Ministry glimpses

Sometimes I look back over our pictures to remember what’s been going on recently, but some of the most interesting things that happen are un-photographed.

That was the case with something that happened at the baking classes in the community of Jesús María.

Typically, while the goodies bake, there’s a time when the gospel can be shared, a testimony, a little devotional. That day, everyone had gotten into a big circle, ready to listen, and it started to rain. Hard.

Well, with a metal roof, no one could hear anything. So a speaker was set up, a microphone plugged in, and it started to rain harder. No one could hear a thing, except for the rain.

Meanwhile, water started to drip down the wall – no, wait – steam down. In one place, then another. No – wait – it was pretty much a waterfall.

Now picture a large room, like a gym. Tables had been set up in the middle, and cords had been taped along the floor with electrical outlets, so that things like mixers could be plugged in at each table. I was eyeing the waterfall, and eyeing the outlets – and the growing pool of water – and I suspected that we would rather not let it connect with the electrical system.

A bunch of us grabbed long handled squeegees and brooms. There is a drain in the corner of the auditorium, so we started to move the water to the drain (because it really wasn’t going there on its own). 20 minutes – maybe – of frantic squeegeeing ensued. Meanwhile, the cookies were browning, so the women were taking them out of the ovens and continuing the class. No one had time to take pictures or videos.

Finally, the rain slowed and stopped. The water was contained. The cookies didn’t burn. And the bakers finally heard the gospel presentation. And later, apparently, the cause of the flood was fixed. But I wouldn’t bet that it will never happen again.

Another busy time that I don’t think we photographed was a week ago on Thursday. The team that was here was originally scheduled to help with a program where we would give hearing aids and reading glasses to older people (what is the politically correct term now in English?) who had a need. It was planned for Friday, but due to a conflict, it was cancelled.

So we thought.

But actually, it was changed to Thursday. By the time we found out, the people were already assembled at a mall in another neighbourhood.

So – Rod rushed to get the glasses and hearing aids, and we rushed the team to the mall. Yes, the mall! This took place at a public shopping mall, in a food court. How cool is that?

The team shared a skit, and Rod shared (I actually couldn’t hear much from where I was standing). Shari and I helped with the distribution of the reading glasses – helping people understand how to use them and find the strength that was right for them. Lots of people – big lines – but a good time. And pretty cool to see people listening and even people standing outside their stores to see what all the fuss was about.

Serving the Lord – who ever said it was dull? Oh. No one, I guess.