Xunuch´

Xunuch´ was the village that was visited today. The little village was set in a valley. Walked through the city to the outskirts, and then down a walk path for 15 to 20 minutes to a beautiful site on the side of the mountain where the church is located. It was built in 2002 and all of the block, metal roofing and bags of cement were hand carried along this same trail. Upon arrival we were greeted by several of the church members excited at the possibility of having their building finished after several years. They have been using this facility without any windows or doors. The walls were not plastered, nor finished. Took measurements of windows and doors and went to nearby company and were able to place an order. Sand and cement were ordered to plaster the walls. The people were very thankful. As Russell was walking down a trail to the church, he wondered if in the US we would walk through town, then on dirt trails up and down a mountain to reach a place to worship our Lord in a church without doors or windows. These people do it every week and are thankful for what God has provided. Church Dedication: Thanks to the men from Quest of UMC The Woodlands dedication services were held in Tzomoltãn at 4:00 PM this evening. The funds were sent last fall and a beautiful church building was completed in November with a team of 17 great guys who put in long hard days and gave so generously. Most of the guys were out of their element with constructions (since they are Dr's., businessmen, pastors, and a variety of other professions), but they did a fantastic job and many of the Tzotzil people think it is the prettiest church in the highlands. Well, you guys may remember our dedication service at the completion of the work, but there is always another service with ribbon cutting and a grand fiesta that follows a few weeks after the project is finished. You thought that the services were long in the past; this was a two day celebration with singing, preaching and lots of food. Pine needles covered the cement floor and the outside entry. All the churches in Pastor Victorio´s area were invited and there were over 300 people there. Not everyone could fit inside the church. Pastor Gorge of San Fernando cut the ribbon. The church leadership, followed by a group of horn players, lead the procession into the church. The musicians played the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers." The tambourine choir from Tzabalho came next and then all the members. It was very moving and tears flowed freely. Pastor Mariano was on his knees before the Lord giving thanks for the great blessing of the building and of all the other benefits that come with knowing Him. The celebration continued on through the next day. It is an honor to be a part of these people´s lives and see their joy in serving our Lord together.