July 7 - Preparing for Mission

As the In The Carpenters Footsteps mission team prepares for their trip to Costa Rica, we are reminded of why we are going and what we want to leave with the people of Fray Casiano. Here is our prayer and theme for our trip.

THE WARRIOR'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Your warrior prepares for battle.  Today I claim victory over satan by putting on The Whole Armor of  God!

I put on the girdle of truth!  May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word so I will not be a victim of satan's lies.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness!  May it guard my heart from evil, so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.

I put on the shoes of peace!  May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.

I take the shield of faith!  May I be ready for satan's fiery darts of doubt, denial, and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

I put on the helmet of salvation!  May I keep my mind focused on Your so satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.

I take the sword of the Spirit!  May the two-edged sword of Your word be ready in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of satan.

By faith Your warrior has put on The Whole Armor of God!

I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory!

Amen

Sunday Worship, Day 7

We worshipped with our Costa Rican neighbors in their small curch in Fray Casiano.  It was quite a service with much music, clapping and joy.  The spirit of Christ was all around us.  We were treated to Costa Rican dances in native attire.  The young ladies were beautiful!

 

Then In the Carpenter's Footsteps sang a song to the church in Spanish, and plan to do the same for the Christ Presnyterian Church congregation in Tallahassee when we get back.

 

Then the hard part-the good byes.  I think there were more tears shed in the last moments than all the rain we had all week.  The kids latched on to every one one of us.  Hugs, kisses, exchanges of addresses and gifts.  I'd rather have had a concrete block drop on my foot.

 

...but, we promised to complete the buiding, and so there will be at lest one more trip!

 

merlin

Saturday Evening Reflections Day 6

Every night we get together for Reflections.  It is a time for business and announcements but more importantly, to share our experiences for the day.  Tonight, we built an Ebenezer.  If you don't know the story:

 

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.  He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us'" I Samuel 7:12

 

Everyone brought something from the job site that remineded them of God's work that had been accomplished.

 

Solo Deo Gloria!

merlin