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March 2007 Newsletter Frank Seinturier, Beth Wilson, Patty Keisling, Josh Dutcher, June Chandler, Karen Dutcher, Dan Dutcher, Ivanna, Stephanie Treen, Linda Reifschneider, Wally Rice, Robbin Treen, Mary Beachler, Mark Davison, Connie Seinturier, Cara Keisling, Sean Arnold, Pat Gopperton. The Team Travels to Bluefields: The team and all the supporters gathered in prayer on the church lawn prior to departure. Expectations were high as was energy and anticipation as we boarded the bus and headed to LAX for departure on this mission trip adventure. Travel team member Mark Davison survived a harrowing experience the night prior to departure having awakened to an intruder in his home at 2:00 am seeking "two cups of blood." Mark prayed and shared the gospel, getting the person outside his home, and called the police. Thankfully Mark was unhurt and still able to go on the trip. We arrived in Bluefields after flying all night and changing planes in El Salvador and Managua, where we were greeted by Pastor Vital Pierre, whom Linda has dubbed a modern day Nehemiah. Luggage and supplies caught up with us the next day, but we began work in earnest, almost immediately, finding that we would accomplish so very much more than we had planned. Here is a short list of the work that we completed for the Glory of God in Bluefields: Drainage in a day -- installing a drainage system to protect a retaining wall from erosion; the Fiesta, an all day carnival to attract families to Bethel; two mosaic tile projects; teacher training; guitar/music lessons; the construction of a gazebo foundation for weddings and other celebrations; sewing costumes for children's plays; music lessons; outreach to law enforcement; electrical, plumbing/shower repair plus a myriad of other handyman projects, water purification research, laundry and meals. Witnessing in the Barrios: The practice of the congreation at Bethel on Sunday morning is to go into the surrounding barrios or neighborhoods and witness to the people. Many of us were anxious at this suggestion, but were so proud to be able to stretch outside of our comfort zones to participate. What a powerful testimony to God's power, to be able to share the gospel and gifts of scripture to people in a country far away from home in a language not our own. With the help of interpreters from Bethel, we were able to share scripture and pray for the people that live in Bluefields. In many ways it was some of the most important work we were able to be a part of there. The Hope of a new Church in Kukra Hill: One of the most unexpected, yet astounding, events of the trip was a ponga boat ride up the Rama River about 30 miles to a village called Kukra Hill. There, Pastor Vital took us to meet the Alcalde (Mayor) to present a document requesting a land grant to build a new church. We entered the Alcalde's office without an appointment where Pastor Vital presented a letter requesting the land. The Alcalde signed the letter in our presence and then escorted us on a tour of the village, taking us out to see the site where the Church would one day stand. We all joined hands and prayed over the future site of the next Bethel Church. It was by far one of the most powerful experiences for the whole team. It was further proof of the vision that drives Pastor Vital. He took 18 American Missionaries to visit the Mayor of Kukra Hill to illustrate momentum and level of support to establish a new church, a church that will materially aid in providing some of the many needs of the residents. In our presence the Mayor committed his support to the land grant by signing the document and promising to present it to the city council the following week. Affirmation by the council action would allow construction to begin soon. We also went to visit the temporary site of the Kukra Hill church and spent some time with the pastor and other staff for this new extension of Bethel.