This morning, I was unable to wake up until 7:00pm.  The neighbor’s dog barked incessantly from Midnight until about 3:00am.  Then, at 4:00am, their rooster thought it was daybreak and began LOUDLY crowing.  It was a long and miserable night for sleeping.  However, the Lord provides grace for the hour.  Amen!

After breakfast, we all went to the Dodge dealership here, where the Ashley’s have had their Durango in the shop for a week.  They had to have brake and A/C work done on it.  They picked up the Durango, after paying a hefty repair bill, and then Mrs. Ashley and the children returned home.

Brother Ashley wanted to show us around the island today.  (We will be working on the church building again tomorrow).  So, he and I, Dan and W.C. went sight-seeing for a few hours.  Puerto Rico is an island of dramatic contrast.  At its widest point, it is 41 miles wide.  At its longest point, it is 110 miles long.  Its lowest point is sea level, and its highest point reaches approximately 4,300 feet.  As we traveled, it was readily observable that the prosperity of the island is also a picture of contrast.  There are the well-to-do and there are the poorer people.  Their houses range from spacious luxury homes to mere bungalows.  Yet, as you look on the faces of the people we pass, it is apparent they have one thing in common. . .No real joy.  The need of this island is great.  Yet, fundamental churches are sparsely located.  Churches where the standards are held high and the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed are hard to find.  The Pentecostals have a firm grip on the island.  The prosperity gospel and message of health & wealth have produced the fruit of self-centered, man-honoring theology.  Commitment is rare.

Today, we did a little sight-seeing and went to the area of Utuado, where there is a national cave attraction called Tanama.  It was a good trip.

Tomorrow, we will be working on the church building again.  It is a long and windy road to the church.  We go from sea level to about 4,300 feet, and then back down to about 3,800 feet where the church is.  The mountain road has 133 “switchbacks” between the foot of the mountain and the church.  (Switchbacks are those curves where you almost hit yourself in the rear, as you make the sharp turn).

Upon returning home, we had a Dan’s special for supper. . .Four large Papa John’s pizzas!  The Ashley children all enjoyed the treat.

As always, you can view the daily pictures at this link. . .MISSION TRIP PICTURES