This week would not have been the same without our own site construction, encourager, hard worker and friend Manuel. Manuel set the example of who Jesus Christ is in everything he did. He worked hard for his friend Cristina and he son, Santos. Manuel helped Mike and Pastor Carlos do the foundation for them. There was not a task out there he did not want to try or did not do in completion. The first day he helped unload the truck. As I stood back and watched this young man I remembered him from years passed hanging around projects. He sold candy throughout Cedeno as a child. But seven years later and at the age of 15 or so he has developed into a very strong godly young man. Manuel has simple way about him which never slowed him down. If you taught him a task he would go out and get it done. Each evening the team would come back to Mt. Horeb sharing Manuel did this and Manuel did that. Everyone was in awe of the genuine of our sweet friend Manuel. He kept everyone in tip top shape as they worked each and every day. He helped Pastor Chris and John cut and move the blocks. The first day of VBS he wanted to go but Pastor Carlos said he had to work on the house. He was a young man now and not a child anymore. Well Manuel did not argue but went straight back to work. On the last day Mike, Pastor Carlos, Manuel and I went to assess a house for the fall. Manuel shared with the family he would be there to help build their home was well. We joked with him and told him he was the boss of the team. He was Pastor Carlos' assistant. Pastor Carlos was so patient with him where there was any instructions. Pastor Carlos always did it with a smile but firmness to Manuel. Manuel loves Pastor Carlos and Mr. Mike. Anytime Mike was on the project you would hear Mike's name hollered across the job site. Manuel was always available to help Mike whenever needed. On the last day of VBS I ask Manuel are you a young adult today or a child. He laughed and said I am a child and went to VBS. He always brought a smile to whoever he was with. He was just special like that.
But on the home dedication is what took Mike and I over the edge. We try very hard not to get too emotionally involved but sometimes it is near to impossible. Today was one of those times. We already knew something the team did not know and we were planning on sharing during devotions that evening. After Pastor John got through sharing at the home dedication, he asked Pastor Carlos to share a few words. Thank you Pastor John for allowing this to take place or otherwise we would not have known how Ms. Cristina got her home.
Pastor Carlos starts as if telling a story. I love when he does this. He was in Cedeno one day visiting his friends and neighbors as well as his family. He was walking down one of the roads of Cedeno when he came across Manuel. He told Pastor Carlos to please come with me I need for you to do something for me please. Pastor Carlos followed Manuel until they came upon Ms. Cristina's plastic home made with sticks. Manuel said please build my friend a home. She needs a home. Please get Mr. Mike to help you build her a home. Well obviously Pastor Carlos said he would talk to Mr. Mike and see what could be done for Ms. Cristina, Manuel's friend. Pastor Carlos shared at the home dedication God will use any one who has the heart if we would only listen. This day God used our friend Manuel to see to it Ms. Cristina got a home. Well that is not all of the story. Manuel came up to Mike wanting plastic because Ms. Cristina was going to give him what was left of her old house so he would have a home. Manuel was kicked out of his home sometime this year by his mother and the church family has been taking care of him. He has been staying with different ones in the church. This young man did not have a place he called home but yet he went to Pastor Carlos to tell him his friend Cristina needed a home. This folks is Jesus. Manuel lives out his simple life daily as Jesus would. He is an usher in his church and a greeter as well. He helps with the children at church. The children love him as he loves the children. As we loaded the bus to leave worship on Sunday morning he came and looked in the front seat at Katy with the saddest face. Quickly I said see you later Manuel we love you!!!!
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
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