A Raisin and the Love of Christ.

Today started with a vacation Bible School for the children of El Batey. We had around 45 kids join us. We started with some fun songs led by Kristen and our team. There were lots of smiles and lots of laughs from the children watching the Americanos trying to sing in Spanish and keep up with the motions as the children kept yelling "rapido" (faster). We then acted out the parable of the prodigal son. The three not so little pigs were a big hit with the kids. After the lesson we split the children up into two groups. Half went to games and the other half went to color a picture and have snacks. The children all received a small box of raisins and some peanut butter crackers. We bid the children adios  with a sucker as they were leaving. After another delicious lunch we went to work.We have all of our church benches built and most are finished. The communion table is coming along nicely. We had many of the children come back after lunch and help us with our work today.
One of the things that never seems to change is the generosity of the Dominican people. By the standards of the world, our Dominican friends have very little. But they are always willing to share what they have. Today while we were handing out the snacks to the children, one little girl changed my day completely. We were all busy handing out snacks and drinks, but in the midst of our busyness, one little girl opened her small box of raisins and offered me the first one out of the box. I immediately had tears in my eyes. I was instantly humbled by this simple act of generosity by a small girl. I saw the love of Christ today. But I always do when I am in the DR. The people here love us in ways that cause me to wonder if we, in all our worldly comfort, are capable of showing. I want to love like my Dominican brothers and sisters love us, because they love with the love of Christ.
Love Pastor Mike and the rest of the COAM crew.