Day 2 - Casa Abba

 

Day 2

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

 

Today’s devotional reminded us about the importance of giving of ourselves to serve others as an example of Christ. In giving of yourself, time, strength, and energy to benefit others, you will receive joy! Today is a great example of that!

 

The morning started with devotions and a testimony of how God called Jocsan and Kayla to establish Casa Abba. God was working in each of their lives individually in different countries, but brought them together with a common vision for reaching orphans and communities for Christ.

 

While Jocsan was sharing how God called them to a vision bigger than they imagined, he said they were “empty-handed, with a vision, and prayer,” but God proved faithful and is proving himself faithful by providing and directing their steps to see the vision happen. God brought donors, sponsors, and teams to help get the property and begin the building (You can join too by donating HERE – put Morales in the search bar).

 

It is a joy to hear their testimonies and see how God is using them. At the end of devotions, I had each member of our team do an exercise (you can do it right now too), I had them put everything down, open their empty hands, and think about what God is calling them to do or pursue, and commit it to prayer. Kayla and Jocsan have Casa Abba, and God is moving here! Where does God want to move in your life?

 

Some people get a specific vision of a place and a ministry, like the apostle Paul. However, others are led to join the one who has the vision, like Luke and Silas joining Paul’s journey. The point is to come before God and invite him to direct your steps in faith for his glory.

 

After devotions, we loaded up and headed to Casa Abba! Well, the team went straight there, but Kayla and I went to pick up supplies and paint for the property. Running errands can take longer than you think, but it was a great time for Kayla, Zeke, and me to catch up on life and ministries. We picked up lunch and paint supplies. As we rolled into Casa Abba, the team had already been working hard!

 

Our goal today was to make progress on the foundation for the main building of the orphanage by mixing and pouring 30 bags of concrete! It was a blessing hearing Kayla tell us about how cool it is that Lakeside gets to help lay the foundation of the building, as Lakeside has been a big support to their ministry. Thank you, Lakeside, for your continued support of Casa Abba!

 

Today was hot! Rocks, sand, and concrete are heavy. Add a little water and it’s even heavier! Our team was like a well-oiled machine, each having their assigned tasks, and all partnering together to get the task done. By lunchtime time the team had 11 bags mixed and poured! We were doubtful that we would reach the goal of 30 bags by 4 pm. But after a well-deserved lunch break, the team was refreshed and got back to it. They went through the next batch quicker than expected and brought hope that we would meet the goal. I was so proud of how hard they worked and how they stayed positive and encouraging, even though it was exhausting and hot.

 

Shortly after 3 pm, Kayla and I ran to the store to get more water, ice, and PowerAde to help refresh the team. When we got back, we found that the team had already finished the 30 bags! And I think they did a couple more to finish off one section. In all, the team mixed and poured approximately 4.5 metric tons (or 9,920 lbs) of concrete mix! That’s a lot of concrete!

 

If the link doesn't play, click HERE.

After such a long day of hard work, we opted to take the evening off back at the house. We were fed an amazing meal of spaghetti and salad.

 

Pray for us tomorrow as our Praise Team will be leading worship in Spanish, team members will be sharing the Gospel Beads bracelets, and I will be preaching at the church meeting at Casa Ebenezer.