Valentine’s Day aka Day of Love and Friendship

How would you like a glass of water for Valentine’s Day? Pour a glass and sip it while you read this blog.  In the DR, this special day  is called the ‘Day of Love and Friendship’  ( aka Valentine’s Day) and I think we saw the connection today,  in love that wasn’t watered down.  The El Camino Church has partnered with the their sister  church in Soto, to provide drinking water for the community in which they serve.  Ever since Jesus taught that giving a stranger a cup of water in his name was a way to express our faith, Christians have shared this precious and life giving gift with others. 

The distribution centre  in Soto is currently being built,  cinder blocks are laid and the footings are about to be poured.  Pastor Hector anticipates that it will be completed in four weeks time.  The  El Camino church has ramped up its production capacity and will be sending over  truckloads 5 gallon jugs  as soon as the centre is ready. 

Truly and act of love and friendship!  Love is in the air. Soon liquid love will arrive by the truckload. 

I note that the motto of the T.E.A.R.S. Foundation, printed on the side of a truck parked out front,  is to ‘build communities for the glory of God’ and this example of sharing water is surely something that brings God the glory He deserves. 

           

  I attended Obed’s cell group this evening.  The living room of the home in which we met was crammed with the dozen people who gather each Thursday. It was up close Face Time!  Obed shared on the is ‘day of love’ about God’s love for us as described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 – it brought me great joy to see him share the word of God with such enthusiasm.   This too is love.  Breaking the bread of life, the word of God, with his people. Sharing what you have been given.  Shepherding, feeding the flock, praying for one another. Pastoring.  Simple acts, not much more dramatic that sharing a glass of water with someone who is thirsty.  I can’t help but think of Jesus’ words to the woman at the well.   He who drinks of the water He gives will never thirst again!  

   On this Day of Love – I close with the words of Jesus:  “By this all men will know that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.”    Drink up and pour yourself out for others.  Liquid love.

With love

Keith,

 for the team in La Vega

Valentines 2013