We began the day aware that it was inauguration day for our country but focused on the work that lay ahead of us across the border in Acuna. I am beginning to be aware of the shift in daily responsibilities that many carry and for which I am grateful. There is a depth of faith among these men and a willingness to share it for which we all ought to express thanksgiving. So much is done out of the sight of a newcomer. The daily work assignments and even van assignments, connects first timers with veterans, so that we are no longer strangers but one in Christ.
Again the breakfast was awesome and ready to be shared as early as 6 AM. Singing, announcements and devotions helped us move past upside down thinking. Then we got our assignments for the morning in Acuna, Mexico. My van went to the Pastor Raul Sierra’s new church building and home. We had safe passage at the border crossing for which we gave thanks. Then we drove into what looked like a dirt road leading to nowhere. It was littered on both sides with trash of every kind. Then we saw two buildings and the progress already made the day before. I volunteered to be on the roof of the church. We nailed down felt and added drip trim. Then came the metal sheeting. It was screwed in place when it was just in the right spot. It was coated with a rain repellent that made it very slick. It was a 75-degree day and the reflection of the sun baked us all. When you are not one of the guys with a power tools, you have to find a way to help and not got in the way. I felt some degree of confidence and soon we had moved to the other end of the roof. It was time to leave the finishing to two or three of the real roofers.
Once I got down, I could take pictures of the many others who were working on the pastor’s house and the church. Outside the wall sheeting was nearly finished, light fixtures were installed, electrical outlets were wired in and drywall was cut and nailed in the pastor’s house. Then painting was begun. The color was dark blue, the color of our last day for Power Ministry. Some painted the trim and other rolled the pastor’s house. When you have twelve men painting, the work is complete very quickly. There was only one mishap when Joel came down a ladder and found someone had placed a bucket in his path.
We returned to Faith Mission and joined others in lunch and a farewell from Pat Schmeling, the director who is leaving for a new ministry. Then we packed up and headed to Laredo. It took just about 3 hours. We arrived after the sun had set and ate at Rudy’s Barbeque. After the feast, we headed to Stepping Stone, a missionary retreat center that Power has supported for several years. Before turning in tonight, many are helping to prepare the way by practicing worship songs for the morning, doing van team work and praying. We are all praying for another powerful day for God to do more marvelous things.
Chris