After several
meetings and prayer time with Luz del Mundo, the church in the
barrio, we started the Children's program Monday morning. Joe, Caleb and I planned out songs, a bible story and interactive play to go with it, a few games and a message for the kids. For this ministry we do not want the focus to be on games, but for the children to genuinly come into a relationship with Christ, and for the Holy Spirit power to be among the community. With it being the first week, we planned for 15 kids, completely unsure of what to expect. 

          The three of us walked up to the church building along with our translator Natalia at nine Monday morning. From the building there was so much noise. We assumed that something else was going on inside and that we would have to wait for it to end, then the kids program could start. Upon walking in, we saw 60+ kids, new borns to nine year olds, jumping and screaming in excitement. We were shocked and a bit overwhelmed, but we did our best to adapt. It ended up being a blast and the kids were especially into the bible story and goofy games. The pastor and his wife invited us to come back to do the same program for the youth aged kids that night.  We came back that afternoon and changed the program a bit so we could have more time to get to know the people in the community. Overall it was a blessed day of ministry.

          Tuesday morning we felt it necessary to go door to door to introduce ourselves to the community, to inform them of what we are doing here and to personally invite them to the programs and church. We went in two small groups. I went with my leader Seth Bowen Barnes Jr. and the pastor in the barrio, Migel Angel. Some of the people we interacted with were Evangelicals, some Catholics, some non-believers too. They all welcomed us and thanked us for what we are doing the in the community. We ended each conversation by asking if we could pray for the person or family. Most people wanted prayer for a family member, or their economic situation, but we were blessed with the oppertunity to pray for phyical healing over a few ladies. By faith, I am convinced that Jesus will heal.

          Later on Tuesday we met with Luz del Mundo to pray for specific needs of the community. 20 people or so from the community came to pray. It was a beautiful thing to see the community arise and take a stand in prayer. God answers our prayers in huge ways so once again, we can expect miracles. And an added blessing, I got to hold a one month old baby girl for the 2 hour prayer meeting. Does life get any better?! I am just in awe of the response we have gotten from the community. They are eager to see a change and actively seeking God for that change. It is a dangerous place and full of sin, but we are fighting the battle with Christ on our side. God has great plans and we are seeking to obey Him fully as they unfold.