July Blessings...

Baseball, Lightning and more....

                The past month proved to be "eventful" in many ways.  The baseball camp was a tremendous blessing, as we saw God move in great ways.  The first boys to walk into camp on Monday morning, were part of the group who had been throwing rocks at windows & animals, as well as vandalizing cars in our neighborhood (they had already broken several of our windows).  They didn't really know who we were; but we knew who they were.  We spent the first day just playing ball and getting to know them.  At the end of the second day, they were surprised when we told them who we are, and that we forgive them and want to help them make something out of their lives; that starts with faith in Jesus.  We enjoyed 4 days of baseball, fellowship and testimonies; with almost all of the kids praying to commit to follow Jesus.  We now have a very good relationship with the boys from the housing projects, and each child received a glove and ball.  As a result, a couple of new families join us for church that following Sunday, including a family of 3 boys is now coming with their mom.  Glory to God!

                One afternoon, the last week of July, a bolt of lightning struck over our house (no warning, no rain, just clouds).  It split right above our house, and sent strikes in several directions around our home; one landed on a metal fence that JeJe (along with our dog) was standing directly in front of, with a hammer in his hand.  JeJe had fire flash in front of his face (a burn mark left on his nose) and then the sound "booming" as it traveled away.  Our dog was knocked down on his legs (he weighs about 110 lbs).  JeJe was left disoriented, breathless and felt like all strength was knocked out of him, along with chest pains.  He now feels stronger each day; the side effects he still notices are restless nights of sleep, not as strong physically as he was, and a loss of hearing.  Several electrical devices and appliances are a complete loss. Our neighbors' electric meter spun out of control; reading that they had consumed over $3000USD in one month!  Several eyewitness testified to the bolt splitting over our home and seeing the fire strikes hit the various locations.  We are so thankful for God's mercy; especially that JeJe didn't put his hand on the opening of the metal gate. Best part in this, was the cable man who came to restore our entire system prayed to receive Jesus !  glory to God !