Through the tunnel of fire...
On Saturday morning we were woken again by the menagerie that comes with where we are staying. The rooster crowed himself completely hoarse to wake us, because we had all slept soundly. We had to have a quick breakfast, because the first children's church was planned for the morning and we still had to rehearse a new sketch.
On the way to the place where the children's church would be held, it got hotter and hotter. It was in the open air, and a small shelter was quickly rigged up with plastic.
Marien and Pedro had to leave to sort out some important matters, and there went our interpreter. What now? God provided an interpreter: there was a young man who spoke English and he helped us, and together with Yvonne, who by now speaks quite a bit of Spanish, we managed after all. Marien felt bad about it and meanwhile was praying for a solution. Wout and Malte performed a sketch acting out the Bible story of "The prodigal son". Malte had completely fallen away for a moment, but repented and received God's great Father's love once more in Wout's arms 😁. Wout himself became emotional, because he realised that you can always come back to God. What a wonderful man and friend!! (Wout)
After the services we quickly had to go home again to prepare the next children's service. It was quite a long drive, because we went far out into the countryside, where the people were even poorer.
But when we entered the little church, we sensed a great hunger for God. The pastor was a police officer, and Apostle Eli was there too. The children sang and performed a few short sketches, among them the 5 foolish and 5 wise virgins.
Malte had a word for them: that the ears of those who hear will tingle at what the children and young people here will bring about (1 Sam. 3:11), and this was confirmed with the shofar.
Using a balloon, Annelies explained that it is important to be filled with the Holy Spirit, anew every day. That way you will receive more and more for yourself, but above all also to pass on. Prophetically, Marien gave our flag with the eagle to Apostle Eli.
Then we blessed the whole church by forming a "fire tunnel" at the exit, and young and old were touched by it. What a beautiful afternoon and what a special place.
Then home again in the dark, now to pack our suitcases for the journey back. We have to get up early tomorrow to drive the 300 km back to Santo Domingo. We will first visit a church and then go via our host family to the airport.
