We are currently in Houston, in a hotel, and heading for bed soon. We have a really early flight.
The last two days have been spent touring around Antigua, and digesting this experience. For many of us God has moved n unexpected ways. We have been able to take time to pray with one another, be prayed over, and to praise God for who He has been, what He is doing, and what He will do in our lives.
The city of Antigua has a fascinating history. It was once the capital of central America. When the Spanish came with the church, there was virtually no separation. The military came with the blessing of the Pope, and came to conquer in the name of Christ. It was fascinating to see once again a cathedral with a Mayan idol underneath it, totally allowed by the Catholic Church. The mixture of faith and power is scary to see. This is not being written in an effort to slander the Catholic Church, rather, a deep sadness and compassion should be felt for how twisted the Gospel had become. That freedom was replaced with oppression; that Jesus Christ was portrayed so horribly. One cannot help but wonder how our culture can be infected with some of the same sickness. Les Peters did a great job of asking us those questions, and challenging us to look past judgment against these people, and to see how the Kingdom of God is at war with the Kingdom of the World (the evil one) in our own culture. It was much more than just a tour.
The market was a great experience. I am sure each student will tell you the neat stories they each have.
Tonight we were challenged by Mr. Irvine to look at the Idols in our lives. once again, a good time of reflection.
please pray for rest and safety as we finish off this last leg of our trip together. We are blessed by what God has done in our lives, but very worn out mentally and physically.
We will see you all soon,
Yours In Christ
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Leaving Tactic
We are in the process of packing up for Antigua, so this will be short.
Yesterday we had a very full day. We visited a sinkhole/big tunnel in the ground where Myan worship ceremonies are still practiced. It was a very beautiful and incredible place. As we decended into the hole along the edge, we were surrounded by the thick smoke from candles lit below. the walls of the cave were covered in soot (my appologies for poor spelling today) mixed with wet dirt. It was dark, dank, yet strangely beautiful. This was in important place for the Myans since it was a hole in a mountain; therefore they could appease both the gods of the heavens/high places, and those under the earth. Fascinating. We spent some time discovering the caver, then we worshiped and prayed. The sound of our voives echoing off the walls was amazing, truly beautiful. We wanted to keep singing, but eventually had to leavve.
We also went to the hospotal, and went to a village last night to show the movie Moses. Very cool.
Overall, and amazing experience. We are now leaving, I am being called away, this is quick. I am unsure about whether we will post more. Please pray that God can continue to work in our hearts, and give us the time to process this trip. thank you for your prayers,\
Yours in Christ
Yesterday we had a very full day. We visited a sinkhole/big tunnel in the ground where Myan worship ceremonies are still practiced. It was a very beautiful and incredible place. As we decended into the hole along the edge, we were surrounded by the thick smoke from candles lit below. the walls of the cave were covered in soot (my appologies for poor spelling today) mixed with wet dirt. It was dark, dank, yet strangely beautiful. This was in important place for the Myans since it was a hole in a mountain; therefore they could appease both the gods of the heavens/high places, and those under the earth. Fascinating. We spent some time discovering the caver, then we worshiped and prayed. The sound of our voives echoing off the walls was amazing, truly beautiful. We wanted to keep singing, but eventually had to leavve.
We also went to the hospotal, and went to a village last night to show the movie Moses. Very cool.
Overall, and amazing experience. We are now leaving, I am being called away, this is quick. I am unsure about whether we will post more. Please pray that God can continue to work in our hearts, and give us the time to process this trip. thank you for your prayers,\
Yours in Christ
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Last Few Days, and Personal Messages from SOME Team Members
A Few Words
The last few days have been very busy, and full. We finished both our work project and our ministry time at the public school. Both of these have been eventful, and great experiences for the team.
As mentioned before, we are the first team to be allowed to go into one of the public schools and tell these children the about who Christ is. It was an interesting dynamic, and at times we could see the teachers looking at us a bit oddly. However, our group did a fantastic job. Our second day at the school was a very much like the first; it rained and poured, and we soaked ourselves in the rain playing with the children, and trying as best as we could, with broken Spanish, to convey an image of Christ, and a message of love. The Children hugged us so tightly and continually sought our arms. It was very incredible to see how some of the team members were impacted by this experience. On the last day we did everything outside as it was beautiful out. The children had an opportunity to hear about Christ, and how He is risen, several times. It is our prayer that the teachers may be able to tend after the seeds that have been sown by God in this place. We are here for such a short time, and really, have such little ability to make a permanent impact on these students. However, we recognize that God desires all of these children and adults to know Him. Please pray that doors may be open for the Spirit of God to move among these people, that the work God has used us for may build relationships for Impact Ministries, and that God may continue to use people to bring Glory to His name. We know that in the least, we have been changed by this experience, and trust in Hope, that these children will come to know the Lord.
One amazing story was how a team member lost her camera on our bus. They were very very upset and frustrated by this. However, they chose to not let it get in the way of their experience here. A neat thing happened though. A team member had a extra camera and anonamously gave it to the one who had lost their camera a desire to bless them. It was awesome to see her reaction. However, it got better. Mr. Irvine found the camera in the DVBS bag, and rushed in to ask the team member what they would ask God for….what could be the best scenario. Obviously, the only thing better than receiving someone’s extra camera would be to get her own, and she did. This was a small thing we had prayed about, and we received. It was cool to see. Even more so was the fact that the extra camera was then given to a team member who had not brought a digital camera!
We also had an opportunity to go to a coffee plantation and learn the entire process from seed to roasting. It was awesome. We are all coming home with plenty of caffeine to keep us going for months to come!
The past two afternoons we had the opportunity to go on house visits. This is where we delivered care packages to sponsor children, blessed the family, and prayed for them. For many this was a mixed bag. Some felt overwhelming compassion for these families. A theme over and over was of children without parents, abandoned, or being looked after by extended family. It is so hard to see children who have so little. Words lack to explain the emotion of how these people, created in Gods image, lack just the mundane things that can just provide dignity and a better quality of life. This is one aspect of Impact Ministries that we have been very impressed with; the desire to look after the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, in an effort to raise up leaders who will proclaim who Christ is within their country. It is a powerful and compelling dream.
Tonight we are at the Peter’s house once again. We have been so blessed. We have had an opportunity to give them their blessing from Canada, actually, as I write. We have had a more relaxing evening, and are looking forward to the remainder of the trip. We know we are leaving out so much, but we know that you will all be filled in over coffee, pictures in hand, and the story of this experience working its way from our heart and minds to hopefully give you a portion of how the Kingdom of God is moving and at work in this place.
Yours in Christ
Some words form the Team Members
Chris Senger
Just a quick hello to everyone back home. Things have been amazing here, and I am appreciating the different ways in which God is challenging me. It is incredible to see such poverty, and to realize the things we take for granted. That sounds so cliché, but it’s true. This is something I have understood intellectually, but to see it first hand changes the effect upon your spirit and mind. I continue to look forward to being with this team, and the remainder of what is in store. Congrats on being Grandparents mom and dad, and tell Jen and Andre I send my love.
Danielle Beuker
I hope you all are well. I miss you guys so much! Say hi to Lauren and Ketchup for me! And everyone at church too. But everything’s ok. So many things have been happening. It’s intense, like camping! Don’t let me go back to normal when I get home. I’ve learned so much.
Again, I miss you, and I love you!
Adios!!!
Love Danielle
Robyn Sanderson
Oh my word, I can’t express what I want to say, I have learned and experienced‘ so much . Mom and Dad and family, I miss you all so much, when I come back, I have tons of things to tell, and I will probably be a totally different person.
Love Robyn
Ben Pullar
So the skits went really well with the children’s ministry, we worked at the school behind a catholic church that was also mixed with the myan beliefs of chiixim the corn god. It was really interesting to see how well the kids listened to what we said. The kids were so cute and just wanted all your attention, it was tiring but really good. I managed to get sunburned on a very shady day the only day I didn’t have sun screen.
Brittany Huber
Hey mom, dad and Haleigh. Well this is the one night that I get to write to you all. Don’t even know if you’ll even see it. Anyways, I hope you guys are having fun skiing. I miss you all, though I have to say I really don’t miss Canada. I only have a couple of minutes to write. It’s amazing here, I definitely want to come back again. There’s to much that’s happened so far for me to even let you have a glimpse if this place, but that just means you have to wait until I get home. Well my time is up and everyone else needs to get on.
Adios with love Brittany
Natasha
So far the trip has been going very well! Everything has been fine. I really love it here, but I do look forward to seeing you al when I get home. I miss you!
Breanna
Dear mummy an daddy,
And Matty
Well we’ve been here about a week and I’ve been having a blast. I guess I can’t really say a lot because I’ve been anticipating when I can show you all my pictures and tell you all my stories then! I’m healthy, having a lot of fun, making a lot of good friendships, and really enjoying all the new experiences in the Guatemalan culture. The food has been absolutely wonderful, the weather beautiful (I’m actually getting a bit red! I’m really hoping I don’t burn), and the work has been hard, but God has graciously made it a bit rainy and not so sunny on the days we worked on the schools (we were leveling the ground).
I miss you all so much, but not enough to want to come home quite yet :P. I will see you in six days, though, no matter how much I want to stay here. I know you’ve been praying for me. Thank you! I love you!
CJ
to my family….
Dear family. I am having a great time here in Guatemala… man it’s been a long time since I’ve touched a computer. I don’t really have a lot to say here. The trip so far has been wonderful but I will tell stories in person. I miss you all. Megan, we haven’t gone to Antigua yet so I haven’t bought you anything (or anything for anyone else). Luke, I might buy a machete but you can’t touch it because I don’t trust you :P I’m doing well and learning a lot as well as helping by service and love to the people here. Many cool things have happened. I’ll see you on Tuesday night. Love you all. Have a great week.
Chad Hepting
Mom and Dad and Jamie and Aaron and Scooter and Abby
I love you guys and I really miss you. Wow, Guatemala is awesome. You would absolutely love it here. The weather is great and the people are so nice. I have so many stories to tell you guys. I am having a great time and stuff. The bedroom I sleep in is great and the living conditions are like camp. I feels a lot like camp. There is something I need to tell you though. I found out I can get married here without my parents consent. So I met a girl and she will be living with us. Haha jk. There have been a few marriage jokes around here and I had to make one. I think I am running out of time here though. I really love you guys. Ill cya in a few days.
Love Chad
Candace Howard
Why hey! I just wanted to say hi to my dog Chica. Chica, I miss you terribly. I called a little boy here chico and he laughed at me. Maybe we got the meaning of your name wrong. Anyways, my little Chica, how are my shoes you may ask? Covered in mud! You would love them…too bad you’re not here…but I really do miss you…now that I’ve actually thought about you…did I just type that? I meant to say, you would have so many friends here, all of the little dogs and puppies are asking about you! Anyways, don’t tell mom and dad, but I was MIA today…NOT on purpose. Anyways, also don’t tell mom and dad…I bought a machete! ALSO, don’t tell mom and dad…you know the girl Chad was talking about???? Well….;)
Love to everyone, from me. And everyone else!
Hope Dreger
Hey Mom! Dad! Kristopher! Danyelle! I’m having a great time in Guatemala. And hopefully you’re having a great Easter break. I love you. (bud, I couldn’t find anything sports like, no hackie sacks or soccer balls so far. Maybe in Antigua there’ll be some. If not, I’ll get you a machete! Ha! Ha! No, maybe, anyways, just a heads up) I miss you and I love you so much. Time seems to pass so quickly here, yet it seems like I’ve been here for a lifetime. I’m getting excited trying to shop for your presents. Hopefully you’ll like them. Don’t miss me too much! (I forgot to mention I’m safe by the way, no kidnappings so far, ha ha!) Don’t worry, I’ll be home sooner than you think! Love you to pieces!
The last few days have been very busy, and full. We finished both our work project and our ministry time at the public school. Both of these have been eventful, and great experiences for the team.
As mentioned before, we are the first team to be allowed to go into one of the public schools and tell these children the about who Christ is. It was an interesting dynamic, and at times we could see the teachers looking at us a bit oddly. However, our group did a fantastic job. Our second day at the school was a very much like the first; it rained and poured, and we soaked ourselves in the rain playing with the children, and trying as best as we could, with broken Spanish, to convey an image of Christ, and a message of love. The Children hugged us so tightly and continually sought our arms. It was very incredible to see how some of the team members were impacted by this experience. On the last day we did everything outside as it was beautiful out. The children had an opportunity to hear about Christ, and how He is risen, several times. It is our prayer that the teachers may be able to tend after the seeds that have been sown by God in this place. We are here for such a short time, and really, have such little ability to make a permanent impact on these students. However, we recognize that God desires all of these children and adults to know Him. Please pray that doors may be open for the Spirit of God to move among these people, that the work God has used us for may build relationships for Impact Ministries, and that God may continue to use people to bring Glory to His name. We know that in the least, we have been changed by this experience, and trust in Hope, that these children will come to know the Lord.
One amazing story was how a team member lost her camera on our bus. They were very very upset and frustrated by this. However, they chose to not let it get in the way of their experience here. A neat thing happened though. A team member had a extra camera and anonamously gave it to the one who had lost their camera a desire to bless them. It was awesome to see her reaction. However, it got better. Mr. Irvine found the camera in the DVBS bag, and rushed in to ask the team member what they would ask God for….what could be the best scenario. Obviously, the only thing better than receiving someone’s extra camera would be to get her own, and she did. This was a small thing we had prayed about, and we received. It was cool to see. Even more so was the fact that the extra camera was then given to a team member who had not brought a digital camera!
We also had an opportunity to go to a coffee plantation and learn the entire process from seed to roasting. It was awesome. We are all coming home with plenty of caffeine to keep us going for months to come!
The past two afternoons we had the opportunity to go on house visits. This is where we delivered care packages to sponsor children, blessed the family, and prayed for them. For many this was a mixed bag. Some felt overwhelming compassion for these families. A theme over and over was of children without parents, abandoned, or being looked after by extended family. It is so hard to see children who have so little. Words lack to explain the emotion of how these people, created in Gods image, lack just the mundane things that can just provide dignity and a better quality of life. This is one aspect of Impact Ministries that we have been very impressed with; the desire to look after the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, in an effort to raise up leaders who will proclaim who Christ is within their country. It is a powerful and compelling dream.
Tonight we are at the Peter’s house once again. We have been so blessed. We have had an opportunity to give them their blessing from Canada, actually, as I write. We have had a more relaxing evening, and are looking forward to the remainder of the trip. We know we are leaving out so much, but we know that you will all be filled in over coffee, pictures in hand, and the story of this experience working its way from our heart and minds to hopefully give you a portion of how the Kingdom of God is moving and at work in this place.
Yours in Christ
Some words form the Team Members
Chris Senger
Just a quick hello to everyone back home. Things have been amazing here, and I am appreciating the different ways in which God is challenging me. It is incredible to see such poverty, and to realize the things we take for granted. That sounds so cliché, but it’s true. This is something I have understood intellectually, but to see it first hand changes the effect upon your spirit and mind. I continue to look forward to being with this team, and the remainder of what is in store. Congrats on being Grandparents mom and dad, and tell Jen and Andre I send my love.
Danielle Beuker
I hope you all are well. I miss you guys so much! Say hi to Lauren and Ketchup for me! And everyone at church too. But everything’s ok. So many things have been happening. It’s intense, like camping! Don’t let me go back to normal when I get home. I’ve learned so much.
Again, I miss you, and I love you!
Adios!!!
Love Danielle
Robyn Sanderson
Oh my word, I can’t express what I want to say, I have learned and experienced‘ so much . Mom and Dad and family, I miss you all so much, when I come back, I have tons of things to tell, and I will probably be a totally different person.
Love Robyn
Ben Pullar
So the skits went really well with the children’s ministry, we worked at the school behind a catholic church that was also mixed with the myan beliefs of chiixim the corn god. It was really interesting to see how well the kids listened to what we said. The kids were so cute and just wanted all your attention, it was tiring but really good. I managed to get sunburned on a very shady day the only day I didn’t have sun screen.
Brittany Huber
Hey mom, dad and Haleigh. Well this is the one night that I get to write to you all. Don’t even know if you’ll even see it. Anyways, I hope you guys are having fun skiing. I miss you all, though I have to say I really don’t miss Canada. I only have a couple of minutes to write. It’s amazing here, I definitely want to come back again. There’s to much that’s happened so far for me to even let you have a glimpse if this place, but that just means you have to wait until I get home. Well my time is up and everyone else needs to get on.
Adios with love Brittany
Natasha
So far the trip has been going very well! Everything has been fine. I really love it here, but I do look forward to seeing you al when I get home. I miss you!
Breanna
Dear mummy an daddy,
And Matty
Well we’ve been here about a week and I’ve been having a blast. I guess I can’t really say a lot because I’ve been anticipating when I can show you all my pictures and tell you all my stories then! I’m healthy, having a lot of fun, making a lot of good friendships, and really enjoying all the new experiences in the Guatemalan culture. The food has been absolutely wonderful, the weather beautiful (I’m actually getting a bit red! I’m really hoping I don’t burn), and the work has been hard, but God has graciously made it a bit rainy and not so sunny on the days we worked on the schools (we were leveling the ground).
I miss you all so much, but not enough to want to come home quite yet :P. I will see you in six days, though, no matter how much I want to stay here. I know you’ve been praying for me. Thank you! I love you!
CJ
to my family….
Dear family. I am having a great time here in Guatemala… man it’s been a long time since I’ve touched a computer. I don’t really have a lot to say here. The trip so far has been wonderful but I will tell stories in person. I miss you all. Megan, we haven’t gone to Antigua yet so I haven’t bought you anything (or anything for anyone else). Luke, I might buy a machete but you can’t touch it because I don’t trust you :P I’m doing well and learning a lot as well as helping by service and love to the people here. Many cool things have happened. I’ll see you on Tuesday night. Love you all. Have a great week.
Chad Hepting
Mom and Dad and Jamie and Aaron and Scooter and Abby
I love you guys and I really miss you. Wow, Guatemala is awesome. You would absolutely love it here. The weather is great and the people are so nice. I have so many stories to tell you guys. I am having a great time and stuff. The bedroom I sleep in is great and the living conditions are like camp. I feels a lot like camp. There is something I need to tell you though. I found out I can get married here without my parents consent. So I met a girl and she will be living with us. Haha jk. There have been a few marriage jokes around here and I had to make one. I think I am running out of time here though. I really love you guys. Ill cya in a few days.
Love Chad
Candace Howard
Why hey! I just wanted to say hi to my dog Chica. Chica, I miss you terribly. I called a little boy here chico and he laughed at me. Maybe we got the meaning of your name wrong. Anyways, my little Chica, how are my shoes you may ask? Covered in mud! You would love them…too bad you’re not here…but I really do miss you…now that I’ve actually thought about you…did I just type that? I meant to say, you would have so many friends here, all of the little dogs and puppies are asking about you! Anyways, don’t tell mom and dad, but I was MIA today…NOT on purpose. Anyways, also don’t tell mom and dad…I bought a machete! ALSO, don’t tell mom and dad…you know the girl Chad was talking about???? Well….;)
Love to everyone, from me. And everyone else!
Hope Dreger
Hey Mom! Dad! Kristopher! Danyelle! I’m having a great time in Guatemala. And hopefully you’re having a great Easter break. I love you. (bud, I couldn’t find anything sports like, no hackie sacks or soccer balls so far. Maybe in Antigua there’ll be some. If not, I’ll get you a machete! Ha! Ha! No, maybe, anyways, just a heads up) I miss you and I love you so much. Time seems to pass so quickly here, yet it seems like I’ve been here for a lifetime. I’m getting excited trying to shop for your presents. Hopefully you’ll like them. Don’t miss me too much! (I forgot to mention I’m safe by the way, no kidnappings so far, ha ha!) Don’t worry, I’ll be home sooner than you think! Love you to pieces!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday and Monday
Hello,
well...we are posting again, however, we have not been able to access the computer as often as we have anticipated. We appologise for those of you who have been checking hourly! Thank you to those who have reponded to the blog, and encouraged us with your words and support. It is appreciated. We ask for your patience as you read, as it is hard to get everything written in such a short amount of time, especially when each memory is so thick and could be talked about in great detail.
We will start with several highlights from yesterday.
We bagan our morning with a market activity in which we were given a list in Spaniish....mainly groceries. We were split into teams and had to go and try and get the biggest and best priced item. Well, it was interesting! I am sure the sellers in the market look forward to what they must call 'School the Foreigners Day'. While the people generally gave us great prices, there were times where we were definately taken for a ride!
We later went to visit a Catholic Church called Chixim. Karen told us about how the faith here is very synchrotized with the traditional Myan beliefs. For example, there was a Cross that had corn placed on it as an offering to the corn god. Inside was even more startling, but incredible to learn about, and reflect upon the ways in which our faith is also impacted and changed by our culture. The people here live such a faith of obligation, not freedom. Very eye opening.
IN the evening we went to church in Tactic. Amanda and Ben did an amazing job of sharing their testimony. The singing of the congregations was amazing. If only we could bring back their voices...the singing is engergetic, full of enthusiasm and joy. Its incredible to hear and see. Even though the service was in Spanish we were greatly blessed.
Today we began our DVBS's at the public school next to the cathederal we had visited. It was, we have been told, the first time a missions team has been able to go into a public school and tell the children about Jesus Christ. It was an overwhelmingly beautful experience. The children at both the missions schools, and public were so warm and welcoming. They embraced us with their smiles and their arms. The public school was very simplely built, as most things are here (which is still shocking...except for our accomodations...better than we could ahve dreamed!). However, the time we spent was amazing.
We woke up to the sound of rain, and to the misty clouds rolling over the mountains and through the valley. It was beautiful. The rain stayed with us through the morning, and as we joined the children at the school, we palyed with them and were eventually soaking wet. But happy, and warmed by the people, encouraged by seeing eachother, and confident in the knowledge that we were brought here to bring glory to God. Miss Friesen and Mrs Irvines groupd did a great job today, and we are confident that our story about the prodigal son was able to share with the students about the free gift of love that God calls us into through His Son Jesus Christ.
This afternoon we went to go and work by leveling an area that will become a playing feild at one of the schools. The team worked very very hard, especially since the rain damped the soild and made it heavier to lift.
All in all, it has been a very full time so far, interspersed with opportunities to think about the world we ahve left behind, and to listen for the Holy Spirit who is seeking to change us more and more into the likeness of Christ Jesus. This is a strong theme so far that Karen has mentioned and challenged us with, and in the times we share, we can see that we are taking this seriously.
Requests: energy to work hard; for us to be challenged to be truly unified in Christ, and to serve eachother well; for us to love well and speak the gospel of Christ even when we cannot use words; for continued safety; for Karen and Rocky to continue to challenge us.
Thank you for our prayers, and we give praise to God, the creator of both heaven and earth, who sustains all things, and who has blessed by bringing us to a place such as this.
Yours In Christ
well...we are posting again, however, we have not been able to access the computer as often as we have anticipated. We appologise for those of you who have been checking hourly! Thank you to those who have reponded to the blog, and encouraged us with your words and support. It is appreciated. We ask for your patience as you read, as it is hard to get everything written in such a short amount of time, especially when each memory is so thick and could be talked about in great detail.
We will start with several highlights from yesterday.
We bagan our morning with a market activity in which we were given a list in Spaniish....mainly groceries. We were split into teams and had to go and try and get the biggest and best priced item. Well, it was interesting! I am sure the sellers in the market look forward to what they must call 'School the Foreigners Day'. While the people generally gave us great prices, there were times where we were definately taken for a ride!
We later went to visit a Catholic Church called Chixim. Karen told us about how the faith here is very synchrotized with the traditional Myan beliefs. For example, there was a Cross that had corn placed on it as an offering to the corn god. Inside was even more startling, but incredible to learn about, and reflect upon the ways in which our faith is also impacted and changed by our culture. The people here live such a faith of obligation, not freedom. Very eye opening.
IN the evening we went to church in Tactic. Amanda and Ben did an amazing job of sharing their testimony. The singing of the congregations was amazing. If only we could bring back their voices...the singing is engergetic, full of enthusiasm and joy. Its incredible to hear and see. Even though the service was in Spanish we were greatly blessed.
Today we began our DVBS's at the public school next to the cathederal we had visited. It was, we have been told, the first time a missions team has been able to go into a public school and tell the children about Jesus Christ. It was an overwhelmingly beautful experience. The children at both the missions schools, and public were so warm and welcoming. They embraced us with their smiles and their arms. The public school was very simplely built, as most things are here (which is still shocking...except for our accomodations...better than we could ahve dreamed!). However, the time we spent was amazing.
We woke up to the sound of rain, and to the misty clouds rolling over the mountains and through the valley. It was beautiful. The rain stayed with us through the morning, and as we joined the children at the school, we palyed with them and were eventually soaking wet. But happy, and warmed by the people, encouraged by seeing eachother, and confident in the knowledge that we were brought here to bring glory to God. Miss Friesen and Mrs Irvines groupd did a great job today, and we are confident that our story about the prodigal son was able to share with the students about the free gift of love that God calls us into through His Son Jesus Christ.
This afternoon we went to go and work by leveling an area that will become a playing feild at one of the schools. The team worked very very hard, especially since the rain damped the soild and made it heavier to lift.
All in all, it has been a very full time so far, interspersed with opportunities to think about the world we ahve left behind, and to listen for the Holy Spirit who is seeking to change us more and more into the likeness of Christ Jesus. This is a strong theme so far that Karen has mentioned and challenged us with, and in the times we share, we can see that we are taking this seriously.
Requests: energy to work hard; for us to be challenged to be truly unified in Christ, and to serve eachother well; for us to love well and speak the gospel of Christ even when we cannot use words; for continued safety; for Karen and Rocky to continue to challenge us.
Thank you for our prayers, and we give praise to God, the creator of both heaven and earth, who sustains all things, and who has blessed by bringing us to a place such as this.
Yours In Christ
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Hello from Guatemala!!!
After several days of travel we are finally here!
We feel incredibly blessed througout the journey. Every place that we stopped we felt was guided by God since we ended up at the exact gate we would leave from each time. Though the flights were long, it was a good time to think, pray and prepare for what God will do. One example was the switch in Houston. We had 45 minutes to catch our flight after landing. This was one aspect of the trip taht we were concerned about. However, we ended up at the exact gate, got off, and got back on. Just lovely!
Our first night was spent at Seteca, the largest seminary in Central America. We were told to enjoy the hot water, as it would be our last for a while. As the day progressed, after a lovely breakfast at Pollo Campero, we began to wish for cold showers as the heat was crazy good! So good in fact, that when our KIA van broke a belt from the air conditioning that the people in the van enjoyed, while the busers sweated it out in the 100 degree heat....we all have shrivled to nothing...we will endeavour to eat more so you recognize us upon our return (although, the shirts may make us look smaller than we really are, as they are slightly bigger than normal :), we were able to spend sopme time out in the sun, singing, and some of us, getting pink arms (Mr. Irvine :). A sweet part was the fact that Les was 5 minutes away from our team on the road, and had a machanic with him...God thing???? Yep!
The countryside is beautiful, and we are safe and sound at the Peter's residence as we write. We are about to have a time of worship in song, and to be challenged by Karen and Rocky, the couple who has been assigned to our group.
The team sends its love, appreciation, and continued request of prayers that we can be impacted, and make an impact and bring Glory to God.
There will be some pics tomorrow (we hope), so stay tuned,
Yours In Christ
We feel incredibly blessed througout the journey. Every place that we stopped we felt was guided by God since we ended up at the exact gate we would leave from each time. Though the flights were long, it was a good time to think, pray and prepare for what God will do. One example was the switch in Houston. We had 45 minutes to catch our flight after landing. This was one aspect of the trip taht we were concerned about. However, we ended up at the exact gate, got off, and got back on. Just lovely!
Our first night was spent at Seteca, the largest seminary in Central America. We were told to enjoy the hot water, as it would be our last for a while. As the day progressed, after a lovely breakfast at Pollo Campero, we began to wish for cold showers as the heat was crazy good! So good in fact, that when our KIA van broke a belt from the air conditioning that the people in the van enjoyed, while the busers sweated it out in the 100 degree heat....we all have shrivled to nothing...we will endeavour to eat more so you recognize us upon our return (although, the shirts may make us look smaller than we really are, as they are slightly bigger than normal :), we were able to spend sopme time out in the sun, singing, and some of us, getting pink arms (Mr. Irvine :). A sweet part was the fact that Les was 5 minutes away from our team on the road, and had a machanic with him...God thing???? Yep!
The countryside is beautiful, and we are safe and sound at the Peter's residence as we write. We are about to have a time of worship in song, and to be challenged by Karen and Rocky, the couple who has been assigned to our group.
The team sends its love, appreciation, and continued request of prayers that we can be impacted, and make an impact and bring Glory to God.
There will be some pics tomorrow (we hope), so stay tuned,
Yours In Christ
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A big THANK YOU to everyone that came out Monday night for the commissioning service. It was great to see the drama's that will be shown on the trip, and to hear from the heart of the students. We are amazed at the group God has assembled, and excited to see how we will all be used.
We have talked to several parents of late, and a theme seems to be that this is a surreal experience. Perhaps it will take us actually landing on Guatemalan soil for us to believe this is happening. How incredible it is to be at a school that provides the opportunity for us to partner with others in proclaiming and living out the Kingdom of God. It is exciting to share with others the Truth of who Christ is, and that there is another way to live in this world; to bring hope in the midst of a world still in the grip of Death. It is our prayer and hope that we can become keenly aware of the ways that we are called to be God's people in our own country through this experience; to bring Him glory. We hope for hearts to be broken, questions to be asked, and character changed.
Yours In Christ
We have talked to several parents of late, and a theme seems to be that this is a surreal experience. Perhaps it will take us actually landing on Guatemalan soil for us to believe this is happening. How incredible it is to be at a school that provides the opportunity for us to partner with others in proclaiming and living out the Kingdom of God. It is exciting to share with others the Truth of who Christ is, and that there is another way to live in this world; to bring hope in the midst of a world still in the grip of Death. It is our prayer and hope that we can become keenly aware of the ways that we are called to be God's people in our own country through this experience; to bring Him glory. We hope for hearts to be broken, questions to be asked, and character changed.
Yours In Christ
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