El Vigia, Venezula

Since our arrival in June, I have been occupied in buying the materials needed to finish the back section of the hall, kitchen, toilet block, platform with baptismal tank, etc. Although it has involved a lot of running around, the Lord has wonderfully provided, despite the worsening shortage situation in the country. For various reasons, we have decided to pay Noel, a local builder, to do the work, so the next stage was to complete two toilets in the top section of the hall, which will later be used for accommodation. This enabled us to knock down the hut that was on the land when we bought it, to be able to start on the bottom section.

Noel has been very busy with various houses but none have been able to buy cement so he started work on Tuesday, as we had 83 bags stored up over the past months. In three days they have dug the hole and blocked up the baptismal tank, levelled and poured the floor on the whole back section and have all the walls blocked to half height. This has kept me on my toes, buying blocks and doors, etc, as I was not expecting him to start so soon. I will also have to do some plumbing and electrical before they plaster the walls. There was no water in El Vigia for eight days, due to repair work, so I had to connect up the pump to the underground tank with the 12v - 110v inverter, as the power at the hall is too low to run the pump. Noel has given me a price to do the whole section, up to painting and tiling stage, so that will be a big step forward.

We continue to value your prayers regarding spiritual building as well, as we feel, along with others, that the time is near for the assembly to commence. We are thinking of January next year, so pray that the believers will each understand their responsibility in the fellowship. Some of the new believers have things to sort out in their lives, before baptism, so pray for them also. We are presently studying 1st Corinthians, which will be a big help to us all. Daphne arrived in Australia on a surprise visit to the family. Ben and Rebecca gave us our first granddaughter, three weeks ago, Natalia Joy, joining her brother Jacob, and Anna's two boys in our growing family. Daph's Mum has not been well of late but we are thankful for some improvement in recent weeks.

Recently we were in El Cenizo for their annual ministry meeting. Then we spent a few days together on Margarita Island to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary, before Daph left for Australia. The end of this month is the elders conference, followed by the conference in San Cristobal, so I purpose going, Lord willing.

Our sincere thanks for your continued prayer on behalf of the Lord's work here in El Vigia, as we look forward to the day when another 'golden lampstand' will be shining for His glory in this darkening world. His promise is, I will dwell among them, they shall be my people.

Winter 2014

Written by Paul & Daphne Chapman - Venezuela

pdmchapman@yahoo.com