Sowing Seeds of Love

The energetic crew from South Luverne Baptist Church headed to SIFAT¨s new "dream project" today. The construction team dug a gaping hole in the earth for the foundation of a 4 story day-care facility (the dream yet to realize), and the VBS team entertained, taught, and loved on dozens of Ecuadorian kids with Bible lessons, skits, and various activities. We convened for lunch at the VBS site with the SIFAT staff and shared some laughs guinea pig. Not really, it was chicken, but you never know in Ecuador.

Before you skim over this part, read this....

I was standing in our project, a four foot deep hole, looking up at Will Tate, our team leader, and our Ecuadorean compadre, Rafeal. Rafael oversees construction on this project and also serves as the pastor of a local church. We were working on the foundation by digging holes in which to bury the columns to support the four story building. Rafael was holding the tool of choice of which we have become very familiar this morning - a pick ax. The dialogue that ensued went something like this...

Rafael (R): In the U.S., how is this work done? By hand, like this? (holding the pick-ax)
Will (W): No, we use machines.
R: Ah, yes.
W: How much does it cost to rent an excavator here?
R: Oh, about $50 an hour.

Will looked around and saw 5 holes that were all 4 feet deep. Each one, including the one where I stood had to be picked away, bit by bit down to 8 feet. The shovel and pick ax was already wearing on our hands, backs, and our will. I was elated by the idea of renting an excavator. We could knock out what it took 5 men working about 3 days in just one hour for only $50 bucks!

Humbly, Will says, "You know, we can afford to rent an excavator if you prefer to do it that way."

Rafael responded, "Nnnnno. It is better by hand. You are sowing a seed this way....for the children. It is more difficult, but you will remember this for the rest of your life."

WOW. I was floored. Will was too and agreed. We continued the rest of the day, and will the rest of the week, sewing seeds of love for the children of Ecuador, one stroke at a time.

-Jerry Cotney