FEAR, FIRE

And faith

FEAR, FIRE, AND FAITH....
Well...the wind was blowing pretty strongly, but the day was beautiful, hot, clear.   It started with a crackling sound, but some of us thought it could be a passing rain cloud.  Then massive columns of smoke shot up to the sky, sailing overhead, very, very, very close, with flames as high as the trees behind our building, directly in front of us.  

As we started to take notice,  curiosity and the need to photograph overcame all fear....at first.  
The "controlled burn" of the farmers field was quite uncontrolled.  The flames covered a huge area right behind our buildings and the clinic and leapt high into the air.  The heat became intense and we became quite concerned.  Their winter has been mild, with little rain.  It is very dry.   The crackling intensified and sparks and ashes flew.  

I personally had my bag with pesos and passport in hand, and envisioned a way out of the courtyard and off the property, away from the fire, should it jump!   There was a small ditch, a small grove of trees with a tiny, dry creek between us and the fire.  

The guys headed towards the field, and were ready to wet down the clinic on the side closest to the fire. 
I prayed for rain and for the flames to somehow recede.  
Slowly, slowly, while we held our breaths, the flames did start to recede...   real fear, relieved....  see shots of the fire and aftermath.  Miraculously, no harm done. 

Faithful servants, Jim and Sharon Heneveld, prepare to leave the country from their annual, 3 month time in Chiapas.  Farewells are never easy.  It is difficult to part with people you love.  These long time missionaries have invested their hearts and lives to the people of Chiapas.  After all, Jim is the guy who wrote the Bible....(to quote Dr. Bill).  Jim was instrumental in translating the Bible over many years, to Tzeltal.  Sharon has taught, and loved and mentored more people than she can recall.  Everyone knows her!  Health issues are impacting her now, so the good byes were especially poignant.  Lord willing, they will be back next year!  

A farewell and tearful blessing for Jim and Sharon

P.S.  During our little dinner for them at the coffee shop, there was a hard, short rain...      Gracias a Dios

Sebastian and Dina, faithful servants, as well.  They are delightful!  Skilled in all things pastoral, personal, they attend to any task at hand:   building, driving, blowing up mattresses, counseling, organizing large groups of young people, preaching, teaching, etc.  We have been blessed to have them as family, friends, and now workers in this ministry.  They have moved cross country to follow what we all hope is God's calling to their lives.  They have been a big help to Pablo.  Sebastian has been approved by the Synod to serve here and is preparing for ordination.  Who can resist their smiles!!

This Dina and Sebastian and children, Josue and Paula, with a Lacandon family in Naha, the first believers in that community.   

Sent from Carolyn's I Pad