The tarp had had it. It was only about 6 months old, but between the heat, pollution, and heavy rains it was falling apart and could no longer shade us or keep us dry. During the rainy season the water would fill the tarp like a balloon till it gave way under the weight and pour out on some body's head. The last time I saw it, it was in shreds and could not longer be nailed to the block wall from which it used to hang. Some of brothers from Manalo bridge were more than willing to build a stronger, semi-permanent roof to keep us cool (as cool as you can get in the Philippines) and dry.
So Jessica and I jumped in our van along with Kuya Edwin and Kuya Tony to go the a local hardware store. We bought the metal sheets for the roof, nails and some wood for the frame. The men quickly built the frame, fastened it to the block walls and placed the roof on it. This has made our bible studies and fellowship time at the bridge much more enjoyable. It is also a testimony to the community. Next month I plan on getting more material so that we can extend the roof even further.Just the month before we added some concrete steps to make the climb down the dirt embankment safer. Soon we will have a generator to power lights and a projector so we can show movies (like the Jesus film) for monthly out reach events. God is continuing to move and bless this community and as it responds to the gospel. Pray that leaders will continue to emerge and grow and that God will give me wisdom in shepherding them and loving these precious people.
