Wednesday, December 23, we invited our close neighbors to dinner. We enjoyed white chicken chili, fresh fruit, avocado and tomato salad, and of course, desserts. The greatest past of the evening though was sharing in conversation and fellowship. Our neighbors to the right, Eddy and Flor and their three boys, Cristian, Kenneth, and Ian are not believers yet but are precious friends. Our neighbors to the left are Derick, Lupita, Pircilla and Cristy. He is the pastor of an evangelical church here in Chimaltenango and we enjoy sweet fellowship. Armin and Kati are a newly married couple who live on the other side of them and also attend the same church. It was funny when at tmes tey realized that they were talking way to fast for us to understand, one would tell the other..."Despacio! Despacio!" ("Slower!")
Christmas Eve, our pastor and his wife brought homemade tamales and ponche (traditional hot punch, much like apple cider in taste) which we greatly enjoyed. They are the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Then at midnight came the fire...firecrackers and fireworks lightening up the sky and echoing thoughout the air. No need to go to bed before that was finished!! We certainly enjoyed the colorful display...quite traditional Guatemala Christmas.
Then Christmas day, several missionaries, enjoyed Christmas lunch at Carol's house. Her family, whom we had met in Costa Rica, came to spend the holidays with her. They brought a special treat...Chick-Fil-A sandwiches. Never had one that tasted any better!!
Christmas is not traditonal food, special friends, nor even family. It is the Gift of God, Jesus, born to die to provide salvation for all. Pray with us that Eddy and Flor and millions like them around the world will hear and respond in repentance and faith and receive eternal life.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas Times...
Although we missed being with our family during the Christmas season, we appreciated the bond of fellow misionaries who are our family here in Guatemala. We are of the family of god and are bonded together for eternity...praise God!
On Saturday, December 12, we enjoyed having the 10 IMB language students who have been studying Spanish in a small town south of Antigua. Eight recent cllege grads and a married couple have spent almost 3 months there learning to communicate the gospel of Christ before they head to Mexico and South America. We gave them each a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls as their Christmas gift.
Then the entire Guatemala IMB Mission family gathered for our Christmas Luncheon. Again, lots of food and great fellowship was enjoyed by all.
White elephant gifts added to the fun!
It was also a time to say goodbye to Janet, who has been our treasurer for eleven years. Due to the restructuring of our mission adminstration, she will be moving to Santiago to become a part of the financial ministry team. We are going to greatly miss her, but she is only a phone call away.
Then it was time for the traditional mission kids photo.
Obviously, our youngest mk did not like having her photo taken without being in the arms of her mom!
Thank you for continuing to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so that the work of IMB missionaries would continue to spread the Gospel of Christ to a lost world.
On Saturday, December 12, we enjoyed having the 10 IMB language students who have been studying Spanish in a small town south of Antigua. Eight recent cllege grads and a married couple have spent almost 3 months there learning to communicate the gospel of Christ before they head to Mexico and South America. We gave them each a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls as their Christmas gift.
Then the entire Guatemala IMB Mission family gathered for our Christmas Luncheon. Again, lots of food and great fellowship was enjoyed by all.
White elephant gifts added to the fun!
It was also a time to say goodbye to Janet, who has been our treasurer for eleven years. Due to the restructuring of our mission adminstration, she will be moving to Santiago to become a part of the financial ministry team. We are going to greatly miss her, but she is only a phone call away.
Then it was time for the traditional mission kids photo.
Obviously, our youngest mk did not like having her photo taken without being in the arms of her mom!
Thank you for continuing to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so that the work of IMB missionaries would continue to spread the Gospel of Christ to a lost world.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Pochuta...Finally
The department (much like a state in the US) of Chimaltenango has 16 municipios (much like a county seat). One of our goals has been to visit each of them to investigate the number of churches, types of churches and relative percentage of the evangelized population.
On December 3, we started out with the ambitious goal to visit 5 of the municipios. They were relatively close together so it seemed feasible. We visited Patzicia, then Patzun, then almost to Acotenango where we turned left to go to Pochuta. First sign...dirt road, and not such a good road either...but off we went...and went...and went...30 minutes riding the roads through the coffee fincas...1 hour...30 minutes more windy roads on the steep sides of the coffee mountainside...2 hours...surely we must have missed a turn somewhere! We returned to the aldea we had passed about 30 minutes back to ask the way to Pochuta. Well, he said, that's the carretera (road), only 2 1/2 more hours on that road. there's one road in and out and that's it. We still had to visit Acotenango and Yecopapa and it was getting close to 1 o'clock and since we had not eaten lunch we decided to continue on to these two municipios and save Pochuta for another day. But what beautiful sights we had seen that enticed us to return soon.
Saturday, December 5 we started out very early...6:45am because we wanted to ensure we were home in time for the SEC championship football game at 3 pm. Off we drove. We passed the little tienda where we had inquired the way. Rounding one of the very rocky dirt curves, we heard a pop and then a shhhhhhhh. It can't be...we haven't even reached the place where we turned around on Wednesday...but it was. A sharp rock had pierced one of our brand-new tires and was gone :( Now we spent about 30 or 45 minutes changing the tire in the middle of nowhere but with tons of little bugs who feasted on some tasty flesh...us! Well, we had to return home...no going forward without a spare. Another day!
We decided that Wednesday, December 8 would be the day. Packing a lunch and water, we left at 8:15 am. For the third time, we took that sharp left turn on the dusty dirt rough road...and kept going. At least we were being entertained with puffs from Volcan Fuego.
Then we came around another curve and could see volcanoes from around Lake Atitlan. Such a beautiful sight!
We passed the little tienda where we had been told to continue on. We passed the place where we had the flat tire. We continued on...and on...and on. Now we had thought that the road we had traveled before was rough, but it was like smooth glass compared to these roads!!
Ride along with us for a few seconds...
Knowing that we must be close for Pochuta about noon, we topped the hill to see
men tearing up the boards of the bridge and replacing it with rebar wire. David inquired as to when they might possibly be finished...by three o'clock. David returned to the truck saying he just couldn't turn around and return another day. We would just wait, go into town and get a place to spend the night and return home on Thursday. So we ate our banana and peanut butter sandwich and waited. We talked with a friend, Jose who told us we were only about 20 minutes away from Pochuta.
Finally around 4, the men put the boards back at the end of the bridge...and said they would return the following day to complete the work. We watched about 5 cars, trucks, vans cross the brige coming toward us then we headed across into Pochuta. We entered town and began the search to secure a place for the night. Within 10 minutes, we realized there was "no room." There were no hotels and only one farmacia which had a room upstairs which had not entertained people for quite some time and therefore was not ready for us. We visited briefly with some evangelicals and returned to the truck. What a sinking feeling to know that now we had to retrace our ride home and now at this time of the day with dark coming soon.
I don't have pictures to verify that trip home. But let me tell you those roads that looked awful in the light of day were ten times worse at night. The side roads that feed into the main trail/road look like the return road in the black night. But the same God that directs our paths in the brightness of day continues to lead the way in the darkness of night. We arrived home five hours later completing a 13 hour day of traveling! Thanks for praying for us as we travel major highways, roads and jungle trails searching the areas without Gospel access in order that the Good News of Salvation would pierce the darkness and shine in the hearts of men and women and boys and girls.
That is the reason we travel all over Guatemala...that they may hear and receive. Continue to pray for us. Continue to pray with us. Continue to give that all may hear.
On December 3, we started out with the ambitious goal to visit 5 of the municipios. They were relatively close together so it seemed feasible. We visited Patzicia, then Patzun, then almost to Acotenango where we turned left to go to Pochuta. First sign...dirt road, and not such a good road either...but off we went...and went...and went...30 minutes riding the roads through the coffee fincas...1 hour...30 minutes more windy roads on the steep sides of the coffee mountainside...2 hours...surely we must have missed a turn somewhere! We returned to the aldea we had passed about 30 minutes back to ask the way to Pochuta. Well, he said, that's the carretera (road), only 2 1/2 more hours on that road. there's one road in and out and that's it. We still had to visit Acotenango and Yecopapa and it was getting close to 1 o'clock and since we had not eaten lunch we decided to continue on to these two municipios and save Pochuta for another day. But what beautiful sights we had seen that enticed us to return soon.
Saturday, December 5 we started out very early...6:45am because we wanted to ensure we were home in time for the SEC championship football game at 3 pm. Off we drove. We passed the little tienda where we had inquired the way. Rounding one of the very rocky dirt curves, we heard a pop and then a shhhhhhhh. It can't be...we haven't even reached the place where we turned around on Wednesday...but it was. A sharp rock had pierced one of our brand-new tires and was gone :( Now we spent about 30 or 45 minutes changing the tire in the middle of nowhere but with tons of little bugs who feasted on some tasty flesh...us! Well, we had to return home...no going forward without a spare. Another day!
We decided that Wednesday, December 8 would be the day. Packing a lunch and water, we left at 8:15 am. For the third time, we took that sharp left turn on the dusty dirt rough road...and kept going. At least we were being entertained with puffs from Volcan Fuego.
Then we came around another curve and could see volcanoes from around Lake Atitlan. Such a beautiful sight!
We passed the little tienda where we had been told to continue on. We passed the place where we had the flat tire. We continued on...and on...and on. Now we had thought that the road we had traveled before was rough, but it was like smooth glass compared to these roads!!
Ride along with us for a few seconds...
Knowing that we must be close for Pochuta about noon, we topped the hill to see
men tearing up the boards of the bridge and replacing it with rebar wire. David inquired as to when they might possibly be finished...by three o'clock. David returned to the truck saying he just couldn't turn around and return another day. We would just wait, go into town and get a place to spend the night and return home on Thursday. So we ate our banana and peanut butter sandwich and waited. We talked with a friend, Jose who told us we were only about 20 minutes away from Pochuta.
Finally around 4, the men put the boards back at the end of the bridge...and said they would return the following day to complete the work. We watched about 5 cars, trucks, vans cross the brige coming toward us then we headed across into Pochuta. We entered town and began the search to secure a place for the night. Within 10 minutes, we realized there was "no room." There were no hotels and only one farmacia which had a room upstairs which had not entertained people for quite some time and therefore was not ready for us. We visited briefly with some evangelicals and returned to the truck. What a sinking feeling to know that now we had to retrace our ride home and now at this time of the day with dark coming soon.
I don't have pictures to verify that trip home. But let me tell you those roads that looked awful in the light of day were ten times worse at night. The side roads that feed into the main trail/road look like the return road in the black night. But the same God that directs our paths in the brightness of day continues to lead the way in the darkness of night. We arrived home five hours later completing a 13 hour day of traveling! Thanks for praying for us as we travel major highways, roads and jungle trails searching the areas without Gospel access in order that the Good News of Salvation would pierce the darkness and shine in the hearts of men and women and boys and girls.
That is the reason we travel all over Guatemala...that they may hear and receive. Continue to pray for us. Continue to pray with us. Continue to give that all may hear.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday in Quiche...
On December 6, we attended the worship service of Iglesia Bautista Buenas Nuevas (New Way Baptist Church), our first time to visit a church of the indigenous Mayan people group called Quiche. The church is located near Chichicastenango, a city known for its Mayan worship practices.
Though the area is known for its spiritual darkness, we found a group of joyful believers who love the Lord and who love to sing.
Pastor Juan Conoz Saquic led the service, using a mixture of Spanish and Quiche. It was interesting to hear both languages used in the same sentences. In the homes, Quiche is generally spoken. In schools and official places, Spanish is spoken. In church, both languages are mixed together.
The church service was well attended by young people and children. Sunday School for the children was obviously a fun place to be.
In addition to the church activities, the church also has a radio studio where for twelve hours per day, Christian radio is broadcast in Spanish, Quiche, and Cakchiquel. The very simple radio studio was housed in a small concrete room. What about acoustics in a room with concrete walls, ceiling, and floors? Simple solution- eggs are sold here in large cardboard crates of 48 eggs. The ceiling was lined with egg crates! Therefore, acoustical problems solved! Life is hard for the Quiche.
Please pray for this pastor and the people of Iglesia Bautista Buenas Nuevas.
Though the area is known for its spiritual darkness, we found a group of joyful believers who love the Lord and who love to sing.
Pastor Juan Conoz Saquic led the service, using a mixture of Spanish and Quiche. It was interesting to hear both languages used in the same sentences. In the homes, Quiche is generally spoken. In schools and official places, Spanish is spoken. In church, both languages are mixed together.
The church service was well attended by young people and children. Sunday School for the children was obviously a fun place to be.
In addition to the church activities, the church also has a radio studio where for twelve hours per day, Christian radio is broadcast in Spanish, Quiche, and Cakchiquel. The very simple radio studio was housed in a small concrete room. What about acoustics in a room with concrete walls, ceiling, and floors? Simple solution- eggs are sold here in large cardboard crates of 48 eggs. The ceiling was lined with egg crates! Therefore, acoustical problems solved! Life is hard for the Quiche.
Please pray for this pastor and the people of Iglesia Bautista Buenas Nuevas.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Burning the Devil
On December 7 beginning at 6 PM, our night air was filled with smoke and the smell of fireworks. The sound of firecrackers came from all directions. It was the night when Guatemalans "Burn the Devil". For several days, large devil piñatas have been sold everywhere. Households across the country build little houses of reeds or, more commonly, heaps of the unwanted rubbish and junk that has accumulated over the year. On this night, they then set it on fire in the street in front of their houses, along with the piñata in this tradition they call 'La Quema del Diablo' (The Burning of the Devil). In so doing they are attempting to purge their homes of evil spirits. These piñatas, loaded with firecrackers, create a flood of explosions and smoke. No doubt, hundreds of piñatas are burned on this night in our town and throughout the country in an attempt to drive the devil away.
But we know the secret that causes the devils to flee. It is only through the Name of Jesus because of the power of His shed blood on Calvary. That's why we are here. On this strange night, it is obvious that many do not yet know this reality. The smoke is heavy and oppressive. Pray for Guatemalans. Pray for us!
But we know the secret that causes the devils to flee. It is only through the Name of Jesus because of the power of His shed blood on Calvary. That's why we are here. On this strange night, it is obvious that many do not yet know this reality. The smoke is heavy and oppressive. Pray for Guatemalans. Pray for us!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Sitting 'round the Christmas tree...
Nothing like the beauty of pascuas (poinsettas)
Our green space is all aglow at Christmas time.
The lemon tree that has provided us about 20 lemons since we planted it in July. Yum for sweet lemonada!
Friday, December 4, 2009
And finally...November Highlight IV...
The end of the month brought Thanksgiving...a day of giving thanks for the past year and all the blessings which He has bestowed on us.
We celebrated with fellow missionaries who "gathered together" at the Pana house. It a former missionary residence but is now used by missionaries and churches to "refresh." It is located at Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, probably the most beautiful place in the world...not a bit prejudiced :) We had 31 in attendance for the mid day meal which included turkey and dressing, carrot souffle(Picadilly style, no less!, brocolli, squash, mashed potates, green breans, corn casserole, corn on the cob, peas, salads (too many to mention), and desserts -- pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheery pie, cherry cheescake, cheescake with fresh strawberries,chocolate chess pie, fudge, brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and so many more. Needless to say, we were all STUFFED and satisfied. What a sweet, sweet time of worship we shared as we gave thanks for this past year. Nothing like wonderful friends who share the love of Christ in response to the call of God on their lives. Oneness...how sweet.
Then we came home and continued our Thanksgiving tradition...football and decorating. Yep, we enjoyed the Georgia-Georgia Tech (BIG SMILEY...Go DAWGS!) and decorating the house for Christmas. Traditions are fun to celebrate, but more importantly the Reason for the Season gives Meaning and Purpose to the celebrations. Thank you Father for the gift of Your Son who has provided free Salvation for ALL who will receive.
May your celebrations bring glory to Heaven as you worship His Majesty.
We celebrated with fellow missionaries who "gathered together" at the Pana house. It a former missionary residence but is now used by missionaries and churches to "refresh." It is located at Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, probably the most beautiful place in the world...not a bit prejudiced :) We had 31 in attendance for the mid day meal which included turkey and dressing, carrot souffle(Picadilly style, no less!, brocolli, squash, mashed potates, green breans, corn casserole, corn on the cob, peas, salads (too many to mention), and desserts -- pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheery pie, cherry cheescake, cheescake with fresh strawberries,chocolate chess pie, fudge, brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and so many more. Needless to say, we were all STUFFED and satisfied. What a sweet, sweet time of worship we shared as we gave thanks for this past year. Nothing like wonderful friends who share the love of Christ in response to the call of God on their lives. Oneness...how sweet.
Then we came home and continued our Thanksgiving tradition...football and decorating. Yep, we enjoyed the Georgia-Georgia Tech (BIG SMILEY...Go DAWGS!) and decorating the house for Christmas. Traditions are fun to celebrate, but more importantly the Reason for the Season gives Meaning and Purpose to the celebrations. Thank you Father for the gift of Your Son who has provided free Salvation for ALL who will receive.
May your celebrations bring glory to Heaven as you worship His Majesty.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
November Highlight III...
We along with Carol, a fellow laborer, went to San Cristobal to visit our friends, the Thomas family. David and I stayed at the neat little apartment hotel in the middle of a working coffee finca at which we had stayed when we visited in June.
On Saturday, Jeff took us to the sight of the landslide which took place January 4th of this year. There is no way to adequately capture the massive area of the slide. Many people were drowned that day in a mass of dirt and rock. Even still not all of the bodies have been found. What a tragedy! It also was a ministry opportunity for Jeff and his family as they assisted in the relief effort. This was our second time to visit and we noticed how the land has continued to slide downward. Our photos just can't tell the whole picture...
On Saturday, Jeff took us to the sight of the landslide which took place January 4th of this year. There is no way to adequately capture the massive area of the slide. Many people were drowned that day in a mass of dirt and rock. Even still not all of the bodies have been found. What a tragedy! It also was a ministry opportunity for Jeff and his family as they assisted in the relief effort. This was our second time to visit and we noticed how the land has continued to slide downward. Our photos just can't tell the whole picture...
Across this mountain was the only east-west road in this northern area. The people has constructed another road down the mountain. We were standing on the level where the original road was as we looked down and took this picture of the new road. It was not sonstructed by the government but by the people who depend upon this corridor.
But almost daily "rocks" can be heard tumbling down the side of the mountain threatening to destroy the cars as they pass. At times,the road has been closed as they work to clear "rocks" that have obstructed the way. Here you can see the deep gullies that have been formed by the continued slides and rock tumbles. As you look at the size of the "rock" beside the cars you can note the extreme danger to pass along this corridor. Yet, weekly Jeff and his worker pass this way to share the Gospel with people on the other side who are hungry to hear the truth in their own language, Poqomchi.
As you study the pictures, remember to pray for Jeff, for us, and the other many missionaries who travel through dangerous roads to share the precious message of Jesus Christ.
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