E-mail received from Matt Murphy~ Sunday, February 22nd at 11:08pm:

John 15:12~My command is this, love each other as I have loved you.......14~you are my friends if you do what I command.

It was an early morning for Steven, Kelly, Ethan and Peter. Steven preached at an early service in a local neighborhood. It was a truly special experience for them as the church was filled with several hundred people. Actually many more than Steven expected, however, each one of them was touched by his words and this group that came all this way to be with them.

The rest of the group went to Yolanda's church which is also home to the orphanage which we will help continue to build this week. Steven speaks of "awe" moments. This was truly one, as the open air church came alive with music, singing, praise and love of friends many of us have just met. We listened to pastor Yolanda speak of John 15, appropriate for a day where we all came together. Following the service we were treated to lunch and fellowship.

The afternoon was spent shopping at the local market searching for just the right gifts for our family and friends. We are meeting wonderful people everywhere. Samuel, Joey, and Willie continue to work tirelessly helping us navigate the area, the language, and everything else you can think of. We returned near the church where many of our new friends live. We spent hours playing baseball, kick ball, soccer and visiting with many of these families. It is amazing to see people, especially the children, with such happiness and so full of life, while having so little. Our group is humbled by our contribution which is only a small step toward something much greater.

Tonight we returned to the house for dinner together and a devotional lead by Steven. We shared in prayer a special request from each person. We look forward to hopefully getting our computer to connect so we can post pictures throughout the week. For now we need some sleep as tomorrow the real work begins. We continue to think of each of you and miss you very much.

Goodnight from Venezuela.