If you've ever traveled to Mexico, one thing that might stand out for you is how many things are made of cement!Cement is the primary material used in all construction projects.Why?It's relatively inexpensive, and you can construct almost anything out of cement blocks.It's also a lot trickier to work with than you might first imagine.Which is what a group from FBC of Bethlehem, PA discovered when they came to continue construction on a parsonage for Emanuel, the Fourth Baptist Church of La Paz.

The idea was to sling cement on the walls, spreading it to an even texture.The Mexican workers made it look so easy:sling, scrape, sling, scrape.It was all in the wrist.Half an hour later, everyone was feeling it in "more than their wrist."And cement was spattered everywhere.All over their clothes, shoes, glasses, hair, hats.In fact, some wondered if any got on the walls at all!But by the end of the week, the walls were taking shape, a floor was poured, and the art of slinging cement was coming more naturally.But even more importantly, relationships were being cemented with the Mexican men and women who worked along side them.

Pastor Bob Kramer shared this, "When I first came to La Paz, I met people at the Emanuel Church.I formed relationships, but they were more like acquaintances.I hadn't invested too deeply yet.This trip, however, my third one to La Paz, was different.When I looked at their faces I wasn't seeing Mexicans, I was seeing my friends.I realized how we were carrying each other closer to Jesus because of the friendships we had formed."

Cementing walls.Cementing friendships.The cornerstone?Jesus Christ.