IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Dust accumulated on everything while the building was empty.

It was really fun working around the church, cleaning and burning trash and sorting useful things from what could be thrown away. All of us were laughing and sharing even though it was tiring and sometimes difficult work. Who knew that work could be so fun and satisfying!

It all started when Lloyd and I said we were going to be at the church Wednesday afternoon. Azucena said she’d meet us there to help. We also planned to stop and visit Florencio and Josefina who missed church Sunday.  When we got to their house, they asked if we wanted their help. Of course we did! Along with that, Lloyd invited Omar to go with us to Nuevo Progreso. Omar is our Mexican/American neighbor in Weslaco. So there were seven of us working together around the building.

Florencio was delighted to work at the church.

So many incidents during the day showed us that the Lord had a plan for everyone involved. Each person seemed chosen specifically and for a purpose. We were surprised when Omar agreed to go with us just for a work day. Omar was a truck driver in the US for many years, but three years ago he had a massive stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed. He now spends his days walking and exercising and trying to regain his former good health. He doesn’t attend a church and does not profess to be a Christian, but he is a good man and a good neighbor.

Paola with her new baby, Allen.

When we stopped on the way to check on Florencio and his family, we accidently stopped at the wrong house. It was Catalina at the gate instead. We were one block away from Florencio’s house. But Catalina was happy to see us and invited us in. There we met Catalina’s husband for the first time. “Eno” was gracious and friendly. He runs a taco stand on the main street of town. Eno doesn’t attend church, but he is happy for his wife to go. Just last Sunday Lloyd had told Catalina he wanted to meet her husband!  We knew the Lord had brought us together!

 Catalina’s daughter Paola was there with her new baby boy, Allen. He is the newest member of our church and is a handsome baby.

The Jeep was loaded with people by that time, but we all squeezed together, anticipating a good time ahead. When we got there, Josefina got busy in the kitchen, washing counters and cabinets that had grown dusty. A large furry mouse had taken up residence in the bathroom, but he was disposed of quickly in a bucket of water. Screens on the windows need to be repaired along with several other things we made note of to do soon. While the parsonage is empty, it’s a good time to repair and remodel all that we can.

Florencio started a small fire outside where we burned empty boxes and assorted papers and things. It was his job to see that the fire didn’t spread, although there was nowhere it could go. Lloyd and Omar sorted through tools that remained at the church and I helped wherever I could. Before long everything looked better and we decided to take one room at a time. The building is constructed of concrete blocks with a concrete floor that has become rough after so many years of use.

Before the job was finished, we all wished we’d brought hot dogs for the fire or some other things to eat. We had worked up an appetite!  So a plan was made to come back in one week to work again and that time we’d come prepared! 

When Lloyd locked the front entrance and we once again piled into the Jeep, we were all excited and content. This church, God’s house, belongs to all of us, and He has placed it in our care. It’s a humble place in a very poor area, but there’s a reason for it’s existence. We’ll treat it reverently and give thanks to the Lord for it. And He showed us through the day’s events that we can make our plans, but He is the one who brings things to pass.

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 KJV