Banner Weekend at El Jardin
Aug 19th, 2007 |
What an amazing 24 hours! I’m so bummed that Amber missed one of the biggest weekends we’ve had yet at El Jardín – from Youth Night on Saturday to the church service this morning. But she’s going to be thrilled when I pick her up at the bus stop tonight with the following report:
- Once again, we had about 45 middle and high school students at Youth Night. I love hanging out with young people. They have so much energy. They love to have fun and be silly. Obviously I fit in with that crowd! But most of all it’s neat to see kids who are seeking the Lord. Many of them have relationships with God. Many do not. But they’re all seekers. They’re willing to talk about God. And willing to listen. That is awesome to see in teenagers and pre-teens.
- Sit down for this bullet point. Are you ready? We had 101 in attendance today at La Iglesia de la Alegría del Señor! That’s right, one hundred and one! I did the head-count after the praise and worship time concluded: ninety-eight. I thought to myself, “Man, just two short of a hundred. I need to find two people…” I was about to walk out to the road to pull in the first couple of people walking by, but just then three late arrivals walked in. So we legitimately cracked the century mark today. Unbelievable.
- Today was a special service (hence the record breaking crowd). We celebrated Mother’s Day today with two guest singers. And they were great. The first singer did some traditional songs to honor the mothers. His voice was silky smooth — the women in the audience were swooning. The second singer was geared more for the young people. He was a rapping mime. That’s right, a rapping mime. I’m dead serious. I couldn’t make that up. Until today I didn’t know there were rapping mimes in the world (I’ve always wondered), but now I know that they do exist. (I didn’t realize this until later, but I believe the rapping mime is also the rapping chef I introduced you too last November. Check on the first and last videos from the Seacoast mission team from last fall. A rapping mime and a rapping chef — this guy is truly one of a kind!)
- Rodrigo gave the message this morning and knocked it out of the park. He spoke about the “wife of noble character” in Proverbs 31. You’re probably picking up the theme from today’s service — all about the moms. Rodrigo is the funniest Tico I know. But the man can preach too. He delivered a great Mother’s Day message.
- After a wonderful weekend of ministry, it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway), God is at work in the Orosi Valley!
That’s a wrap for this weekend. If you’d like to watch a few highlights from the service this morning, take a look at the two-minute video below.
I’m off to San Jose to pick up Amber. YAY!!! Tomorrow is “Relax With Your Spouse Day” at El Jardin, so no blogs for awhile. But we’ll update you on Amber’s trip very soon.
Que Dios le bendinga.
Christa said:
wow! that video was great - thanks for sharing. Tell Amber I’m glad she’s back home safely, too.
Andy said:
Thanks for the update, Nate. We’re really proud of the work you two are doing there. I’m thrilled that the church is having such growth and such impact.
Sorry I haven’t been in good contact much lately. I start one of my easiest rotations tomorrow–a whole month without any call!–so I should be a better emailer for at least a little while!
Hey to Amber!
Andy
Matt said:
Hey Nathan,
Looked like a real party going on. If you guys make it back around SC, maybe you’ll bring a bit of that “Latin Fire” to the worship
Looking forward to hearing the Nicaragua stories…