5/3/14: Day 62: Needs

There have been a few people that have asked what we need. Some were referring to the church here and some were referring to us as a family. Our needs as a family are currently being met by God and through our home congregation in Huntsville, Alabama. This post is purely about the needs of the church here in Ataco. These things needed are for the future work and one on-going ministry.
 The on-going ministry that I am referring to is the Café y pan ministry that happens in Ataco every Saturday morning. It was started 4 weeks ago and we were unable to have it last Saturday. However, the turnout has started to pick up. We give free coffee and big cookies (they call it sweet bread) to the workers in the market. This morning it almost seemed like there were people that were waiting for us to come. Hector or someone else preaches, reads the bible, or has the bible on CD with the speakers and microphone. Other members, (usually Carlos) hands out flyers that has our meeting times and locations written on them.  We are hoping to see fruit from this ministry. But, it is really helping us recognize and know our community. This has also been a great way to reach out to a couple of business owners. We picked a location prior to starting and asked the owners for permission. We set up in front of two businesses close to the market. One store sells clothes and the other sells food. We buy our sweet bread from the lady that owns the food store. Currently we have two coffee makers that make 42 cups of coffee. One is a loaner and we will have to give it back some time in the future. The 100 cup coffee makers here are really expensive. Actually all of the small appliances in El Salvador are really expensive.  The nearest town has them for 210.00! On amazon one can be ordered for anywhere between $80 – 130. This is quite a difference. We don’t mind if it is used if anyone finds one in a garage sale or thrift shop.
The other needs are for the future plans here in Ataco. The team has been discussing starting an after school program in the church for the 1000+ students in Ataco. We would like at least 6 computers with internet for this work. If we had computers Caleb could also use them to teach some computer classes. This would be a great opportunity for the local students. They usually have very little knowledge of computers such as Microsoft word, or what the right mouse button does how to type…etc.  Other uses of the computers would be for research, ESL classes, and tutoring opportunities. I know that Rachel and I have already been helping our teens with their homework (esp. English) and this is a need that is not currently being filled in our community. Besides the computers with an internet connection a couple of whiteboards, printers, & paper would be very helpful. Ideally we would love to raise about $2000 for this work.
The other need is for evangelism that would help the groups that come from the U.S. That would be for canopies used for the evangelism. Usually the groups rent them and the cost is around $600 for two canopies per group. But if we bought them they would cost $2000 and I think that there is already a congregation willing to put some money on them because they plan to use them soon.
Love you all,

Della

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