Catamayo habitat build 2006

DREAMING OF A CONCRETE FLOOR

By Roseanne Franke

Eleven young people from Illinois south Conference UCC were caught by a dream while participating in a Habitat Build in Catamayo, Ecuador in July 2006. Already involved in answering the dream for better houses for the Valdivieso and Villaviciente families, we heard the dream of a small Pentecostal congregation and its pastor for a better house in which to worship. On Tuesday evening, after an already long day of digging, forming reinforcing bars, and moving rock and sand, the team attended a special midweek service at the Pentecostal Church of Catamayo.

Filing into the “church” we noted the dirt floor, two rustic concrete block walls, several support posts and a metal roof. A third wall consisted of canvas hanging from the rafters to screen out the rain, wind or sun. The fourth wall was totally open and served as a wide, welcoming door filled with smiling faces and warm handshakes. In the midst of all of this, on a slightly raised platform, was a small table serving as an altar adorned with a simple cross and a profusion of fresh flowers of every color.

The service was very lively and filled with special music and congregational singing, Bible readings and even refreshments. The people from that church expressed how grateful they were for the hard work and dedication of these young people from “the states.”

During the sermon Pastor Segundo said, “I can't believe you would come from so far away to help people you don't even know, and spend your own money to get here! I hope you will return to Catamayo some day and worship with us again. When you do, I pray that you will find a large church filled with many people.

Leaving the service, overwhelmed with love and acceptance, we realized that we were building more than houses. We were building a new creation, the Kingdom of God. We had just experienced what it meant “to be one in Christ”---to be brothers and sisters in the Faith. We knew we could help to make that dream come true. As we traveled home, we came to a decision—We will speed up that process. We will return, build a wall and pour a concrete floor. And build we will, in July 2007!!




Team members: