...in fact we knew that many have been praying since the fire that destroyed the church building in the little village of Ite two years ago! We have shared our frustration with you about trying to locate a site for a new church building but now, praise God, we are able to tell you that we are back to building again! We believe God was telling us to remain at the old site and to begin building there... and that's what we did at the end of April. The site was cleared (thirty lorry loads of rubble!), and a small group of enthusiastic workmen committed themselves to the task. Someone was praying.
We are excited by the progress already and thanking God for all those who have given in faith to the construction of the church building. The workmen kept busy as we kept supplying materials and, almost miraculously, the drawing on the plans started to become a reality. Many of the villagers stopped by each day to watch the building was taking shape and, at the same time, promising to come along to church when the building was finished. Visits to hardware stores, suppliers, and to the local Council (who provide a lot of basic materials at a much reduced price) was almost a daily routine, with time being short, just a few months, before Trevor returned to Ireland. But there was lots of folk willing to help... small groups from the church in Ilo came out on a regular basis to lend a helping hand and all this help was vital. Someone indeed was praying...
In almost exactly eight weeks after beginning the building work, we celebrated our first meeting (for Father's Day!) in the new building. Foundations completed, walls up, roof on, suspended ceiling and lighting fitted, windows and doors in place, new furniture and a new pulpit! This first stage of the building work, 50% of the entire work, was completed in record-breaking time and we praise God for His goodness. Trevor left for Ireland the next morning!
Thank-you again to all who have been praying and to those who have financially supported this work - it has been amazing to see God at work. We also believe God has been at work in a different way - helping us to continue to build relations with folk from every level within the village and surrounding area. This has been more difficult and the visible results have not been just so encouraging. There remains a core group of children, young people and ladies but, sometimes, even with these folk we have struggled to see any real commitment. But we know someone was praying.
We do believe God is and will continue to build HIS church. Our task is to remain faithful in making contacts, sharing His love, preaching His Word and above all... not giving up! People in Ite desperately need to turn to God. We have witnessed them turning to many, many other things in an effort to find real joy, yet they are still in heart-breaking need. Our co-worker, Richard, in addition to finishing his studies at the Bible Seminary, continues to devote half of his time each week to building relationships with those of all ages. He has managed to gain the confidence and respect of many of the villagers and has been invited to do some bible studies in a few of the homes. Please pray for him! Ask the Lord to help us each to be faithful. We need to persevere and not give up because someone needs to tell them of God's love and of the difference Jesus can make in their lives. So, there is still lots of building work (of both types) to be done. Let's keep praying!
Report by Trevor Morrow