We have begun the plans to build the youth center with the Baptist church in Santo Tomas. This building will be in memory of our dear friend and co-pastor, Aziel Picado. The arquitects have finished the drawings and we are working on the permits to start the construction. We even have a model to help visualize the project better. When we took it to share at the church, there was not a dry eye anywhere. People were so touched as they all loved him and this memorial will mean a lot to each of them.
The button below is from a group called Zeffy which allows us to raise funds for a specific project like this one. They only serve NON-PROFITS like CEDCAS Health and Wellness, INC. They do not charge for this service so we receive 100% of the funds raised. Our goal is $100,000 for the supplies and we trust that the labor will be done by mission teams. Please share this this letter with your friends and families to get the word out. We are also looking for people who would like to come and help us build it. Let us know if your church or friends are interested in helping us.
We wanted to share with you a follow-up on the tragic fire that burned 23 family shacks in Guararí. We have visited several times with clothing, toys and most important FOOD. We were able to share with some that God loves them and is carrying for them. We were able to see that all of the families received a Bible.
We also wanted to know if the kids that were in school had received uniforms and school supplies. Praise the Lord another group was able to supply all of their school needs. When the July mission team came, we were able to visit some of the people and learn first hand how to. An elderly couple lost everthing and they were living in a garage paying $130 a month. Rosita is confined to a wheelchair and of course, was burnt to the ground. Two of the team members were able to buy her a new one and she was over joyed praising the Lord for His provision.
The photo below is the new home that has been built for them. The building is 2 stories high so they can rent out to others for some added income. Good will neighbors have been helping them to build and a son helped them buy some of the building materials. They have moved into the metal frame, have lots of space and they were even able to pour the cement floor. But they have a long ways to go. No bathroom but have pulled water and electricity from a neighbor. Rosita has diabetes and is on injectible insulin. We were able to get a used refrigerator for them where she can store her insulin.
Merry Christmas to each of you from our family to yours. This has been a difficult year, but God has been faithful. Family is so important during this time and we trust you have been able to share together.
We were able to catch these pictures of Lucia with a little cousin of hers. She loves to hold, lift and hug any baby. The only problem was that he was 1 year old but double her weight. She struggled to lift him and when this was not possible, he just looked at her in such an understanding way.
Most of the metal frame constructions went up in record time as the people were afraid that the government would kick them off the land. They did not get any help from the government but rather, friends, neighbors and shark loans that were readily available. Most of the families have built a metal 2 story frame and have moved back in. They still have lots to do but it is on their piece of land.
Cami and Lucy make my day. Chelo had to travel so Beca moves in with me and I can help her with the girls. Also, their school is just 10 minutes away. I love to see them play together, sometimes it is great and then others, it seems like they are not sisters. Cami loves to lift Lucy which is not always appreciated.
Cami is learning to play the viollin and will be in a recital this week. She is doing really well with a tiny violin which her parents bought. Carmi is in first grade and goes all day. Lucy is only going 3 morningings a week and cries sometimes because she would love to go every day. Pray for all of us.
