EBV a Roaring Success

Nearby horses finished off the backdrop for an awesome VBS week.  We had a cowboy theme.  LOL!

It was an EXHAUSTING 2 weeks, but EVB (VBS) was a huge success.  We went from I think around 40 kids the second night, to over 120 by the last night, Thursday.  I had lifted up a little prayer that we would have to go for extra snacks on Wednesday night and not only did we need extra snacks, but I ran home for extra craft materials and the group that can to help had to pray up some crafts for Thursday.  They were almost clean out by the end of Wednesday night.  God provided in an amazing way.  Another group that had been doing VBS in another area had some extra supplies. They visited Casa Betania Thursday and asked if their extra craft supplies were wanted! ;)

I think my favorite part was seeing one of the faithful church ladies, hermana (sister) Manuela, single handily fill up and entire van BEYOND it's capacity.  I had never seen her more joyful, and joyful is different from happy-BTW.  She was bringing her friends, family and neighbors to church!

We have had a good number of visitors, at least 10, return for regular services and can tell God is working in individual's hearts.  One is a young man named Ruben.  He speaks enough English that Sam has been able to speak with him on several occasions about Salvation and gave him a clear presentation yesterday.  He has been here in Jerez, visiting family for the summer and returned to Augascalientes for school today.  We are hoping to stay in contact with him and are making efforts to help him find a church that will continue to minister to him. 

Recently Sam was able to preach with an interpreter, but is working hard on writing out a sermon he can preach on his own.  One of the young men at Casa, Juan Adan, did the interpreting with no advanced notice.  He and Sam stepped aside and prayed together.  He took it very serious and did and excellent job, his love for Christ and growing maturity showed through very brightly.  He is a quieter fellow and does not seek attention, so standing before a congregation and helping Sam proclaim truth was something God did through him. 

Families arriving by foot from a nearby neighborhood and closing out VBS with the theme song one last time.  You will notice Luis greeting them.  Lidia, Lupita and Karine must have sung that song over hundred times as they ministered in music class all week.  They never once complained.  Check out Casa Betania's facebook page for more pictures.