Christ Church Lake Forest Build June of 2009

Christ Church Lake Forest Build June of 2009
Originally uploaded by Justin and Julie Kirklin

My first build back with Casas Por Cristo was a good one. We built for a couple named Cesar and Yanette. They had 6 children. They lived in a 10 by 10 cinder block square with their children. We were able to build them a 3 room, 40 by 15 ft house with insulation, drywall, electrical, and roofing.

We worked all week in a very urban part of Acuna, MX. There were a lot of Mexican locals that stopped by to see what was going on. One of them was named Jose. We got to know Jose over the week because he came by everyday to help build the house. Jose was an ex-Mexican Military soldier who had battled a lot of things and through much adversity, became a Christian a few years before we had met him. The second day we were there, Jose showed up with some bad news. His brother had just passed away the night before and he had no idea what had happened. Jose also communicated his grief that he had tried to share Christ with his brother but his brother didn't want any part of it. We laid hands on Jose and prayed for him and his family. This did not stop Jose from coming the rest of the week and worshiping god through serving his friend in the community.

Another smiley face in the neighborhood was the sponsoring pastor of the family. When we build a house for a family, the application for that family is turned in my a local Mexican Pastor. That pastor, in return, is responsible for shepherding that family. Pastor Renae was one of the most good hearted, spiritual men I have ever met. Probably in his 60s, he worked like he was 18. Pastor Renae really took the opportunity to share scripture and the message of the gospel to Cesar and Yanette while we were there. I am grateful for having met Pastor Renae. I hope we can partner together many more times in the near future.

This week was touched by many highlights, but the biggest highlight was the end of the week when the team and I laid hands on the family and there newly constructed house. We were n the middle of prayer when Yanette, the mother, raised he hand hand a just balled with thanksgiving for the miracle God had done in her and her family's life. They had just received the best earthly gift they have ever received.