This week has been one emotional rollercoaster after another as we have anxiously awaited the arrival of our container. We have been our knees, pleading with the Lord to intervene and not allow the devil to have his way with the customs proceedings. The US Embassy has been involved, Rep. Upton's office has been involved, you have all been involved with your prayers - and guess what? We received the call at 6:30pm tonight that all is now approved and we can get the container...but it closed for the night before we could get it. So now we have to wait until Saturday morning to get the container (complete with yet ANOTHER payment), truck it down to Pachacamac to the Juniper Tree home, unload it (in less than 2 hours), sort it, and then get started. That will leave us with less than 48 hours to complete this playground, and that doesn't account for our sleep time Sat/Sun nights (which is now debatable) and worship with our hosts on Sunday morning (which is NOT debatable).
This is a God-sized problem. Last night I presented in our devotion time two passages in Scripture that remind us of God's sovereignty over His purposes: Phil 2:12-16 and Isaiah 55. I encourage everyone to read this and rejoice with us as our Great God has taught us to depend upon Him. And His work in us is not yet completed in us...
We need your prayers - first, that no other attack from the enemy will be had and that the container will arrive safely, on time (or early!) for us to get started. Second, that even if there is further testing, our team will withstand the fiery arrows of the enemy and bless the Lord. Third, for extreme stamina, focus, and safety as we attempt to marathon build a playground - the assembly required is intense enough, but we also have to allow for concrete settling. Fourth, for our attitudes to be like Christ - that we may continue to serve each other and the people of Pachacamac and Manchay - particularly our beloved new friends: those beautiful kids!
We'll try to post some photos on blogspot as well. Stay tuned. Please comment for us; we'd love to know what you're all thinking and praying for.
God bless!
Ryan
Hey Team,
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming no blog news is good news... that you are fervently working to put up a playground. I am praying for you - for strength, and peace, but most of all that no one gets hurt working too hard or too long of hours.
I'm sad that you won't get to see the kids play on the playground but hopefully when the concrete dries someone will send you some video. What a gift you are giving them... a gift that could last for generations. I'm praying that this playground will become a tool that Kids Alive can use to help draw children into a relationship with Christ. Ran across this verse (Proverbs 16:9)- "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." The container delay this week certainly wasn't in our plans but God must have had a higher purpose for it. Thanks for letting God use you in so many other ways this week. God bless!
We know that God is working through you and among you; and who knows what customs officials will be reached by your persistent follow through, and attitude -- and your loving desire for the children to get this playground. Trusting Him for your good health as you complete the project. Marlita
ReplyDelete