Dear Harvest Hands friends,

How can time possibly go by so fast?  It has been over a month since the last newsletter and we’ve had two teams since then! 

Here are a few excerpts from Dave Jefferson’s newsletter for the Mechanic Falls, Maine team, which consisted of 16 people! Thank you, Dave for writing this!  I’ve added my bit in parentheses (..)

Mixed in between all the construction (and painting projects at our new church building) were trips by all of us down into the streets of Los Anonos, where several healings and at least one salvation took place. (We continue to pray for signs, wonders and the power of God to be poured upon Los Anonos.)  What thrilled us the most was the very active role taken by the young men of the community in these God moments.  The energy of the Ticos, Tito, Jason, Kevin, Pipo, Randal, Nanis, and Chino who prayed along with us was amazing. One afternoon we went into San Jose, and gave out hot dogs and prayed with some of the homeless of the city. (There are many homeless in San Jose, who need food and the love of God.)

One of our big projects was putting some final touches on the Casa Nueva, which is our new church just down the street from the house.  Four inside and two outside benches were made from scratch by Ben Mosher, Sr with various team members assisting his  carpentry.. (Ben came with his son and three of his grandchildren… what a blessing to see three generations of believers serving on the mission field together!) The outside worship area was finished, and a roof for the large donated stove and pizza oven was installed.   Some excellent murals were painted on the walls by the girls under the artistic talents of Julie Herrmann, a talented intern (of Harvest Hands). 

A church service on Saturday night, with Dick preaching was powerful, with several of the young Ticos visibly moved, and at least one deliverance witnessed.   The Church was also used for a wedding that we decorated for and attended.  Rodney married the couple out in the amphitheater type worship area.   Our own Steve Limerick headed the church make over project.   He has earned the respect of the Tico boys.   Half way between the house and the church on the side of the road we made a basurero  (garbage depot) out of cinder block and mortar.

The girls of the team took right to the youngsters of the community and taught a group how to crochet.  Spanish and English words were exchanged continuously.   There was also a skit and a number of lessons put on for the youngsters at the new church in one of the meeting rooms.  (We have a Kid’s Club every Saturday for the children of the community.)  (And thank you, Dave, for writing part of this month’s newsletter!)

Two and a half weeks later, the Portland, Maine team arrived to build another new “yellow house” in the community.  This house was built for Karla, a single mother of 4 children.  Her former house had no plumbing and a dirt floor.  

Some of the members of this team also painted murals on the “Casa Nueva” walls, visited families, loved on kids and taught members of the Harvest Hands house how to minister a Sozo, a type of freedom tool to help people be free of hurts from the past.  Here is a photo of Julie, our intern, and one of the team members, Sarah Bonneson as they are painting.

This past weekend we were blessed to have our son, Josh, visit us with Jeremy Riddle. Jeremy was leading worship and teaching at a worship conference that we were able to attend.  And Josh preached a wonderful encouraging message at our church here in Anonos.  Thank you to both of them for the blessings!

There is so much more that God wants to do in Los Anonos!  Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment on the next steps to take as far as building the church here.  God is growing it… He’s the only one that grows it!  But we have our part to play and need discernment.  Thank you for your prayers and financial support.  We couldn’t do it without you.  You are a huge part of the Harvest Hands team!

If you would like to support us financially this is our address:

            Harvest Hands

            c/o The Vineyard Church

            P.O. Box 55

           Mechanic Falls, Maine  04256