On our first visit to the construction site, an overflowing creek forced us to take a detour through a little used swampy road.   Due to my superb vehicle handling skills we were immediately and almost permanently stuck in the mud behind another truck that had suffered a similar fate.   Fortunately, there was already a tractor on its way to help the truck and it pulled us out first.  Click for trip photos

We finally arrived at the site and found the foundation full of water, and the site a large mud hole.  After just a few hours the storm clouds and heavy rain made it obvious that if we didn’t leave immediately we would be spending the night.  We left in a hurry.  Click below to read on...

Three guys from New Life Wesleyan in Gillette Wyoming, a local welder and an army of local volunteers attempted something the community said was crazy.   I was reminded of Nehemiah’s critics when a leader told me stories of how some members of the community ridiculed the guys putting in the foundation.  Several as they passed by on the road called them loco.  By midweek no one was saying anything and one man who had never attended during the past two years came each day to help out. 

Although the conditions were extreme the construction progressed steadily.  It became very obvious the Lord was helping us daily.  On Monday the storm clouds passed around and on both sides of the church giving us a great start.  On another day a squadron of dragon flies maintained a tight formation above us consuming the hordes of large mosquitoes intent on consuming us.  Each day we were encouraged by the local kids who were eager to help.

For me as a missionary one of the most impressive parts of the trip was the daily help from the church members and the way the team built relationships with them and worked side by side.  In addition to providing work for a few locals who didn’t have jobs the team was able and willing to pass along some skills that will help them in the future.

Much more than just a building was going up, Gods kingdom was being built up as well. 

Thanks Rob, Hugh, and Davey.  Also thanks to Gillette New Life and all there who helped send, support and prepare them.