One of the tasks I have here is encouraging local churches. Here is me, stationed outside of a local church where I am about to give a testimony during their worship service.
Nearby were homes made of wood slats with gaps big enough to see through - who cares about chinking them against the weather? You just need to keep the wild pigs (yup...) and other animals out and stay dry when it rains.
This little church was very warm and welcoming... mostly women and children meeting (huh.. like American churches... what is the matter with us MEN?)
Several churches in this are were enlarging or building new facilities... usually not because they were growing more, but because the churches have been there so long their current facilities are dilapidated by the weather. Part of my goal is to help them see "healthy church" as their goal - not just surviving, but thriving and growing the kingdom.
After the service, they asked everyone to grab a bucket full of dirt and add to the blocked in area in front of the church... they needed to raise it just a little more before they poured the cement. Ha. So different.
