Chicago Temple · First United Methodist Church · Pews for Second Church

Mission Blog: Grupo de Chicago Temple · First United Methodist Church

Janice and John Cogswell

Crew: 17 Americans and 3 Chileans

Date: January 2nd through January 19th

Goal: Build 12 pews for Second Methodist Church of Iquique

Location: Iquique and Alto Hospicio

Status: Accomplished above intended

On January 2nd John and Janice Cogswell arrived on Iquique. Becky and I went to pick them up at the airport. There were 17 people altogether from the United States.

On January 5th the equipment and lumber was ready to start working. People from Second church came to help build pews and cook.

The logistics, lodging and setting up was in charge of the EMANA office. I interpreted for the group and my responsibilities involved dealing with "pocket money" and also group management this time.

We were working at Robert Johnson High School for two weeks straight. We were visited in two occasions by the local newspaper.

The work was hard, especially for Enrico Mora, who came from the south of Chile to work, an d had to drive the district car for the group during their stay.

The goal was build 12 pews, but we managed to make 14. Two coats of barnish were applied on them before the group of volunteers left.

The traditional farewell dinner at Bavaria was held on January 18th.

We thank all those who came to help us build pews. You are wonderful people.

Thanks to Pastor Cerna and Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church.

Thanks to the Cogswells, for their beautiful calling to serve others, in other countries.

Thanks to Marcela, Beto and Enrico for helping us so much.

God bless you and hope to see you real soon.