Dearborn Day 3

 After working until noon on Sunday, Becky gave us a "Reader's Digest" tour of Dearborn.  We got to see a few mosques and learn about the Muslim culture.  At some point, we were all wondering what Becky was doing as she drove in an alley behind this big mosque, only to find out that it was hiding a very special entrance door . . . .

 

We drove by this other mosque that hosts about 3,000 families and when you figure that a Muslim family is comprised of an average of 7 people, it makes for a big crowd.  If the concept of tithing doesn't appeal to you, you might want to consider the Islam obligation:  give 3% (2.5% to 3.5%) of your net worth to the mosque you're attending.  Becky also explained to us that in the period of Ramadan (when Muslims are not allowed to eat anything between sunrise and sunset) the high-school football team will hold practice between 11:30am and 4:00pm.

After the tour we were treated to a traditional Lebanese meal.  It was delicious.  We had lentil soup, Bab-Ganoujh, Humus, Tabouleh and a large platter of chicken on rice.  Some of the guys were extremely happy when they were served 2 platters of chicken. 

The flight home was uneventful with the exception of having an almost full flight.

Well, we made it home safe and sound.  It was bitter sweet to leave our brothers and sisters.  We all wanted to stay longer, but we were also looking forward to being with our own families again. 

STEPHAN AND THE DEARBORN TEAM

Dearborn Day 2

What another great day it was in Dearborn.  God is great and He has truly blessed the work of our hands.  In His strength we were able to accomplish a lot today.

The project was in desperate need of a plumber for a big roof drain work, and God had the perfect team in mind to get it done.  Our very own master plumber, Jim, and his trusty sidekick, Dale, got the job done and it is a masterpiece.

Another milestone was achieved today as we poured the concrete floor in the bathrooms.  Kelly was recruited by Trey to help, but he didn't have any rubber boots.  Not wanting to let his friend down, he jumped in a pool of concrete 6 inches deep in his sneakers and helped to get the job done.  He then went to Walmart to buy new sneakers and sold his old pair as a boat anchor.

Johnny and Matias did a lot of mudding today but were distracted several times during the day.  Johnny was sad that he was missing all the snow flowing back home and was spreading rumors of school already being canceled for Monday.

 

 

Matias played photographer today and took special pleasure of taking this picture of Kelly sitting on the scaffolding.

Reginald and I with the help of Kelly (when he was not shopping for shoes . . .) finally finished laying conduit pipes for all the lights in the back part of the building where the Sunday School classes and nursery will be.  We all learned great skills in this task (I learned to close my eyes and look away when creating sparks with a saw . . .).

We finished a very productive workday today, but there is still much to do.  We all agree that we would stay longer if we could.  Although we are leaving, we all know that our work is not done; we will continue to pray that God will honor the Hancock's obedience and move through them and their team to get favor with God and with men.

 

After our day, we had a great prayer time with Becky.  We prayed for Jeff and anointed with oil.  Being the project manager can be overwhelming for him and his family as he spends many hours at the church supervising the work.

It is late and I need some sleep.  I will try to include some videos tomorrow.

STEPHAN AND THE DEARBORN TEAM

Dearborn Day 1

It has been a very long day for us, and we are all very tired.  We met at the airport at 4:30am and everyone was extremely excited to get to work and bless our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The flight was uneventful and very relaxing.  With only about 27 people on the plane, we all had plenty of leg room . . . and sleeping room. 

Upon arriving we all quickly jumped in and worked hard until 8:30pm with only stopping for meals (which were all very yummy).  After eating dinner, we all quickly fizzled out and decided to call it a night.

The men did great.  All of us contributed in a way that made a difference.  The crew was facing a major plumbing challenge, but our master plumber and his sidekick (Jim & Dale) quickly paired up to tackle the project.  It is moving ahead with a concise plan.

Matias and Johnny tackled the never-ending "mudding" job.  I suggest you don't ask them to help you with any sheetrock work because they might experience serious trauma . . . .

Reginald paired up with a gentleman who has been helping for a long time and really helped him with laying out conduit pipes.

For Kelly, this was more like an old class reunion.  He was so happy to reunite with some old friends and still found time to help me with electrical work for the lights.

Overall, it was a great day, a very long day, but a great day.  The crew is great, the food is fabulous , and we know that God is watching over all of us. 

Well, time to hit the bed . . . . I'm the only one left awake and everyone is snoring around me, ugh . . . great!

Doing His work,
STEPHAN AND THE DEARBORN TEAM

We're on our way . . . .

At the airport bright and early headed to Dearborn, Michigan.