March 2016 Update

March Update

     In March we were invited to join the boarding school from La Mesa for a retreat in Cangrejo. Cangrejo is a short, extreme hike, or a long drive from La Mesa. The hike takes the direct route, down the canyon wall, across the river, and straight up the opposing canyon wall. Since the canyon is in the way, the drive take a meandering dirt road up and around, until you can drop down to Cangrejo from the other side.

     The purpose of this event was twofold; first to serve as a retreat for the students from La Mesa, and second, to reach out to the community of Cangrejo. Being the week before the Holy Week and Easter the themes included The Birth of Jesus, Jesus’ Preparation for Ministry, The Ministry of Jesus, and The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. Our plan for the retreat was to share with the students during the two devotional times each day, teach them new songs and drama during the Workshop times, involve them in the Kid’s Club each afternoon, and have them perform their songs and dramas for the people of Cangrejo. The plan for the outreach to Cangrejo was to involve the children in the Kid’s Club, show the Movie ‘The Son of God’ about the life of Jesus, and share with them the songs, dramas, and scripture verses the children learned. To pull all of this off, I specifically invited a number of people from the ministries in Cofradía and Rosamorada. Martin, Ruben, and Alfredo led the drama workshop, Gloria and Jessica led the Kid’s Club, Pastor Amado and Horacio shared during the devotions, I led the music workshop, and the rest of our group jumped in wherever needed. As well, it was great to work alongside Santos, the director of the school, Teresa, who is one of the teachers, and Tom and Collette Beytien. This has always been my goal: to involve as many people as possible in the Cora ministry so that the ministry is less dependent on me and more a result of a team working together.

     It was very exciting watching the kids open up and break out of their shells. During the first drama workshop it was hard to get anyone to willingly participate, and by the end when Martin asked who wanted to be in another drama more than 15 hands shot up! As you can see in the pictures, everyone; young kids to teens, girls and boys, really enjoyed the songs and choreography, as well as the stories, games and crafts. The photo album is here. We are excited to see how God continues to plant His word in the hearts and minds of these young people. Please continue to pray for the school, the community of Cangrejo, and our ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support are crucial to our ministry here.