CHURCH BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP
About a year ago a young man got saved. A few months later, his father (the chief of their village) also came to know Jesus as Savior. The Chief provided some of his own land for the building of a church, that the Word might be brought to all those around his village.
Eleven poles were set in concrete as the basic framework for the church. Notice that the poles are not finished lumber, but actual tree trunks trimmed of bark and branches.
Stringers are run across the front back and center before roof "joists" are placed.
One of the nice things about being older is that you get to watch the "youth" work.
Jon and crew.
Shane "weighing in" to help hold wood steady for saw.
Jon notching stringer to allow two joined for length.
Mon ami. The village chief and I
Love the fact that old people are respected just because they are old.
The young feel that just because you are old, you must have knowledge and value and are worthy of respect. This makes me think that the people of Togo are more advanced than the people of America..........
One young man of the village who will be going to church when it is finished.
Chiefs front yard. Goats (kids doing what kids do) butting heads, chickens and chicks.
All bird eggs work toward an omelet.
The cycle of life. Fried eggs, fried chicken, other than smoked snails (to spicy) like the local food. Why do I see most animals as food???
Farming tools, well worn. Yes, the bones are left over from animism. Islam, animism, voodoo and even ancestor worship in various forms are practiced by many. The Chief said he would be cleaning house of old ways since he now knows Jesus. With the Chief accepting Christ, others will be drawn.
The Chiefs son and son's wife lived here. The art work, by the Chief's son, was done years ago.
Looking in the door of the Chiefs home a picture of President Faure of Togo is prominently displayed. Respect for those in authority is evident everywhere.
Work progresses.
The next step will be a tin roof and then thatched walls. Benches will complete the church and Jon will be preaching there soon.
13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
great pics Dad. first two pictures remind me how Shane did such a good job keeping those posts from falling over.
ReplyDeleteWOW ,
ReplyDeleteTruly enjoyed looking thru your pictures. I’m not exactly sure what it is about Africa but once you get the dirt under your finger nails you just can’t wait to get back to it. Look forward to checking out your blogs as you go .