What an amazing week. It is wonderful to witness how much God can do in just 7 days. How silly to doubt that He is able- after all, he did create the WORLD in fewer days.
My Father had me lead the bible studies for Monday and Tuesday. I had prepared for these two studies a few weeks before the trip. Monday morning I just couldn't stop praying over the study; I read over my notes and scriptures, I rehearsed my testimony, and continued to jot notes down until the last minute. Once my time came, I soon realized it wasn't MY time but HIS. He has never made me feel more like a tool than in those two mornings and it was amazing. I can't remember what I said exactly but I have faith that He got His message across and is continuing work in those women's lives.
And what an amazing bunch the Lord put together! Fifteen men and women of all ages and walks of life came together for His purpose in that week. I will never forget the time we all had together and how much we learned from each other and the rest of Guatemala.
I have no doubt that the Lord is pleased with the teams work.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Showered with blessings!
Our final day at the seminary but certainly not the final day of love for these women! Oh, Lord, how sweet the sound that saved a wrench like me!
We started the day with Bible study and prayer time as we prayed for a once thriving church to accept the changes that they need in order to grow and further Gods' kingdom. We prayed over another team member today who was giving her testimony to take her out of the feelings of worthlessness and despair and allow God to restore her strength with His mercy and love.
Then came an emotional testimony by one of the team, one of pain and joy, sadness and hope, faith and trust. The tissues were passed as we arrived at the seminary where we encountered a day of joy, hope, love and renewal. We cast away our burdens, those feelings that keep us in bondage, and we took on a spirit of renewal knowing that God loves us, accepts us and forgives us. Our morning started with a precious sister coming to know the Lord...Amen! But if wasn't enough, God had more for us today! His blessings poured out in mighty BIG ways today! These women shared their time, money and talents with us and showered us with gifts and more love than words could ever say. But was He done there... not a chance!
We listened as another team member shared her heart in Bible study and then gave her testimony as she shared the experiences that have grown her because of our Lord and Savior never leaving her and always accepting her. It was a wonderful testimony of how amazing God is! He heals us when we are broken, He cleanses our hearts and renews our strength to press on to further His Kingdom. And that's what happened today as we embraced these women with God's faithfulness and love. And just like that, God answered our prayers of the morning for a wonderful sister.
In the afternoon, our ladies finished up their sewing projects and some new businesses were formed. They felt very proud of their accomplishments but knowing it was God who gave them this gift. There were extras of everything so they have fabric to get started on and patterns to follow. God had given our ladies in the sewing departments great insight for these women's futures.
I'm not sure which is the best part of what I tell you next but I can say this...Glory A Dios! Praise the Lord! Was it the humility that was felt in the foot washing or was it the tears of love that flowed uncontrollably after this dedication to the Lord? Maybe it was when our interpreter, Cynthia accepted Jesus into her heart. But then there was the communion and participating in this with our new sisters in Christ. I am not sure when I've cried harder or witnessed so many tears of joy, of renewal, of love for God, of praise and worship! Even now, I can barely write!
As we said goodbye to our dear sisters, we were taking pictures and exchanging addresses when I had someone tell me, I'm amazed at how much we all love each other even though we don't speak the same language. That's God! Once you've experienced it, you spread His love to everyone, you want to Pass It On. (Okay, that's from a campfire song! But oh so true!)
But was God finished there? Not quite because God continues to bless us when we are busy about His work! And He was blessing our socks off this week! We made a trip to the Tabitha House where we were able to see where some of our ladies come from. Some wake up at 4 a.m. in order to get a ride on the bus to get to us. Some walk great distances and some come from the Tabitha House. This was a very humbling experience in which we saw first hand how difficult their lives are yet they love the Lord and give of their hearts freely and willingly with an open hand, never expecting anything in return.
We prayed over their house, they prayed over us, and we shared an amazing time. We exchanged tokens of love and remembrance and vowed to pray for each other. We have shared so much with these women and their children. Their children have been loved on by our entire team. Several of our team spent every day witnessing to them, loving them and playing with them. These mothers felt the love we showed their children.
And after that, I was able to share my testimony and I was accepted into this wonderful group of ladies with love and support and God revealed himself to me once more as He showed me everything is in His perfect timing and it's His will be done...not mine. Always faithful, always loving, always forgiving and always on time!
Our team went home exhausted but showered with love and with a full heart! Praise God!
We started the day with Bible study and prayer time as we prayed for a once thriving church to accept the changes that they need in order to grow and further Gods' kingdom. We prayed over another team member today who was giving her testimony to take her out of the feelings of worthlessness and despair and allow God to restore her strength with His mercy and love.
Then came an emotional testimony by one of the team, one of pain and joy, sadness and hope, faith and trust. The tissues were passed as we arrived at the seminary where we encountered a day of joy, hope, love and renewal. We cast away our burdens, those feelings that keep us in bondage, and we took on a spirit of renewal knowing that God loves us, accepts us and forgives us. Our morning started with a precious sister coming to know the Lord...Amen! But if wasn't enough, God had more for us today! His blessings poured out in mighty BIG ways today! These women shared their time, money and talents with us and showered us with gifts and more love than words could ever say. But was He done there... not a chance!
We listened as another team member shared her heart in Bible study and then gave her testimony as she shared the experiences that have grown her because of our Lord and Savior never leaving her and always accepting her. It was a wonderful testimony of how amazing God is! He heals us when we are broken, He cleanses our hearts and renews our strength to press on to further His Kingdom. And that's what happened today as we embraced these women with God's faithfulness and love. And just like that, God answered our prayers of the morning for a wonderful sister.
In the afternoon, our ladies finished up their sewing projects and some new businesses were formed. They felt very proud of their accomplishments but knowing it was God who gave them this gift. There were extras of everything so they have fabric to get started on and patterns to follow. God had given our ladies in the sewing departments great insight for these women's futures.
I'm not sure which is the best part of what I tell you next but I can say this...Glory A Dios! Praise the Lord! Was it the humility that was felt in the foot washing or was it the tears of love that flowed uncontrollably after this dedication to the Lord? Maybe it was when our interpreter, Cynthia accepted Jesus into her heart. But then there was the communion and participating in this with our new sisters in Christ. I am not sure when I've cried harder or witnessed so many tears of joy, of renewal, of love for God, of praise and worship! Even now, I can barely write!
As we said goodbye to our dear sisters, we were taking pictures and exchanging addresses when I had someone tell me, I'm amazed at how much we all love each other even though we don't speak the same language. That's God! Once you've experienced it, you spread His love to everyone, you want to Pass It On. (Okay, that's from a campfire song! But oh so true!)
But was God finished there? Not quite because God continues to bless us when we are busy about His work! And He was blessing our socks off this week! We made a trip to the Tabitha House where we were able to see where some of our ladies come from. Some wake up at 4 a.m. in order to get a ride on the bus to get to us. Some walk great distances and some come from the Tabitha House. This was a very humbling experience in which we saw first hand how difficult their lives are yet they love the Lord and give of their hearts freely and willingly with an open hand, never expecting anything in return.
We prayed over their house, they prayed over us, and we shared an amazing time. We exchanged tokens of love and remembrance and vowed to pray for each other. We have shared so much with these women and their children. Their children have been loved on by our entire team. Several of our team spent every day witnessing to them, loving them and playing with them. These mothers felt the love we showed their children.
And after that, I was able to share my testimony and I was accepted into this wonderful group of ladies with love and support and God revealed himself to me once more as He showed me everything is in His perfect timing and it's His will be done...not mine. Always faithful, always loving, always forgiving and always on time!
Our team went home exhausted but showered with love and with a full heart! Praise God!
We are Beautiful in God!
Our theme today comes from I Peter 3:1-6 where God's standards of beauty are different than that of the world. God commands us to be reverent and pure in our lives so that if anyone does not believe the word, they may be won over by our behavior. After our Bible study every day, we break into small groups where we get to know women individually. We find that we have women from many different backgrounds, facing many different situations and yet looking to their Abba Father for direction, guidance and love. God's amazing love pours out of these women, some who have husbands who do not the Lord yet their faith does not waiver.
Yesterday we gave these women a scripture verse with instructions to go home and learn it. It was so amazing that most of the group knew the verse today without knowing they were going to get a direct reward but having faith that it's what they should do to please our Lord and Savior. Great lesson to be learned...how often are we asked to memorize a scripture and yet a week later still can't say it?
Pampering these women with a beauty session of haircuts, styles, makeup and massages was a real treat for all of us. We were able to serve God by loving them and caring for them because God put us here to show them His neverending, overflowing love for them. Thier smiles were so big!
After a wonderful pouring of love with money that was raised in a Sunday school class at our church, we were able to give each of these women a week's worth of salary! They were so gracious and thankful and praised God for all of it! But God wasn't finished there! Oh no, just when you think you've experienced so much of God's wonderful gifts, He shows himself more! One of the ladies who was 82 years old used a broken broom stick as her walker to go out and share God's love. Today she was rewarded for her faithfulness by laying it on the heart of our driver and a team member to get her a walker. They didn't know this women or what she had done but God knew. God knew how obedient she had been and He rewarded her for it. Praise God for being in the details!
Yesterday we gave these women a scripture verse with instructions to go home and learn it. It was so amazing that most of the group knew the verse today without knowing they were going to get a direct reward but having faith that it's what they should do to please our Lord and Savior. Great lesson to be learned...how often are we asked to memorize a scripture and yet a week later still can't say it?
Pampering these women with a beauty session of haircuts, styles, makeup and massages was a real treat for all of us. We were able to serve God by loving them and caring for them because God put us here to show them His neverending, overflowing love for them. Thier smiles were so big!
After a wonderful pouring of love with money that was raised in a Sunday school class at our church, we were able to give each of these women a week's worth of salary! They were so gracious and thankful and praised God for all of it! But God wasn't finished there! Oh no, just when you think you've experienced so much of God's wonderful gifts, He shows himself more! One of the ladies who was 82 years old used a broken broom stick as her walker to go out and share God's love. Today she was rewarded for her faithfulness by laying it on the heart of our driver and a team member to get her a walker. They didn't know this women or what she had done but God knew. God knew how obedient she had been and He rewarded her for it. Praise God for being in the details!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A Day of Celebration
Well, as you can imagine for 13 ladies and only 2 men, when times of celebration come so do the tears! We wiped out several packs of tissues as we listened to a testimony from one of our team who has never shared her testimony before today. God used her today and her challenges that she has faced in her life to help further His kingdom today. I heard from several ladies that the testimonies of our team have helped them to realize that they are not the only ones with hardships, trials, and tribulation but that we also experience rough times. What may seem like the most challenging time for you can be used to help others. Facing the challenges and difficult times and then praising God for those challenges is not only what God desires for us but what He commands us to do. The ladies today witnessed our dear sister in Christ as she spoke and praised the Lord for giving her strength, for never forsaking her, for loving her without end, unconditionally and faithfully. Praise the Lord!
And if that wasn't enough, God worked in His amazing way again! Tonight as we were preparing for tomorrow the gifts of the beauty supplies that our amazing supporters gave, we had another surprise! Although no surprise to God as God is in the details. In this case, it was in the detail of 2 team members packing bathing suits even though they had no idea why they were being packed. But God knew and is ever so powerful in His love for us as He brought Adriana to a desire to be baptized. Adriana has been a Christ follower for some years but decided on this trip to follow up in baptism. As Robert baptized her, the tears that flowed added inches to the pool. We were captivated in the beautiful setting that was created by God and was made complete when a baptism was performed in His creation. The Lord has already used Adriana so much in her testimony and she has a heart for the Lord. The Lord has blessed her in many ways and we have been blessed by her. Praise God!
And if that wasn't enough, God worked in His amazing way again! Tonight as we were preparing for tomorrow the gifts of the beauty supplies that our amazing supporters gave, we had another surprise! Although no surprise to God as God is in the details. In this case, it was in the detail of 2 team members packing bathing suits even though they had no idea why they were being packed. But God knew and is ever so powerful in His love for us as He brought Adriana to a desire to be baptized. Adriana has been a Christ follower for some years but decided on this trip to follow up in baptism. As Robert baptized her, the tears that flowed added inches to the pool. We were captivated in the beautiful setting that was created by God and was made complete when a baptism was performed in His creation. The Lord has already used Adriana so much in her testimony and she has a heart for the Lord. The Lord has blessed her in many ways and we have been blessed by her. Praise God!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Let the mission begin!
Today started with a wonderful devotion on forgiveness. Allie prepared our hearts for the topic of the day for our new friends. After breakfast, we piled up in the van with joy and anticipation and overflowing love in our hearts. The ladies soon came and the fun began! Adriana led our ladies this morning with a heart-felt testimony and Bible study based on forgiveness and God's amazing love! We broke into small groups and we all learned so much about these ladies and their heart for the Lord. This was a true time of sharing and growing while we began to form relationships. Throughout the day, we all expressed love and friendship to each other bonded by our one mutual common denominator...our amazing God. While we spent the afternoon, sewing, talking, laughing, and embracing each other...there was a strong sense of God that could not be destroyed because of our language differences. God hears us not just in our own language but in all languages. Praise God, glorify Dios!
Sunday
Our first full day in Guatemala!!!! After our morning devotion and lots of tears and sharing, we walked half a mile on the single-file sidewalks that line the cobblestone streets of Antigua to church at del Cominos. It was a beautiful time of worship in a bi lingual service. It is so amazing to hear the praises of God in a different language that I do not understand except to understand that it is the praises of our wonderful Lord and Savior! God had a message for us that spoke to our hearts and brought excitement to our souls! Amen!!!!
After lunch, we journeyed through Guatemala City and up the mountain to Tapacum church. Robert and Brian had arrived and were able to go with us. We had a service of song and praise and God's word as He spoke through Allie and Dawn. During the visit at this church last year, there were maybe 5 men among several women. This year, there were several more men than last year and that was exciting to see!!! God is working! It is a place to experience Gods peace. At the end of the service we all were blessed to hug each one in that service. The language barrier is what it is, but it can't hold back God's love. These people have so very little, but so much love for Jesus. Several in our group noted the humility and love expressed by them.
Lynn was amazed at the offering that they took and how these people gave even though they have nothing to give. We were all touched and blessed this day.\
Tomorrow, we begin our day at 6.30. Please remember to pray for us as we begin the retreat for the ladies of Tabitha. God has great things to show us!!!
After lunch, we journeyed through Guatemala City and up the mountain to Tapacum church. Robert and Brian had arrived and were able to go with us. We had a service of song and praise and God's word as He spoke through Allie and Dawn. During the visit at this church last year, there were maybe 5 men among several women. This year, there were several more men than last year and that was exciting to see!!! God is working! It is a place to experience Gods peace. At the end of the service we all were blessed to hug each one in that service. The language barrier is what it is, but it can't hold back God's love. These people have so very little, but so much love for Jesus. Several in our group noted the humility and love expressed by them.
Lynn was amazed at the offering that they took and how these people gave even though they have nothing to give. We were all touched and blessed this day.\
Tomorrow, we begin our day at 6.30. Please remember to pray for us as we begin the retreat for the ladies of Tabitha. God has great things to show us!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
In Country
We have arrived!!! It's 11.45 Guatemala time, but 1.45 Georgia time and we are pooped, but full of joy!!! The travel was a fun time filled with laughter and last time cell phone calls on US soil. What an awesome place to be where God has called each one of us. Thank you all for your prayers as God has protected us today!!! Time to tuck in before we awake to breathe in HIS fullness once again tomorrow morning!
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