Wednesday recap in Palencia

As we anticipated, this was a very full day! There was a long line waiting for the clinic when we arrived, so patient intake began with a vengeance. It’s always interesting to hear the responses to the usual intake questions like age and such. One older man said that he was 88….for a long time! The people here are so gracious and humble. Some come in such pain, barely able to walk or see. Others have aches and pains that we can all identify with, but all are in need of love, compassion, and the Lord.

We have the privilege of praying with everyone we meet with, and this morning provided two special opportunities to pray with an elderly man and a young mother. The man had extremely high blood pressure; the doctor was very concerned about him and told him strongly that he had to see a specialist, though this will probably be difficult for him to do. He showed signs of already having a minor stroke, and he seemed very despondent. As we visited with him, we found out that he was living with his mother; his wife is in Guatemala City, and he was distressed with a number of problems in his life. As we prayed, tears fell down his face, and it seemed that some of that anger faded away. We invited him to the men’s meeting tomorrow night and are praying that he will indeed come. The young mother who is expecting her third baby in November was a particularly touching situation. She has two boys, 5 and 3. She is having problems with this pregnancy and was advised to have bed rest as much as possible to prevent very early delivery. She seemed so lonely and afraid. In our visit, we found that her husband was working in the city; she is alone in Palencia with no family, no help for her boys so that she can rest. There are many conflicts within her family, and she does feel abandoned. It was a sweet time of prayer with her, and we told her that we would share her needs with others. This afternoon we had our women’s meeting. During the prayer request time, I told them about this young woman and her needs. It was so encouraging to see several of the ladies making plans to visit her and help her as much as they could, though no one seemed to really know her very well at all. How wonderful to see the Body of Christ come together!

It was another powerful day for VBS, and our little friend, Darwin, came. We met Darwin two years ago and have enjoyed him each time we are here. We were disappointed not to see him on Monday; we thought he would be one of the first ones at the church to meet us. Someone thought he had moved away, and that saddened us. But here he came today, now even taller, but just as handsome. He joined the growing throng of children who continue to soak in every word and are so proud of their craft creations.

It was a long day, and no one worked harder than the dentists. We have such wonderful doctors and dentists here who give so wholeheartedly to help their people. The two dentists we had today are caring people, but not believers. Patty, who worked with us last week, has really touched our hearts, and we have been praying for her since we met her. Renee and Lauri, who have been assisting the dentists, pray for every patient, and Renee has made it a point to pray out loud for Patty, too. Today Patty had two particularly difficult patients needing oral surgery. It was tremendously long, tedious work, and she asked for prayer! She and Fernando, the other dentist, stayed for dinner with us tonight and even took part in our sharing time. Patty thanked everyone for their hard work and loving concern for the people in Palencia and especially for the prayers, for she felt the presence of God. Amazing answer to prayer! We’re praying for both patients who most likely are in a bit of pain tonight, but they never complained and only gave thanks for the treatment they received. And we continue to pray for Patty and Fernando that they will know the Lord.

Tomorrow is our last day in Palencia. We are praying for great breakthrough in the spiritual warfare that wrestles over this community and for each person we will encounter. We’re especially praying for the men’s meeting tomorrow night. Please pray with us that the Lord will draw many men from this area to the meeting, that their hearts will be open, and that many will come to know Christ and walk closely with Him. There is such a need for Godly men here who will be committed to their families. Our men are praying to be strong encourager's to them and instruments for the Lord to use to impact the men of Palencia in meaningful ways.

Thank you for your prayers; please continue! So many seeds have been planted in Guatemala these past two weeks; they need to be watered and harvested. Pray for the new believers, those who are still seeking, and for those whose hearts need to be softened. We see God working here in tremendous ways and are so thankful that we can be involved in His divine work.