The team has landedby Kevin Gamradt | April 6, 2015 5:30 PM
We have arrived in Ponce with no adventures to share. The team went straight to the community that we will be holding childrens ministry in to hand out invitations to the kids.
A little pick up basketball developed once the team finished. We are looking to many more games this week. Now it is off to the church for food and unpacking.
A painting we will goby Kevin Gamradt | April 7, 2015 9:07 AM
Part of the team has gone to assist Maria with painting her house. Due to financial struggles she has been unable to finish what was started.
With the theme of "who we are working with and who we are doing it for", the team lends a helping hand.
Kids camp in the barrioby Kevin Gamradt | April 7, 2015 4:28 PM
The kids had a blast with the parachute games and interacting with the team. It has been a great first day of ministry with the team working extremely hard.
We are not finished yet as the team will get to take part in the Tuesday evening service.
Our Puerto Rican home churchby Kevin Gamradt | April 7, 2015 10:02 PM
The team was able to take part in Obispo Corsons midweek prayer service. The team was given an opportunity to share in the service through leading worship and sharing testimony. Dominique and Jonathan's testimony were very encouraging to the church. The service closed with a church and team forming a prayer circle.
Cant wait to see what Sunday will be like.
Atlantic at it againby Kevin Gamradt | April 8, 2015 8:30 AM
The team is working hard at Zulmas. From painting trim, putting up a portable garage, and repainting the house. Zulma travels regularly as a missionary to Nicaragua. She has never painted her house since moving in 15 years ago and is super excited by the blessing that team is provided.
We also learned later on that the one time she tried to paint her house all of her money was taken without any painting being done. She spent all afternoon showing everyone in the church photos of her painted house.
Being the hands of Christ.
Loving where needed the mostby Kevin Gamradt | April 8, 2015 3:16 PM
About half of the team went to a local battered womans shelter to assist in spiritual and practical ministry. The girls sang songs, interacted with the woman, listened to their story, and prayed for them. Some of the guys helped with sorting of clothing donations and helping with needed cleaning.
The goal was to help the woman to see that they are valuble in Christ eyes. There were a lot of tears and hugging by the end of the visit. It felt like the message was received.
The Garden of Edenby Kevin Gamradt | April 8, 2015 4:10 PM
Jonathon and Dominque sharing about creation and the fall of man. The kids were very interactive during the teaching time. The kids have been hungry for the teaching and the playing.
New beginningsby Kevin Gamradt | April 8, 2015 10:01 PM
The church has been wanting to reach out in the community of Caracol in a greater way. The team has played a big role in helping the church to do just that this week through the prayer walks and vbs.
Tonight the church held service at a community members house. It was a great partnership between the team and church in sharing the hope of Christ through the message, testimony, and worship. After the service the team had a chance to pray for the vbs kids who came to service.
Nothing like grandmas cookingby Kevin Gamradt | April 9, 2015 11:28 AM
Part of the team had the opportunity to visit and help out at Elana's house. Elana is pastor Soto's mother and an amazing cook.
While we were painting and visiting, grandma cooked us bacalaitos (cod fried in a garlic batter).
The rest of the team split up to assist Jessica with roof repair and Gladys with painting needs. All together the team is helping 8 different families this week.
Plaza de Bombasby Kevin Gamradt | April 9, 2015 4:42 PM
The team is enjoying a break at a local plaza/memorial. They are enjoying homemade ice cream and shopping.
The team is standing in front of a memorial with the Ponce colors. The black and red are for the firefighters lost and the buildings destroyed during a major fire over 100 years ago.
The crossby Kevin Gamradt | April 9, 2015 9:08 PM
Todays vbs is on the cross. The kids have been very interactive during the teaching and craft time is a big hit with the kids.
You could also hear some Manderin lessons taking place in the craft circle. The team and the kids are making quite a connection this week.
Feliz de compenerasby Kevin Gamradt | April 10, 2015 12:43 PM
The team has been working at Fabian's house this week in helping updating the wiring in the house, installing tiles, and painting. Fabian was in an automobile accident that has left him fully paralized. All of the families resources have been going towards caring for him.
The team learned that today is his mothers (Emma) birthday and decided to bless her with some much needed furniture. As well there was cake, ice cream, and hugs. Emma was crying tears of joy during the farewells. Funny enought the team felt like Emma did more for them during their time at her house through her hospitality and interaction with them. It has been encouraging time for all.
Sharing and showing His loveby Kevin Gamradt | April 10, 2015 4:33 PM
Before the vbs, the team went around the ministry site of Caracoles cleaning all the trash, mowing the grass, and adding new nets for the basketball court. The community was watching in amazement as the team showed Christ love through actions and words.
Victory on the Crossby Kevin Gamradt | April 10, 2015 7:42 PM
Today was the last day of vbs and the team shared about the power of the Cross. Mr Genter shared an example of his daughters white sundresses getting dirty and only Christ is able to clean them. The kids and parents really resenated to the example and to Christ, with quite a few making a commitment for Christ.
What a close to an amazing week. God is good.
Three churches one commonalityby Kevin Gamradt | April 10, 2015 7:46 PM
Tonight the team had a chance to take part with the Friday night youth service. The church youth shared in song and encouragement. Then a few of the team shared on what lessons were learned this week in Puerto Rico. Mr Genter was also given the opportunity to share with all of the youth.
The team is going to have lots of opportunities to connect with the church youth this weekend.
Recreation day! by Brian Zeschke | April 11, 2015 6:26 PM
Today we got a chance to relax after a long week of work and service! We stayed the day by going to Cruceta del Vigía (The Watchman Cross) overlooking downtown Ponce and the Caribbean Sea. We got to go up in the 100 ft. cross and take pictures of the city.
Then we headed to the beach and had some time to splash in the Caribbean and lay on the beach and relax. It was a great day and very relaxing for everyone!
Sunday serviceby Kevin Gamradt | April 12, 2015 11:16 AM
Sunday service was a great example of heaven, with the Pelicans and Obispo Corson worshiping together.
The team shared in music and participation throughout the service. Pastora is great at including everyone.
With one voiceby Kevin Gamradt | April 13, 2015 4:56 PM
Ariel and Dominique were given the opportunity to be part of the churches worship team for Sunday service.
Fiesta timeby Kevin Gamradt | April 13, 2015 4:58 PM
After a game of soccer with some of the youth, the team was invited to a church bbq. Ribs, dancing, and laughter were the highlights of the evening. It's hard to believe we are heading home tomorrow.
We are heading homeby Kevin Gamradt | April 13, 2015 5:00 PM
After hugs and goodbyes with the churches support staff, the team is now on their way home.
