Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Real Life Church

Real Life was such a fun, energetic group. They partner with pastor Felix Abreu who pastors the church in Hoyo de Bartola (The Hole). It was so great to see the members of Real Life and Felix and his family interact. Steve, from Real Life, had met Felix before and they truly were like old pals. Although they needed to use a translator, they chatted about life and ministry and the needs of Felix's community.

They continued the work in the Hole and made some major progress on the second level of the church/feeding center. The second floor is going to be the sanctuary and the bottom floor (which is almost complete) is for the feeding center. Real Life surprised Felix and his wife Yenny with new tables for the feeding center and a piano for the church. It was such a great time.

On the night of their despedida (fairwell) Felix, Yenny, Natanael (their 6 year old) and all the members of Real Life were in tears. Hearts broken for the church and some of them just not ready to leave. Natanael sat in one team members arms for more than a half hour just crying because he was so sad they were leaving. It moved many more of us staffers to tears just to see the bond formed within this group of people. I know God has even bigger things in store for this partnership. I'm just joyful I get to witness it.


Real Life Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Soccer Camp

What an incredible week.

Four people from North Carolina came down to do a Soccer Camp in Pontezuela with the kids from churches of two of our National Pastors, Romano and Wilby. Romano has an already established soccer ministry and Wilby has just begun the process of soccer as an outreach for the Haitian community in Hoya del Caimito.

Caleb, Danielle, Alexis and Casto...what more to say than pretty much the nicest four people I've ever met. They immediately greet anyone they meet with hugs, they have a huge heart for helping others and they truly love Jesus. It was so fun to do this week with them. Caleb, a professional soccer player, and Casto who also plays soccer very well, were great examples to the members of Romano and Wilby's churches who watched and played with them on the field. In fact, I think they were a little surprised to see such skill.

The four of them conducted a soccer camp for two days, then helped in Hoyo de Bartola for a day of construction and feeding kids. They also made an unplanned stop to the new sports storage because they really wanted to help get Mike started with the organizing process.

It was such a pleasure to work with these four. And because they were the only group here for a couple days, we were able to really get to know them on a personal level and hear some amazing stories of God's grace and provision in their lives. We VERY much look forward to this group returning again. Enjoy their show.


Pontezuela Soccer Camp 2009 from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.