Conference at Grace Baptist

I forgot to mention something that happened Sunday morning... some of us grabbed breakfast quick before we left for Sunday service in the restaurant at the hotel. Everyone left to go get their stuff and Ethan and I were still there. One of the waiters who had seen us probably every day came over and ask Ethan if he knew what the word guapo meant? Ethan said yes and the waiter told him how handsome he was. We both laughed and the waiter asked what we were doing here and Ethan told him we were on a missions trip. He asked what religion that was and I told him Christian. He told us he was Roman Catholic (not a devout one) and asked what the difference was. 

I couldn't believe God had handed me on a silver platter an opportunity to share the gospel with this young man. 

I told him what the difference was and he seemed to understand what I was saying. And said his girlfriend thinks the same way. I told him it didn't sound like he was Catholic then. If he repented of his sins and believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and believes God raised Him from the dead then he was a Christian. He smiled and said I guess. That's the short version. ;)

The people here are so indoctrinated with the lies of the Catholic Church. They really don't know why they believe what they believe, they just do. I don't know what God will do with that conversation but I trust that He has a purpose. I left in awe of God and why He would hand me an opportunity to share the message of the gospel with someone so easily. I don't know why He would bless me in that way but I am just thankful. 

Monday morning the men left early for the start of the conference. The women's conference part did not start until after lunch so the 3 of us prepped some of our note pages and walked across the street to the mall to get copies made for Jeff. 

As we showed up to the conference we got there just in time to enjoy the beautiful roasted pig they had prepared for all of us. Grace Baptist spoiled our team with some of the best food. 

After lunch the women gathered in this little room behind the main room (sanctuary) to teach the equipping classes. I taught the day before so Christine and Sheila were up today. Christine did a great job teaching the women how to study the bible and Sheila  did a great job too teaching on the Titus 2 passage. After the teaching we gave away some books and we were also able to hand the single ladies study bibles because we hadn't thought about the fact that they won't have a spouse that will have gotten one. They were ecstatic! Here's something one of the girls posted on Facebook.

And one of the girls told Sheila whenever she wants to read a bible she has to borrow it from someone. Something we all take for granted.  

Towards the end of our time with them the rain stated pouring down outside. It was the first rain we have had since getting here. It's hot and the rain was a nice break from the heat.

We met the men back in the main room and Grace Baptist presented us with the sweetest gifts for being with them. We were all so excited about our new tshirts. I can confidently say we all were so blessed by being with them the past several days. They are the sweetest people and we all bonded with them quickly.