indy. The rest of us continued on to Chicago. We are on the bus ride home as I type this post.
The trip was such a blessing. The wisdom of the Lord was with us as it was with Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31. We had all the equipment that we needed and materials. At one point I was thinking that the team was bigger than necessary. It was obvious on the day that we lifted the building that we needed everyone. It was a privledge to be a part of this team.
The time we had together was special. Team members shared their thoughts and experiences with me today and it is clear to me that they were fulfilled by this trip. We will continue to lift up the ministry in our prayers.
This is Friday of the work week and much has been accomplished. We have been able to have a few members work on the new office building where the Bible translation work has been continuing. The new building is out on the farm property and has been a very productive place to work.
Welding the posts to the trusses in-place.
The installation of the trusses was completed. After setting each in place, the legs are connected to the truss by welding them in place. To prevent scorching of the woodwork, a fire resistant weding blanket is placed in between the wood and the welding site.
A celebration feast prepared by Keiry.
The repair work ont he church was finished today! This job went so smoothly that we had a little time to spare. It seems that sometimes we are working until it is time to jump in a truck and head to the airport. We were very blessed by the project and celebrated our last dinner with a nice meal prepared by Keiry and worsip in the church.
"Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack"
The first trusses are set and cross-braced.
Well, there is no better way to start the day than killing a deadly snake and eating a little breakfast. The kids discovered a Coral Snake near the house. Just not the kind of thing you want the kids playing near. (Brush up on your rhymes! “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack” Deadly important!) This is one of the venemous snakes in the area. The worst by far is the Fer-de-Lance.
The truss setting began yesterday. The first one went in with some learing along the way. Kinda like that first pancake that comes off of the griddle. It just doesn’t go as smooth as the rest, but we got it in place and it looks great. The next few have gone smoother. We need to skip the third one, while the Fab shop builds a header that will support th etruss that is above the door.
We have been very pleased with the support that the trusses are providing. The last step to install the truss is to remove the binding cable and set the legs that rise up from the floor to support the truss. We have had not problems with the building shifting or settling during this process.
We have been praising Jesus for the progress and the safety that we have enjoyed throughout this project. The design and wisdom that he gave us is clearly His, for this plan to be created over 2,000 miles away…yet runs like clockwork!
The fabrication of the trusses continues and the team prepares them by painting them before they are installed. We began to install the first truss. With some minor adjustments to the first truss and some changes to the dimensions, we made great progress. The “Grano de Oro Truss Mfg. Company” is producing product in high volume. The team of Jed (shop engineer), Phillip (welder), and Sean (assembly foreman) are producing quality products.
Of course no trip would be complete without plenty of personal meditation time. Everyone seemed to find a place where they could spend some time in prayer and meditation during the day. Often at sunrise as the sun came over the mountain across the valley below.
Blane says they are ready to set trusses today. We had a very quick conversation. He said they pulled the building to where it needs to be (no more sagging roof and walls) and they are ready for trusses. They built and painted trusses and will set them today. Sounds like they are making good progress. Everyone is well. I had to call because I needed to get a message to my neighbor, Greg, who is on the trip with his son AJ. His wife Diane called to say Greg’s aunt went to be with the LORD yesterday. Please pray for them. Diane informs me that Greg’s Uncle is doing well since they are strong believers and he knows his wife is with Jesus. It will still be a loss to them. From what I know, she is a great lady. She had pancreatic cancer…but not any longer. Praying for all of you. Chris
Things are going well. We have lifted the building and it looks good. Two of the trusses are complete and we are painting them. The third an fourth are nearly done.
We prayed again just before we started to raise the roof yesterday. Everyone enjoyed Bob’s prayer when he said, “Father, we’ll push and you pull.” and the Lord did just that.
We are so pleased with the progress and the weather and the fellowship and the Jones family and the devotions and the quiet time and…well you get the picture. We are blessed.
I just spoke to Blane. Everyone is doing well. They had just had dinner and were getting ready for devotions. Robert arrived yesterday with Philip & Shawn from Kentucky. They got to work this morning putting in place all the things they needed to push and pull the church walls and roof into place so they can set the trusses later this week. (of course, Blane went into alot of detail about what was done, but for the sake of time I am adding my own “construction para-phrasing”) They built one truss today and Blane said it looks very good. David & Lucy are staying there right now at Timothy’s and Philip was there today working on the translation and had lunch with the team. Well, that’s about it for now. Just wanted to let you know all is well with the ones you love! Take care…Chris
I get short text messages that I have to weed through. For some reason I get a bunch of symbols but I can tell you everyone is healthy and they were ready to work this morning according to Blane’s message. I will try to call the Jones’ house tonight and will post any updates before bed. I pray for everyone left at home…hope you are doing okay with those little ones. Enjoy your time with them!
Our first day of work went very well we have rigged the building on started to raise the roof. We have the first truss fabricated and it looks great. It is rigid and looks like it will work well. The team is working very hard and has accomplished much.
As I type this update the darkness is filled with the streaks of guys taking a cold shower. That’s right. We have no hot water up in the dorms.
It has been great to see everyone work together and filled with joy. We are being blessed. Sons working with fathers and all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Of course no trip would be complete without plenty of personal meditation time. Everyone seemed to find a place where they could spend some time in prayer and meditation during the day. Often at sunrise as the sun came over the mountain across the valley below.
and the Lord did just that.
