The Effects of Rain

We have been experiencing LOTS of rain here in Venezuela which is quite interesting considering that last year we had barely any.  It has been a blessing for the country in terms of electricity & crops.  The problem, however, happens when the rains come so hard & quickly that they have nowhere to go.  Many of our cities & small towns are not built with run off areas.  There are few grates or ditches to collect the water & send it to another location.  In Pavia, they have been struggling with all of this water.  Unfortunately, when there is rain (and lots of it) there can be no church services.  Daily life gets harder & since few have a car... working becomes difficult.

         Due to several weeks of rain, the house & property of Pastor Gerson & his family have been flooded.  This picture shows the place where just a few weeks ago, this family used as their only living room.  The waters rose so high over recent days that the area that they used for a kitchen & bathroom was under water & the waters were entering the level that contains their bedrooms.  They have been forced to evacuate & live with a family member until they can figure something out.  Because of the swelling & cracking of the concrete, the house will most likely have to be destroyed & they will either have to sell & move or rebuild.  Either one is not ideal.  We are thankful that in everything, God is in control.  We ask that you please keep this family in your prayers.  It is impossible to pastor & care for your sheep when you have no home yourself.