Mission Team Update from Guatemala

I can tell by my counter that there are some of you out there reading this, but no comments. Come on people, say something!! Let me know that you're out there reading this stuff. It takes a long time to type all of this up, I just need a little encouragement not to stop... please.



So, this particular update was interrupted by a phone call from Todd while I was typing it. So, midway through the update the update changes direction. I did not send out an update the day before and as a result some of the family members here got a little concerned and contacted me. So, the beginning of the update reflects that also. Enjoy these great stories...



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Hi Everyone:



I'm so sorry that I didn't get an update sent yesterday. Everything is fine in Guatemala with the team. They've all been working steadily on the same things over the past few days.



The team had the chance to see, and receive an update from Juan Diego (the family that they built the home for last year)!! What a great experience to be able to see him and his family again.



They also had the opportunity to go to a wedding yesterday!!! Pastor Luis, and another pastor he works with, performed the ceremony and Tony played music and sang. I'm sure that the couple getting married had no idea that a team of Americans, on a week long mission trip, would attend their wedding. I'm not sure what the appropriate attire is for a wedding in Guatemala...

(Side note: after returning home, Todd told me that the couple had been living together and that Pastor Luis had spoken with them several times about their situation being against God's will and plan for their lives. So, they got married!! Hallelujah!!)



They also attended the commissioning of a new church in a city that, until now, has been unable to have Evangelical Christian Church. Up until now, the only church presence was that of the Catholic church, and they had prevented other churches from coming. Todd mentioned that as recent as 20 years ago it was illegal to have a Bible in this city. If found with one, they would be imprisoned.



When I talked with him earlier today he told me that everyone was tired. So, I would guess that the week is beginning to catch up with them. Please pray for strength and continued good health as they bring this week to a close.



Oh, Oh, Oh, Todd's just called.... (The info below was typed as he talked, but seriously, there was SO MUCH MORE!! I just couldn't listen, type and respond all at the same time. I've got a serious headache, so my brain's not really working as well as it should.)



They went back to Santa Clara today to do the Bible studies with the women and children. He said that when they arrived it was immediately obvious that word had spread throughout the town and surrounding towns. The city was packed, Todd said that there were children in the streets, children packed into the church building, children everywhere!! He estimated there were between 300-400 children!!! He said it was absolute mahem! They knew that the team was coming back to do the children's Bible study again today and they were there waiting for them when the team arrived.



He shared a particular story that was so precious... Yesterday they shared the plan of salvation and helped the children to make the bracelets with the colors that represent it. One young boy had a particularly difficult time with it (I think maybe with remembering what each color stood for). They worked with him until he knew it. Today, he was going to the other children and sharing the plan of salvation with them using the bracelet!! Truly our people have already seen the fruits of their labor in Guatemala with this one precious disciple who is reaching out now to make disciples himself. It makes me want to cry, with joy.



The team took with them 74 Spanish Bibles and they have given them out throughout the week to women at the Bible study and to the men of the churches there.



Everyone went back t Juan Antonio and Clara's house today to bring them the gifts they'd purchased in the market. He invited everyone in to pray and the team gave them the things they'd purchased for their home (plates, cups and other household items, along with some legos for the kids). Santa Clara is known for its basket making and Juan Antonio had baskets waiting for them. He had 24 to give to the group members, but there are 25 in the group. I'm not sure who gave theirs up, but Todd said sometime later, when they were in town at the church, they saw Juan walking up the road, he was carrying the 25th basket.



When asked, "How can we pray for you?" The pastor of the local church shared that they were out growing their building, would we please ask God to provide them with a larger meeting place. What a great problem for a young church to have. So, we will be praying for that need, and I ask that you all would do so as well.



They cannot go into Pajahajel to the market there this year because of the storms and mudslides. Instead they will be visiting Antigua tomorrow to do some souvenir shopping before coming home on Sunday. I can't believe the week is coming to a close already, and yet I am so glad that the other half of my family will be coming home soon. I know that you all feel the same way about your family and friends as well.



The team has some specific prayer needs. Melissa J is having neck pain, the same that kept them from making the trip this time last year. Please pray for her that the Lord will ease her pain, and help her as she travels back to the states. Also, Brian P. has come down with some sort of really bad stomach bug, so please be praying for him too.



The one thing that Todd has continued to say is this, "It's the same church!! It's the Lord's church, they just speak a different language and meet in a different country." Throughout the week, that is what the Lord has shown him as he experienced what he has referred to as "sweet fellowship" with believers abroad. I am so thankful for the time of spiritual refreshment he has experienced this week and can't wait to hear all of the stories he couldn't think to tell me in our brief chats throughout the day. I'm sure Anna will have so many of her own to share as well.



As for me, my little Guatemalan on the home front put her pajamas on all by herself tonight!!! :o) Yay!!



Love to you all, in Christ our Lord,

Lori