Guatemala FBC team 2 2007

Last Night in Guatemala

2007-08-25T16:11:00.000-05:00

The last night of sharing is always particularly special. We have especially been blessed having Daniel, our adopted "Guatemalan son," with us on both teams. He is an amazing young man; God is doing wonderful work in his life, and we are so thankful for the relationship we have with him. His mother, Maydy, and their family, have also become a special part of our "family." Maydy joined us for the last two days of outreach in Palencia, and she was a tremendous asset to the ministry. She could instantly relate, of course, and speak to them in specific ways that we could not. She is such a prayer warrior, and her prayers made huge impact on the people. She and Daniel stayed with us for our sharing session, and it was so sweet to hear their impression of the ministry and appreciation for the concern for their people. Made us all consider how concerned we are for our own. This was the first time Maydy had been able to join in a mission outreach, and it was really good for her to see and experience it for herself. We are truly thankful for the people the Lord has brought into our lives to share with, pray with and for, and learn from.

As each person shared, there were common reflections: sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve, appreciation and admiration for the workers here, greater understanding of what it means to flesh out our faith, challenge to have a deeper walk with the Lord, desire to be more involved in global missions, appreciation for family, gratefulness for our abundance of material blessings in the US, and new experiences with the Lord as He spoke to each of us in special ways. As often happens, most people on the team didn't know each other all that well; there is nothing like serving together in this kind of outreach to truly get to know one another! When you minister together and pray together, there is a truly special bond. No longer will we see each other at church and just recognize a face; we now know each other...true community.

We've packed our bags, done our last minute cleaning up, and getting ready to head to the airport to return home. We will all leave a bit of ourselves here in Guatemala, and we take much of it with us in our hearts. We'll enjoy getting back to our own beds, and we'll have a lot of dirt and sweat in the dirty clothes we'll be glad to wash away, but there is a lot we don't want washed away as we get back to "life" as we know it. Colors may fade from our clothes, but we are praying that what we have experienced here will not fade, but will only become more intense.

Pray with us as we consider future development of the outreach ministry here, for Dr. Tito and his staff, for all the volunteers who assist them, and for the precious people of Guatemala. You can not only pray, but you can GO! Pray about coming with us next year as we follow His command to go to the nations.

Guatemala family comments

2007-07-30T23:50:00.000-05:00

The blended Guatemala family, Grace, Daniel, Maydy and Lauri. God brought us all together.

Words fail to describe the impact of spending two weeks in Guatemala with fellow believers from FBC and Guatemala. Grace and I were both overwhelmed with the love of God being shared between people. I truly loved being a part of the developing fellowship that transpired. Before the two weeks, these were for the most part strangers coming together for different reasons. After spending condensed, focused time together, we emerged as friends and comrades, Guatemalans and Americans. Going to church on Sunday after a trip is an amazing experience. There are new friends to hug in the hallway, (we need to do much more hugging!), the songs take on a new spirit and the Word of God seems much clearer. I have to say that going to Guatemala was for me a mobilizing experience. You can not just come home and not do something. God will provide the vehicle, I just have to get on board.
Grace didn't want to come home and is wanting to spend even more time there next year if she can figure out a way. She reconnected with Karen, a Guatemala girl who she prayed and cried with last year like long lost friends. She held and comforted Karen's little sister, Sarah, who cried and cried when given a photo of her and Luke O. There are definitely relationships established through the Spirit that are so impactful we have a hard time grasping the implications. Grace also had so much fun getting to know the Guatemalan teens and commented that they are just like teens here with the same trials and delights that she experiences in high school.
Of course getting to see Maydy and Daniel was especially tender for us. God has provided us with a family in Guatemala through His divine inspiration. How else could have we connected in a way that provides so much love across the miles and cultures. This year Maydy and I did not need Daniel to translate and stayed up into the wee hours Friday night before we left talking mom issues. It really was a miracle that we communicated so well. Maydy going on team with us for two days was more important than we imagined. She had never been on a mission trip before or seen her own people through mission vision and she was moved to tears. Her prayers were so beautiful! Daniel loved reconnecting with his buddies from Faith and making new friends as well. Watching him say goodbye to Matt Garcia was a tearful experience for us all. As Taylor Alcott said, "Ya'll are going to have to stop or you're going to make me cry!", and of course he did. What a blessing to see young people break down the "cool" walls and have true affection for each other. Gathering around Maydy and Daniel on our final share night, laying on hands for prayer you could feel the Spirit of God washing over us connecting souls for His purpose. God is good...all the time!
I'll be back!

Back home in Houston

2007-07-30T23:05:00.000-05:00

Well we made it back home to Houston Saturday night after a 1 1/2 hour wait sitting on the plane in Guatemala City waiting for the lightning and storms to pass so that they could fuel up the plane. I suppose that is a good law so we waited and finally made it back to loving family and friends waiting for us.
Thanks again for joining us on this trip to Guatemala City through your prayers, support and encouragement, you can realize how much that meant each day to us. We truly saw God at work in us and in the lives of the local Guatemala believers that we worked with.
Pray about joining us on anther trip like this in the future, it will change your life and the lives of many more that you come in contact with.

God bless.

Cacey and Cade comments

2007-07-30T11:27:00.000-05:00

Hola hermanos y hermanas en Jesus Christo,

This trip has been a wonderful blessing for both Cade and me. We were able to reunite with old friends and develop many new friendships that will last for eternity.

I think what impacted me the most is the willingness of God’s people to serve others. Whether it be through medical service, prayer, a warm meal, painting a beautiful mural, or painting a child’s fingernails, God expresses His love through the faithful in a myriad of ways. I learned that it is only when we joyfully anticipate the opportunity to serve others that God can really begin his work through us to further His kingdom. We were created for one purpose, and that is to give glory to our Father in heaven. I believe when we are humbly and sincerely serving others is when we are most alive because we are doing what He commanded us to do first above all other things…to love Him and others with all our being. It is the essence of who we are. God is love and we are created in His image.

I experienced many blessing this week. I met many wonderful people with a heart to serve the Lord. But what summarizes my trip best is what I saw during a simple game I was playing with the children at VBS. The adults and the children spread out a multicolored chute in the center of the soccer court outdoors. We put small colorful balls in the center and then began shaking the chute simultaneously. Waves of color rippling, balls leaping into the air, the sounds of children’s laughter, sun warming our shoulders….perfect moment with God. This was a beautiful picture of God’s heart…overflowing, bounding with joy and love for His creation.

As for Cade, he said his first trip to Guatemala has been a humbling experience. He has enjoyed experiencing a different culture and is more thankful now for all he has.

Walking in the light of His glory,
Cacey & Cade

Rene Matthews comments

2007-07-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

This was my first opportunity to serve the people in Guatemala. It has been an amazing experience. I had the privilege of serving as a dental assistant with two great dentists who were both extremely patient with my unfamiliarity with dental equipment. What an awesome privilege I had to pray with each patient as they sat down in the dental chair. Many had serious dental work done and two even had oral surgery with no more than a local anesthetic. The calm these two women had just awed me. I don’t believe I can ever go into a dentist office without thinking of these two precious women. Both dentists were unbelievers, but as I left on Wednesday, Patty asked me to pray for her and then during our share time that evening she was able to join us and she thanked us for our prayers and gave God the glory for the successful dental procedures. Though I don’t believe she has come to know the Lord yet, I think He is definitely working on her. Please pray for her.

Working with the children of Palencia in VBS was also incredible. The sweet faces of the children and their joy and excitement in everything we did from singing to blowing bubbles. Praying with them and then having them pray for us was a very humbling, emotional experience. The precious hugs and kisses as we left gave me a real feeling of genuine love that we as Americans seem to somehow lack.

I came here to hopefully share something with the people of Guatemala, but I believe I am leaving with far more than I have given them. This has been an experience that I will never forget and hope that God sees fit to allow me to participate in again.

Rene Matthews

Earle Family comments

2007-07-30T01:13:00.000-05:00

We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the needs of America Latina in Guatemala. We feel like we were able to make a great impact in a very short time with the construction projects, VBS for the kids and assisting with the medical clinics. In addition, we made many wonderful friendships with Tito, Rolando, Makko, Axel and others. We appreciate the care that Tito and his group took toward us in so many ways this week. The greatest impact was for our daughters as they were able to serve others in need. They gladly accepted tasks and projects – which we all appreciated. They also saw their parents have fun, be silly and serve side-by-side.

Thank you all for your prayers. For all who read this, let us continue to find ways to help serve and support America Latina.

Hicks family comments

2007-07-30T01:12:00.000-05:00

This is our second year serving the people of America Latina in Palencia. Reacquainting ourselves with our Guatemalan friends was a joy. We also made several new ones. Our big surprise was discovering that prayers were answered through the beginning of the AWANA program (called OANSA here) at IDEAL, the church in Palencia.

Our serving here has been a real blessing for Davis, Evelyn and me. We have enjoyed the work with the women, children and men. We have also made many new friends, just on our team. We look forward to those friendships extending further once back at home.

The one thing about coming back a second year is to see the progress that has been made, not just by our team, but by other teams that participate in the ministry in Palencia. The progress at the school is such an encouragement. They are adding a grade in the next year and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in this place.

p.s. Sue, the statue is still there. And he asked about you.

Comments for Romain family

2007-07-30T01:08:00.000-05:00

A few highlights for Ainslie were the prayers and hugs. On the last day of VBS we went around and prayed one on one with each child (mainly in English) during the first part of the afternoon, then at the end of the afternoon the Guatemalan children prayed for the “team”. Also, as the children left VBS on the last day it was so special to receive a hug from each one. Elise bonded with a girl named Diana and is already missing her. She and Diana were together constantly! Three things Ian enjoyed were helping the kids at VBS, getting to stay in Palencia overnight with the men, and the shopping at the market on the “touring” day today. Kathy’s favorite times were prayer times. There were many – praying with the VBS children as described above, praying with team #1 in the airport as we crossed paths, praying within the team for our personal situations, praying to bless Guatemalan team members, praying with eye patient’s that I didn’t know, praying with a woman that I was able to talk and laugh with for a while before praying, Guatemalan church praying a birthday blessing for Ian, and the team praying a blessing on Ainslie’s commitment to use her passion for dance to God’s glory. John’s observations also would follow the theme of prayer. In the months coming up to this trip I have felt God steadily leading me to a stronger prayer life including the establishment of a pretty extensive daily prayer list. Boy was I in for a shock when I saw how much the Guatemalan’s focus on prayer. God has allowed me to see that reliance on him is all we really need and that prayer is how we show that reliance. Thank you Lord for this wonderful gift.

Guatemala

2007-07-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

We will miss Guatemala and our friends but we aready to go back...soon and very soon.

Streets of Palencia

2007-07-29T23:49:00.000-05:00

As you can tell it rains alot here
Always be prepared

This is what we call team work

2007-07-29T23:47:00.000-05:00

We got it loaded and off we went.

Reload the van...again

2007-07-29T23:46:00.000-05:00

Last obstacle before leaving Palencia

2007-07-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

As we finished cleaning everything up before we left and took quite a while to load up the van and put all of the luggage and medical supplies on top of the van we stared to pull out and realized that oops there is a gate we need to go through and the stuff on top is not going to make it.
So what do we do we need to unload the top and pull out into the street and repack it again.

Final murals

2007-07-29T23:42:00.000-05:00

You all did a great job on the murals but Bethany was our leader and inspiration on this. Thanks girl for showing us the way and completing the task. The kids will really enjoy seeing these every morning when they walk into their class room.

Last day in Palencia

2007-07-29T23:40:00.000-05:00

Kevin and John making pancakes and eggs for the men's team, great breakfast guys...thanks

Pastor Menfil and our men's team

2007-07-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

pastor Menfil and his family

2007-07-29T23:38:00.000-05:00

Men's meeting in Palencia

2007-07-29T23:37:00.001-05:00

Men's meeting in Palencia

2007-07-29T23:37:00.000-05:00

Tom sharing from God's word with rolando translating
Rolando, Kevin and a special friend sharing

Who are these guys

2007-07-29T23:35:00.001-05:00

Waiting for the men's meeting and share time together in Palencia

Tom and Rolando real baseball fans

2007-07-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

Sunset over Palencia

2007-07-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

Sunset

2007-07-29T23:33:00.000-05:00

The sun was starting to set on Thursday evening at Palencia and this shot reminded me of the bindings that we all have yet Christ can take all of this away.

Manuel

2007-07-29T23:31:00.000-05:00

Manuel was always around helping out here diane is giving him one of the crafts a beaded cross necklage which he loved. A great servant who loves working at the school and helping with all he can.

Get out the parachute for lots of fun

2007-07-29T23:29:00.000-05:00

All the kids at VBS Palencia

2007-07-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

Activities at VBS

2007-07-29T23:26:00.000-05:00

Joining in at VBS

2007-07-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

Why?

2007-07-29T23:20:00.000-05:00

Is there a reason they won't let us in? What did you say to Kevin that he said NO? Maybe it is that big T on your t-shirt.

Reconnecting with a special friend

2007-07-29T23:19:00.000-05:00

Thursday lunch

2007-07-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

Makko was eating this for lunch one day and I thought is this a really healthy and balanced lunch? Peanut butter, jelly, chips, hot sauce and refined cheese, I guess the bread is what makes it healthy, it is wheat bread.

Special gift

2007-07-29T23:16:00.000-05:00

Kevin presents a Bible to Darwin from his special friend Curt back in Texas

Funny

2007-07-29T23:15:00.000-05:00

Ok Daniel what did you do?

There is always time to share

2007-07-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

Pastor Menfil sharing with the children in Palencia

2007-07-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

AWANA in Palencia-Praise God

2007-07-28T01:14:00.000-05:00

One of the great blessings we discovered when we came to Guatemala was that they started an AWANA program back in January of this year. This WAS an answer to prayer. Last year when I talked to Tito and Pastor Menfil about AWANA, they both wanted a program to come and I also wanted the joy of a program like this to come to the children I had just met. We all committed to pray, and God provided.

I was honored to spend an hour with Menfil, his director of the OANSA club, and other leaders of their club to discuss the ways we can help one another. They were interested in how to get more kids to bring friends from unchurched families. It proved to me that these clubs are the same all over. We all have that desire. I shared a few things we do (think crazy hair night) to attract friends of clubbers. We also talked about how this club plants the seed of God’s word in the hearts of young people, whether it is through memorization or just hearing a Bible lesson. What we all want from the club experience is for the word of God to penetrate these young hearts and for God to take over from there to bring them to His kingdom. I am very excited to see what He has planned for the Palencia OANSA club.

Kevin Hicks

Thursday men's meeting in Palencia

2007-07-28T01:13:00.002-05:00

Thursday evening was very special as the men and boys of our group held a share time with twenty-one men and women from the Palencia area. We discussed how church is not only for the weak or the poor, but for all… as we are all in a spiritual battle. Further, just as Jesus needed a strong group of friends to watch and pray with Him, we also need to find other brothers with which we can be supported, encouraged and held accountable. Like the cord of three strands (Ecclesiastes 4:12) we are strengthened together.

As the evening continued, each of the men shared their story with their relationship with their fathers. We recognized that no matter our background or home, all are susceptible to brokenness and disappointment.

We ended the evening in a time of prayer for each other that was absolutely amazing. The Guatemalans definitely know how to pray with a passion!!

We thank God for our friends and brothers in Guatemala – we will all continue to pray and support each other.

Tom Earle

Last day in Palencia Thursday

2007-07-28T01:07:00.000-05:00

It’s always amazing how fast time goes on a mission trip! It seems like you have just unpacked bags and before you know it, it’s the last day. The mural team worked in overdrive to complete two murals for a classroom. The “young gals” of the team did a wonderful job! The men continued the magic makeover of what was once a storage room into a useable classroom, busting out windows in concrete walls, installing lighting, windows, and a new door. Extreme makeover! The major projects were completed, and we enjoyed a wonderful day with the children in VBS and the women’s ministry. The most special times are those when we pray specifically for individuals, child by child, woman by woman. The Lord’s presence is felt so powerfully in those moments! As long as it often takes to get to know someone, it is truly remarkable that we can connect so deeply with people in such a short time, no doubt the Lord’s doing.

The men stayed over in Palencia for a special outreach to the men of the community. Much prayer has gone into this event! Last year was the first men’s meeting to be held in Palencia, and we saw the Lord do great things, so we have been praying for even greater impact this year. We’re waiting for the men to return to get the full report, but we are already praising God because we know He always does GREAT things!

As we spend more time with our ministry partners here, we appreciate more and more their deep commitment to and love for the Lord and dedication to serving Him by serving people. How we learn from them!! It is also so encouraging to see young men working so faithfully in ministry. Tito, Rolando, Axel, Oswaldo, Lenny, Otto, Evan, just to name a few. What wonderful, Godly role models they are! A positive male image is so important here and has tremendous impact.

This team, as with all the teams, has done an incredible job here, giving so much of themselves, making themselves vulnerable to be true servants and learners. We don’t come here to “show them how it’s done;” we come to be pliable, usable vessels and allow the Lord to do as He pleases in and through us; He does the work!

We’ve heard repeatedly during these two weeks in Guatemala how appreciate the workers here are for just our presence. Yes, finances are always needed for any work, but it’s the “power of presence” that is most effective and impacting. We encourage, challenge, and support one another as believers in Christ. We join hands together to be His hands, feet and voice. We work together as the Body of Christ! What joy! We have so much to learn from one another, and as I review all the “one another” verses in the Scriptures, I am reminded that this not only applies to those in our own family, community and country, but to all the “one anothers” around the world.

Today we will enjoy the beauty and historical significance of Antigua, which was once the colonial capital of all of Central America. It’s a time to relax, refresh, do a bit of shopping, and reflect on what we’ve experienced here. But that is a process which we know will continue for some time to come, processing what the Lord has shown and spoken to each of us and seeing how it will effect how we view the world, ourselves, and our own purpose and relationship with the Lord.

Thank you so much for your prayers; they certainly have been felt! Please continue to pray for those who minister here day in and day out. It can be discouraging at times. Resources are so limited; the workers are few, but we are only called to be faithful to what He has set before each of us. We are asked to do what we can; may we not neglect that which we can do for fear that we can’t “fix it all” and do nothing.

Men's meeting tonight in Palencia

2007-07-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Please pray for our men's meeting tonight in Palencia. Thanks

Wednesday recap in Palencia

2007-07-26T00:56:00.000-05:00

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.

Busy day off to bed

2007-07-26T00:53:00.000-05:00

Miracles everywhere this week!!!!

2007-07-26T00:52:00.000-05:00

Davis washing dishes

Maydy helping out today what a blessing

2007-07-26T00:51:00.000-05:00

Dental clinic today-tough day for all

2007-07-26T00:50:00.000-05:00

Bethany with her mural

2007-07-26T00:49:00.000-05:00

Children of the Mom's

2007-07-26T00:48:00.000-05:00

Wednesday ladies meeting

2007-07-26T00:47:00.000-05:00

Always time for prayer

2007-07-26T00:45:00.000-05:00

The kids love the balloons

2007-07-26T00:43:00.000-05:00

Chalk time at school

2007-07-26T00:42:00.000-05:00

Dental Assistants

2007-07-26T00:41:00.000-05:00

Who are these masked women?

Cade as Noah

2007-07-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

Each day Cade dresses as the main character in the Bible lesson

On the road again

2007-07-25T18:52:00.000-05:00

Sites around Guatemala City

2007-07-25T18:48:00.000-05:00

Someone is always helping

2007-07-25T18:47:00.000-05:00

American Latina school

2007-07-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

Helping where ever we are needed

2007-07-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

School children in Palencia

2007-07-25T18:42:00.000-05:00

The faces of God's children are beautiful

Faces in Palencia

2007-07-25T18:41:00.000-05:00

Kids at VBS Tuesday

2007-07-25T18:35:00.000-05:00

The kids love to sing

They have some real pepping songs

And they are very expressive

Afternoon rains come and go

2007-07-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

Guatemala is a beautiful place

2007-07-25T18:29:00.000-05:00

Flowers at Palencia school

2007-07-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

Tuesday in Palencia

2007-07-25T00:23:00.003-05:00

We began our day at America Latina School, the main campus of their network of schools. Chapel was already in session in the outdoor gym, and we entered to the chorus of enthusiastic praise. There was a special time of recognition for Lenny, one of our doctors, who just graduated from medical school. What a role model and encourager he is! Like most of the staff of the school, Lenny is a graduate of America Latina, from a poor background and a lot of strikes against him. But he was nurtured at AL and believed that he indeed had a “future and a hope” and persevered through medical school, not to become wealthy and comfortable, but to give back to those in need, just as he was. We then had a very special treat indeed, a young actor/evangelist who travels and shares with young people throughout Latin America. What a talent!! He’s a Christian Colombian version of Robin Williams! To see him act out and b-box (is that the term?) the story of David and Goliath and Joseph was something to behold. With humor and great dramatic expression, he fleshed out these stories but also brought it to a profound, serious conclusion that obviously touched the young people in the audience. He ended with a call to commitment to sexual purity and challenged the students to commit their talents and future careers to serving the Lord. Quite a few students came to the floor of the gym for prayer and dedication. Though this is a Christian school, they estimate that about half have accepted Christ, so it was very encouraging to see those who were willing to seriously think about their lives and desire to truly serve the Lord.

We returned to Palencia for our first full afternoon of VBS. At first there was a sparse crowd, “Guatemala time,” as they call it, meaning that people trickle in for events. Before long, the audience had about tripled, and the church was filled with singing, laughter, and learning more about God and His promises through the story of Noah. A big surprise this week was hearing that the church in Palencia had begun an AWANA group, which was strongly encouraged by our team last year. A number of the AWANA kids came to VBS today in their special tshirts and several brought their study books along with them. It was wonderful to hear several of the girls read and recite scriptures for us and to encourage them to continue to hide God’s Word in their hearts. What a wonderful way to mentor young people through programs like AWANA.

It doesn’t take long to fall in love with these children and young people, and we are so impressed with our Guatemalan teammates. Their hearts for the Lord, dedication and passion for their people is very humbling and challenging. They are teaching us so much as we share this special time together.

Please pray with us for a very packed day tomorrow with construction, clinics, VBS and women’s meetings. We know the Lord’s plans are perfect, and we want to be pliable and eager to take our role as He sees fit. Another day of blessing! Gloria a Dios!

Kids love to do crafts at VBS

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Kids loving VBS

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Girls and Diane

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Everywhere we go girls are always wanting to talk with Diane or maybe it is the other way around.

American Latina school students

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These kids are 7-9 years old and attend the elementary school in Guatemala City

Lenny M.D.

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This is Lenny who just graduated from medical school this weekend and has been working with us in the clinics the past 2 years. what a neat young man and such an example for many to follow after when they leave school.

Guest speaker today at chapel

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This is Jorge and Willie after Jorge's message today, it was really great and entertaining. Jorge is from Columbia.

Meeting up with Willie again

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Evelyn, Lauri, Willie and Diane sharing some brief moments after chapel today. Willie is now in charge of chapel at American Latina school and his praise and worship team is about ready to cut their first alb um. We are hoping for one of the first copies.

Committment time at chapel

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Students at American Latina school committing their talents and lives to the Lord.

Monday in Palencia

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It seems that Team 2 brought the rain from Houston with them! We’ve been dodging torrential downpours off and on for days. Yesterday was a wonderful time of worship with our dear brothers and sisters here at Comunidad de Fe. They pray and praise passionately and extend such love to all of us and make everyone feel so very welcomed. After organizing supplies and loading the vans, we were prepared for the first day in Palencia.

The first day is always challenging, setting up the clinics, organizing work projects, instructing everyone on their jobs. But it all begins to fall into place, and we began to see the line of people who were patiently waiting their turn to see the doctors and dentists. It was a very full day of clinics and many were fitted with glasses as well. It’s always so exciting when we are able to find a pair of glasses that allow someone to see clearly! There was a particularly unusual prescription that one man needed, and we just “happened” to discover just that bifocal prescription that was perfect for him! God is so good!

There are always a number of precious little babies with their moms, and we take every opportunity to hug and love on them. One expectant mom got to “see” her baby today now that they have a portable sonogram machine. How exciting for her and encouraging to see that indeed, the baby was developing well! From babies to those needing walkers, they would wait without complaint. They are so grateful for the opportunity to receive medical care! There was a particularly precious older lady who came by bus two hours away all by herself, though she had great difficulty getting around, to stay with her daughter in Palencia and see the doctor. She had a plastic bag that I had trouble lifting, her travel bag of sorts. I tried to get one of her relatives to carry it for her, but before I could turn around, she had it strapped to her back with a Guatemalan cloth sling, all hunched over as she left the clinic. Amazing people! The time praying with her was sweet. It is so humbling to receive such thanks and hugs of appreciation.

We did have a “mini VBS” with the 45 students of the church school where we are working. They started with preschool and now have kindergarten and first grade. Some of the most adorable children you would ever see! They sang with such enthusiasm and listened intently to the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. In this area where fear and superstition still hold so many people captive, it is wonderful to see these young ones absorbing truth and learning of the God who made them and loves them.

We’ll visit America Latina School tomorrow for their chapel, which is always a treat. Then back to Palencia for VBS for the community and continuation of projects. Please pray for this community, for a great move of God here that will truly “set the captives free.” It’s wonderful to see Pastor Menfil again and encourage him. Since last year, they have begun an AWANA program and have 30 children participating. They are supposed to come to VBS tomorrow in uniform! Watch for pictures of this special group of kids.

Wednesday will be a really packed day with VBS, women’s meeting, clinics, and construction; a regular three-ring circus! So pray for stamina, flexibility, and ability to meet all the needs.

Pray, too, that the team remains healthy and that the rains will ease up so we can have outdoor activities with the kids and do the outside work on the compound that they need done. We appreciate your prayers and feel their power!

Grace we need your prayers.

It has been a long day for many of us

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Kathy passing out some eye glasses

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Checking us out at VBS

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Should we come in or wait our here, let's go in....

Sharing with all ages

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This elderly lady travelled for 2 hours to come to the clinic today and visit her daughter, grand daughter and great grand daughter. Diane had some neat time as they prayed together. Diane could not even lift this back pack off the ground yet this lady threw it up on her back and then tied a cloth belt around it and walked away.

Pastor Menfil

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We had the opportunity to present Pastor Menfil some study books in Spanish that Dr. Kem O. wanted him to have after their visit last year on the trip.
There were more study books for him to share with other.

Menfil wants Kem to know how much he thanks him for these books and what it will mean to him to study with them now.

Old gentleman

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I watched this gentleman for quite sometime today and was fascinated with him and his manners.

Help

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I can't get these gloves on what am I doing wrong?

Faces in the crowd

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Yankees or Red Socks the battle continues

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Lunch time

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Peanut butter and Jelly or ham and cheese today, what will I pick today?

Do you think they can see me back here?

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Oh yes there is no place to hide Grace.

Saundra and Daniel

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So glad we came.

What a great day

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What a great day to serve the Lord.

How much longer do we have to wait?

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Waiting for doctors

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From the young....
to the old....

It was a long day for many as they waited for the doctois

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Pharmacy

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Mom and Daughter waiting for their meds after seeing the doctor
Rolando and Davis helping to explain the medication for the patients

Team members and the kids

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Craft time

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Bethany with the craft she desgined for the kids at VBS
The kids did a great job with this craft

Real characters

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Peter (Cade) right before his walking on the water
Re-enactment of Charlies Angels

Working in the eye clinic

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The kids in their classrooms

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Dentist setup

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Rene is learning how to be a dental assistant in 30 minutes and might I add a great one.

VBS Monday

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Children from the school in Palencia during VBS

Wonderful news

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Rolando and Monica telling Diane about their special news of expecting later this year.

We are ready

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The girls are ready to do ministry in Palencia tomorrow.

Rolando's family

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Here is Rolando with Monica and the children.