July 2005 Archives
Santa Isabel, 2005 (Building)
Building and Maintenance work on the Church of the Prince of Peace: Projects accomplished included renovation and maintenance on the Pastor's Office; installation of the new Computer Training Center in the prayer room; rebuilding of the Children's Playground Equipment; landscaping work; renovation work on the water system to bathrooms; installation of telephone lines and computer lines.
In addition, I was able to meet with a Yugo missionary and tour Southern Mexicali.
-Jim Panico
Africa, Summer 2005
Hakuna Matata!! Yes, they really did say that in Kenya! The "no worries" philosophy was apparent in the locals' laid back, easygoing attitude. The Kenyans are lovely people - very outgoing and friendly.Land had never looked so beautiful. As we sailed into Mombassa, we were amazed by the beautiful white sand beaches and palm trees. From afar it looked as though we were approaching a tropical island. After a nine-day voyage from Oman to Kenya, we were overjoyed at the sight of land. Though it was a long voyage, crossing the equator from the Northern hemisphere to the Southern hemisphere certainly added some excitement to the journey.
On shore, our team of six packed into a matatu (local transportation) with Pastor Zachariah, our new friend and brother in Christ. We were to accompany him to visit his church and were prepared to do 24 hours of intense ministry. Our day began with a youth conference. We were happy to meet with some local teens and to encourage them in their faith. We then paired up with members of the church to do door to door evangelism. This was a bit challenging for me as it was completely out of my comfort zone. Nonetheless, it was a blessing and a privilege to pray with two people to receive Christ as their savior.
Tanzania: Tanzania is beautiful! It is very lush and green - even more than Kenya. The coast of white sandy beaches stretches out for miles, bordered with tall, spindly palm trees and big, waxy leaved banana trees - a honeymooner's dream. Dar Es Salaam is, however, extremely poor. The poverty is overwhelming - where do you start and how can you possibly help all these people!? I noticed many who suffered from skin diseases and parasite-causing deformities. Living in 21st century America, society pressures us to look like supermodels. Here, people are lucky if all their limbs function and if they make it to adulthood, surviving all kinds of life-threatening diseases. Makes you think...
Mozambique: An amazing story involving one of my fellow crewmembers: "I usually don't prepare my sermons" said Dominic Bothello (he's from India). "I go and then God tells me what to say!" After he finished sharing at a local church, Dominic felt led by the Holy Spirit to invite all those who were sick to come forward for prayer. About 40 members of the church stepped to the front and he began to pray for them. One lame man on crutches touched Dominic in particular and he was filled with compassion as he prayed for this man. "God, you've done so many miracles in my life. Do one for this man now!" To everyone's amazement, the man started shaking like a leaf. He started making shaky steps, like a baby, then walked the length of the church five times and threw his crutches away!
This is just one of the miraculous stories that has taken place on board. I continue to be in awe and feel so privileged to be part of such a dynamic ministry.
-Naomi Delgado