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I got up and went straight for the Advil, coca tea, and coffee. Apparently there are flaws in my theory that sleeping on 3 benches is a better choice than sleeping on a dusty, vermin-dropping-covered wooden plank floor. Either way, I did not exactly win the "best night's sleep" award!
As we wandered to the kitchen for bacon and eggs, we noticed broken glass on the ground again. I've often wondered why so many rural areas in different countries seem to have broken glass scattered everywhere. After asking, we learned that pieces of glass, along with hair, are mixed into the clay when constructing their traditional cooking ovens. Another fascinating glimpse into local life.
By 8:00 a.m. the loudspeaker system was set up, and invitations echoed throughout the village, calling people to gather. Together we distributed 70 food hampers containing items such as oatmeal, flour, noodles, salt, sugar, two bottles of cooking oil, a bar of soap, and a large calendar featuring a beautiful scene of a woman praying during a time of fasting and prayer at one of the churches. The remaining five hampers were sent with a pastor to the next community where ATEK also ministers.
One dishevelled gentleman arrived carrying his ID card. When asked how he was doing, his simple reply was, "Not good." He appeared deeply troubled and spiritually oppressed, he termed it 'possessed'. The pastor, Mila, and several others lovingly took him aside to pray with him and encourage him from God's Word before sending him home with a food hamper. Please pray that the Lord would deliver him completely, that His presence would replace the work of the evil one, and that he would come to saving faith in Christ.
The gratitude of the people of Televan was overwhelming. Receiving supplies like this is a rare blessing for many families here. Once again, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to our generous donors back home. Your sacrificial giving has become a tangible expression of Christ's love to people in great need. May the Lord richly bless you as you have blessed others.
Just after noon we left in the Santa Fe carrying gifts of our own—bags of avocados, passion fruit, and coffee beans. Their generosity, despite having so little, was incredibly humbling.
The pastor then drove us through the scree slopes like a rally car driver to meet our van driver, who had wisely decided he wasn't attempting that section of road! I told Brantley the pastor's nickname should be "FULL SEND." I couldn't resist asking the pastor if he preached the same way he drove. With a grin he answered, "Yes!" 😜
It was another long day, but what better way to end it than with hearts full of gratitude and prayer, reminded once again that God has His people everywhere. Every mountain road, every conversation, every act of kindness, and every hardship is under His sovereign hand as He faithfully works all things together for His glory.
Soli Deo Gloria.
