Written by Paul & Daphne Chapman
Martha was cumbered about much serving....Jesus answered and said...thou art careful and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part. Luke 10:40-42.
We give thanks to our God for the tremendous privilege we have to serve Him, or to be used in some way to fulfill His purpose and plan, but also realize the danger of becoming occupied with the work and not our Lord Himself. No doubt Martha felt she was doing what was most important, in serving the Lord to meet His physical needs. The reply of the Lord makes it very clear that the 'many things' that cause us trouble and distress, even in serving Him, often hinder us from enjoying that 'one thing' that is so needful. May the Lord help us to 'choose' that good portion, that is, those times of fellowship with Him, at His feet, hearing His word.
Since we started work on the construction of the hall, it has been full on, with the visit of various brethren to help. We were concerned as to who would be able to help, but the Lord has proven His faithfulness again. Just as He provided the funds for the purchase of the materials, so He has proved the brethren each week with the ability to the work required for that week. Two brothers of Felix came for the first one-and-a-half weeks to help finish the bases and weld the columns in place, for the meeting area of the hall. A group of six brethren came down from Merida to dig holes for the foundations of the back section. The following week, four brethren came from Mendoza to prepare the formwork and reinforcing rods, while we did the plumbing. We were able to pour the remaining foundations and beams for the back section before they left.
This week we have three brethren from Valencia who are welding the steel frames for the roof, so we hope to get them welded in place and the fibre cement screwed on before they leave. So far, we have not been held up with the purchase of materials, as often they are not available, or we have to be there early and wait in the line for arrival. Three meals daily are prepared in our house for those working, so it is a big job for Daph and the few local sisters.
It has been encouraging to see how the Lord has made it possible for Moises & Erika to buy their own apartment here in El Vigia. They have all the paperwork submitted in the bank and are waiting for approval of the loan. It will be good to have them closer as they are presently living over an hour away, in Santa Barbara, with Erika's mother.
We are very grateful for the continued prayerful and practical support of the Lord's people, that the needed strength and wisdom will be given to us daily, to carry out the work that our Lord has committed to our trust.