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“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its parts form one body—so it is with Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:12
Today marked our third day of construction on the church in Chivoc—and it’s safe to say, this is no longer our first rodeo! We were more organized, everyone knew their role, and our systems have become second nature. There was a rhythm to our work, and we truly united as a team.
Because of that unity, we accomplished more in less time than on any of the previous days. It was a tangible reminder of how powerful unity can be. Without it, the work wouldn’t get done. Without unity between our churches, this mission wouldn’t even exist. And without unity within Cochrane Alliance, we wouldn’t have been able to come together and serve in this way.
After the workday ended, we joined an evening church service where Pastor Victor spoke—appropriately—about unity. I couldn’t help but smile at the timing. It still amazes me how well-known the name Cochrane is here, thanks to the 15-year partnership we’ve shared with this community.
At the end of the service, Pastor Victor invited us and the church staff to the front. As a song played, they came forward to shake our hands and give us hugs as a farewell. Soon, the entire congregation began to join in. One by one, people came from the pews to embrace us. I’m confident that was the most hugs I’ve ever received in one day—and it was deeply moving.
As I reflect on the past week, I can’t help but see the symbolism in it all. As the walls of the church were built up, the walls around our hearts were being torn down. As the concrete hardened, our hearts softened.
Each nail driven, each board lifted, and each laugh shared built more than a physical structure—it built relationships, faith, and a deeper sense of unity.
What began as a construction project became something far greater: a living picture of the power of unity in the body of Christ.
