Services in Chiquicha

Thursday, January 22nd, was a long but interesting day. Per discussion with Milton, we were to be ready to depart for Chiquicha between 9-10 am. Nine o'clock came and went, then 10 o'clock, and finally at 11:30 am Milton came. He explained that his brother Patricio and sister-in-law Sonia had errands to do and wouldn't be home until 1pm. We timed ourselves to be there then. We picked up two whole chickens, French fries, and soda to share with them. The cost for all was $33. It fed thirteen people, of which ten were adults.

The Martinez farm is located in deep in a valley, which is lush with vegetation. The family raises vegetables and fruits for sale. Sonia led us on a tour of their farm. They also raise fish to sell at the market, tilapia. They start them as minnows and once big enough they are transferred to a different pond until mature.

The Martinez farmhouse: They have one cow and five chickens.

 

Each greenhouse is about 50'x100' and full of tomato plants.

 

Inside the green house.

 

Fresh fruit on the vine.

 

One of two fish ponds.

 

Antti kept a service based on Matthew 11:25-30. There were a total of thirteen people at the services including us eight who came in Milton's truck. At the services was a man by the name of Elman Freire, who is a deaf mute, but a believer. After the service, we inquired as to his conversion. Until age seven, he could hear and speak. A fall resulted in injury and loss of hearing and speech. He learned to read lips. Sonia is his first cousin and when there would be services, he was curious and would ask Sonia, "What are you doing here (what do these activities mean)? He was eventually converted. He is a single guy who farms. He has cows and chickens. He always has a big smile on his face and is happy to see everyone. In November of 2014, his mother was dying of a brain tumor. Walt had visited at their home and preached the gospel to her for comfort. She was a believing woman. We conveyed our thoughts and prayers to Elman.

Antti Paananen keeps a service.

 

Service guests.

 

Elman Frerie is a believing deaf mute.

 

Paticio and Sonia's son William is eight years old and very much into plants of every kind. He led Aino and Avis on a tour of their yard and pointed out all the different fruit, vegetable, flower, and tree plants. He brought several to us to smell. He has a good start on being a future botanist. As he led them around, Walt heard him say "I am teaching them."

William has a natural talent for botany. He is also
a proud maker of a paper craft.

 

 We departed for the evening service at the hacienda, which is about a three hour drive. All were invited to Congregation Days at the hacienda on Saturday.  

Walt and Avis