¡Gran Rifa!

First, a couple prayer requests: for Ricardo Staple, my favorite drummer. He over did it a couple of weeks ago and is in the hospital right now. There was an Artisan's Fair at ATLAPA, and his daughter, who owns a restaurant which features West Indian and Estadoünidense dishes, was selling food at the fair, and Ricky was helping. But he was also doing everything else he does. He worked at the fair Thursday and Friday all day, and then we (El Gran Trio de San Cristóbal) played at the Prayer Breakfast Saturday morning, and he headed straight to ATLAPA from that event. He played Sunday morning at both services and then headed straight to ATLAPA once again. So, come Monday morning, he couldn't even move! I visited him yesterday, and he's doing well, listening to jazz cds and taking it easy, but please pray for him and his health.

Also, our dear friend Elizabeth Leigh went into the hospital suffering from some sort of tick fever. She was released today, but please pray for her, too.

When I arrived at the church this morning I found a letter on my desk from my friend Revdo. Román Morán (a great name: the same five letters in each name, just in different order), our priest in the Darien region. A twelve year-old boy named Elvis Saes (another great name!) in second year of secondary school has some sort of problem with his right eye. The doctor said that if they don't treat it he could lose the eye. The cost of the treatment is $800.00. His father has abandoned the family and he and his mother can't afford the treatment, so Padre Morán and the church, San José de Arenal (St. Joseph's of the Sandy Ground) are holding a raffle to raise money. They are selling tickets for $1.00 each. The first prize is a heifer or $250.00 in cash. They sent us twenty tickets, which I bought immediately. I called Padre Román and told him that we would take a second collection on Sunday to help out. Also, if I win the first prize, the money should go to the family, too, unless they want the cow (although, the more I think about it, the cow would be an interesting addition to Friday Red Mr. Peanut Bank and Gallito Mescalito Blogging. But where would we keep it?). Please pray for Elvis and his mom, and for Padre Román and the churches in the Darien.

So next time your parish holds a Gran Rifa, consider a first prize of una novilla!


Boleto no pago es nulo unpaid ticket is null