The evangelistic meetings that started last night had a phenomenal attendance. In spite of the devil messing with our projection equipment, the message of a Savior was heard loud and clear. Every seat was filled as eyes and ears were riveted on Pastor Gary and Pastor Dwight who translated. There were 103 local people attending the adult session. Each were given a card to fill out and return with their name on it and then collected. After attending 4 of the nights, they will each receive a Bible that they can call their own.
At the children's meetings there was barely standing room. It was held in a large yard of one of the local people. In the front of the group, near where Kim stood to lead out, was row after row of little children. Pressed closely together on the ground, legs folded neatly under them as they sat with the look of excitement and anticipation clearly marked on their beautiful dark faces. Directly behind the seated children were mothers holding babies. and shoulder to shoulder they stood, not moving less they loose their place. Adults and youth alike were pressed into the crowd, devouring the animated movie of Jesus spoken in their language. We counted 250 people before we just gave up trying to count. The entire village of Mixta seemed to be gathered together for this event. It has been the most excitement that has probably ever gone on there. Sandra related to me that several people have said "If your group stays a little longer, all of Mixta will become Adventist" They are so impressed with the way we have come in, loved them and provided for them. Before the meeting started last night, Clara came in to bring several of us a bag of sweets that she makes and sells at the market place. It looks like it is made from the sugar cane and possibly boiled, looking very much like our maple fudge. It is then fit into a piece of bamboo circle that she has already made and has hanging in quantity in her house. If there was anything I could send home to you, it would be the brightness of her smile and the twinkle that is now in her eye. By pouring her floor and by the simple act of all of us coming through her house to see it, we have elevated her status in the village to that of a very important person. After the meeting, her preteen or teen daughter came to me and just held on so tightly, not wanting to let me go. Tears of gratitude in her eyes as she said over and over how much she loved me. My eyes tear even now as I replay this scene for you, knowing that I have done so little and received so much.
From the heart of each member of our team, we humbly bow before the King of the Universe, thanking Him for His great wisdom and love and for the opportunity to serve.
Another woman came to us last night and said she had tears in her heart and was sad that we had not come through her house as a group to view the newly laid floor. We apologized for the unknown slight and promised many would be there today!
After the meeting ended and the crowd finally dispersed, Bob and Eric Young, Sandra and I, along with Pastor Ben, went to look at the work that needed to be done on a couple of other houses. One was the house of our wash lady's daughter. The poor woman had only a bed in her house and nothing else. As we left, our countenance was visibly shaken by what we just saw. Then on to the next house, which seemed to have many possessions by the standards here, but because of the many holes along the foundation, they also had many rats. After translating that for us, Sandra thought she would be able to translate better standing outside in the rain!
Many of our construction workers never came back to camp for supper last night and it was sent down to them. They kept working on the church building right until we arrived there to set up for the meeting. Faithful workers indeed. They were able to put down 471 blocks yesterday. The total estimated for the finished church, including the fence that will be out front of the church is 2,800 block. They have put down 1,921 of those so far.
As poor as the people in this area are, they are not poor in relationships. It is hard to tell who the mother of which baby is as they are continually passing children back and forth and all seem to be loved equally. I noticed one little baby being passed back and forth by several women. The infant was at that stage where they give those adorable little open mouth kisses to you, and the woman holding her was enjoying every moment of it, as was I just by watching. Babies and mothers are the same all over the world.
Little Courtney Rousseau just came in and left cards on our bed that said I love you. She asked that I not tell Mr. Young, but she didn't say I couldn't tell you who did it.
Miles Merwin has been given a hand of applause at least once if not more, for the great job he is doing as keeping our water jug containers always filled. Thank you Miles.

With a heart filled with love, I send you a smile from the D.R.

Jennifer Young
Mission reporter.