The last time we updated you, it was the first day of summer. And now, a little over a month later, a lot has transpired.
In June and July, both the Burrows and the Reed families went on separate vacations in Canada. For the Reeds, it was our first vacation with all our sons, their spouses, and our three grand-kids! What a blast! But there is a lot more that we haven't told you!
The whole Reed clan poses for a chilly group picture during their Canadian vacation in June.
"I need you to come meet el Presidente!!"
Those were the first words Cesar spoke when he called me a few weeks ago. "Esteban!" Cesar continued excitedly. "The mayor of Chahal has invited us to come for their big celebration of the road opening," Cesar explained. "Our presidente is supposed to be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the mayor wants to recognize those who helped with the various water projects in the region."
"When is it?" I asked.
"August 8th."
"Oh man!" I countered. "Nola and I will be coming off a trip celebrating our anniversary, and I have a leadership conference and a Guatemala team training I would have to reschedule."
Ray Gurney to the Rescue!
After a day of trying to figure it out, I called Ray and mentioned my dilemma. "Steve, that week I am actually available. I'll go!"
As I write this update, Ray is en route with Cesar and Elba Gonzalez for Chahal. Ray's church has been one of several that have been instrumental in collecting money for these water projects, so I am excited that he will get to be there for this occasion.
The water project in Sepoc was recently completed. The water is pumped from a spring below up to a couple of containers above.
From the containers on the top of the hill, the water drops by gravity to the village of Sepoc. Here the workers turn on the faucet for the first time in their village!
PSE Training this Month...
While Steve and Nola celebrated their anniversary last week, Bill Burrows was hard at work doing Play.Story.Eat. training in Avilla, Missouri, and Muldrow, Oklahoma. He and I will be at First Baptist Church in Muldrow on August 18th for a PSE Experience Training Camp.
Your Summer Gifts are Vital
Many have asked us how our funds are holding up this summer. Given the fact that we have not done a painting project like last summer, we are at a much lower ebb than we have been all year. So your giving makes a huge difference. Keep those cards and letters coming!
10:02 PRAYER (LUKE 10:2)
Pray this week for Ray, Cesar, and Elba as they attend the celebration in Chahal. Pray that God would get the glory and that other churches would be started in the jungle as a result of the word getting out about these water projects.
INVEST
Could you take a minute to write a check or make a gift today? Below is the easy button for giving.
THE EASY BUTTON FOR INVESTING IN PSE
ENGAGE
Would you like to know how PSE groups can be "hands on" in helping with a community project? Though we don't mention all that our groups do, know that there are likely others interested in what you might be interested in. Got an idea? Give us a call or drop us a note!
Talk to you soon!
Love y'all.
Steve
August 4th Nola and I celebrated our 34th anniversary in Chicago around a work trip for Nola.