Los Cedros: Obstacles and Opportunities

This is the community that we call home.  It is approximately a 5 minute bus ride from Pacifico, and it is completely different. This community has a variety of people that range from lower middle class on up.  Lots of families.  Lots of dogs, (with owners).  Lots of baggage.

In Pacifico we have approximately 50 people in active discipleship; Los Cedros is a bit smaller.  There has not quite bit that "breakthrough moment" that has lit the fire. 

The community is quite peaceful, and that brings us great hope.  We can see people constantly seeking God, even though they stumble.  Whether it is out of religious obligation, or not, the community Catholic Church is full almost every Sunday.  However, for all the people that go to the Church, there is still an "under construction" building that has been sitting untouched for quite a while now.  This building is supposed to replace the wooden structure that they currently meet in.  

To us it appears that there is "belief," but there is not ownership. 

We can't wait to see God take over this place, and these people owning and living in the promises of God.  

Although the obstacles are different, there is still growth that ebbs and flows.  It ebbs partially because we spend a great deal of time, as a team, focusing on Pacifico.  There is such a great need there, and there are so many baby Christians that we are trying to give milk to. 

However, what is exciting for us is that there is such potential here.  We have evangelists that love to share about Jesus.  We have people that are thirsty to know more of God, and worship Him with all their hearts.  In fact, currently all the leaders we have, except for one, is in Los Cedros.  (And the one that doesn't live in Los Cedros travels about two hours to come spend time with the community).

Our hope for the future is that as Amanda and I keep on getting deeper into the water, and the people in Pacifico get to know us, Mark and Anna can focus on the Los Cedros community a bit more.  They have lived here longer, and more people are chomping at the bit to meet them.  In the meantime, we try to be relational, and say the best "Hola" we possibly can and look for the people that receive it.

(Amanda's banana bread is also going a long way!)