Today's games presented the opportunity to unveil the new Gathering Hearts soccer shirts and equipment that were made possible by Richard and Gayla Dixon, members of First United Methodist in Tulsa and the Carpenters Class. Richard worked with FUMC member Jim Blazer and Eskimo Joe Promotions on the new shirts that sported a newly designed Spanish-language Gathering Hearts logo. When the apparel was passed out prior to the games, it was discovered that the new shirts also came with an Eskimo Joe sticker on the back. Those items proved so popular that the players refused to remove them until they were either torn or sweated off.
Day two at the Gathering Hearts Mission brought many medical patients and participants in the women's and children's ministries. By day's end, 92 villagers have been fitted with eyeglasses over the last two days and our physician Dr. Bill Dudney and pharmacist Mike Freeland treated dozens of patients. Meanwhile, Ellen LaGrone continued her work with Nelson Osorto and his students who are learning English. A highlight of the day was observing a four-team soccer exhibition on the concrete pads Gary and Cheryl Kuney hope to acquire to turn into a traditional field that will allow their soccer ministry to expand. Already, soccer tournaments have been successful ... one drew 12 teams and hundreds of villagers as observers. That day the sidelines turned into a giant tailgate party with tamales and frijoles served under thatched-roof shelters. Pastor Nelson Baptista -- as he always does in the soccer ministry -- used the occasion to share the gospel and relate to the young players who may otherwise be attracted to join area gangs.
Today's games presented the opportunity to unveil the new Gathering Hearts soccer shirts and equipment that were made possible by Richard and Gayla Dixon, members of First United Methodist in Tulsa and the Carpenters Class. Richard worked with FUMC member Jim Blazer and Eskimo Joe Promotions on the new shirts that sported a newly designed Spanish-language Gathering Hearts logo. When the apparel was passed out prior to the games, it was discovered that the new shirts also came with an Eskimo Joe sticker on the back. Those items proved so popular that the players refused to remove them until they were either torn or sweated off. The group from First Methodist Church in Tulsa arrived on Saturday, just in time for the first baptismal service for our church here in the village on Sunday. The baptismal was held at an ocean beach. Five people were baptized, but there were so many who wanted to be a part of the service we had to rent a school bus to transport everyone. Pastor Nelson gave an inspiring message beforehand and then everyone went down to the water to witness the baptisms. It was most inspiring. Afterward the locals put on a feast that was enjoyed by everyone. Ministry has gone well for the Methodist group. Yesterday we started off with a walking tour of El Sauce, the very poor area where we started Gathering Hearts nearly fourteen years ago. There has been children’s ministry, testimonies, cake decorating, and woodworking. Seventy two people have been given eye exams and glasses. The group from First Methodist Tulsa left on Saturday; we had a wonderful time while they were here. Sunday was the first communion service at our church here in the village and it was very special. We had invited a number of people from the low lands when First Methodist was here but didn't know if they would attend. We offered to pick them up, and as it turned out, nearly every one of them came; we had nearly 50 people in church. Pastor Nelson and Juliza Batista left this morning for Venezuela due to their visa problems. Yesterday the morning class of computer students fixed lunch for them; and last night the afternoon class had a BBQ. They really hated to go and fully expect to be back within 30 to 60 days. Please pray with us that they will.
We continue to pursue medical care for Gary and are seeing several doctors. He is some improved but a long way to go. We covet your prayers.
Meanwhile work continues at the mission. I am in contact with Nicolas frequently and so appreciative of our workers and the devotion they have to their jobs and the people we serve. Last week, Nicolas completed a project I had started by having gutters installed on the front porch. Also, two roofs have now been completed over some of the poorest families thanks to the Metro Christian Academy cross country team. I can so see God’s timing in having FUMC team there in February as they worked with our teachers in enhancing their skills and this has continued in our absence; especially in the English as a Second Language Bible study that Ellen Lagrone did with the computer classes and Lisa White and Connie Presley did with the class. Then Stephanie Weckler and her girls came with the OSU team and brought in new projects for the school children and our sewing classes. All of this enriches our curriculum and strengthens our teachers. Thanks for your prayers Cheryl |