Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Birthday Party and City Tour

Sunday evening we headed to the capital for Missionary Fellowship to celebrate Jerry's birthday. Good times around the table of delicious lasagna and carrot birthday cake.


His actual birthday is today...Happy Birthday Jerry!

Then Monday we were "tourists" as we joined Carol, a fellow missionary, and Esther, a friend of Carol's, for a city tour.


Among some of the things we visited were several outstanding architectural and old churches, exclusive residential colonias and contrasted poor colonias, and the presidential palace.




At the presidential palace, we found 0 km - for from here all roads commence.




It was sad as again we realize that many know of Jesus, but still see him as the dead Christ, not the living risen Lord who willingly forgives sins and freely offers an eternal home to all who believe, ask and receive His pardon.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Xenacoj - La Iglesia Bautista Restoración

About three weeks ago, we were invited to attend La Iglesia Bautista Restoración for a special morning worship of prayer for Muslim women around the world. In my best Spanish comprehension, I understood that Ruth would have the program and we were attending to give support and confidence as this was the first time they had undertaken such a task. I clarified several times that she was in charge and we were to come. Whew!


We were excited to attend this morning, our first solo type meeting. We arrived fashionly on time - 9:20 for the 9 o'clock meeting. We entered and visited with folks gathered for the meeting.






The room was set up around a table prepared for tea and cookies which I had read in some IMB info was a good preparation for a prayer time for muslim women.

Finally (about 25 minutes later) the pastor arrived (they live in another town about three different bus rides to arrive)and we entered the prayer circle to begin. Ruth said that the pastor would speak first.

Pastor Lazaro spoke on prayer, then Ruth said something and looked at us. Deer in the headlights look. Good thing we had prepared a few notes...just in case...because we were the speakers. Isn't it good that God can take our fubblerings and our heart of worship and bring them together to be understandable (I'm sure not perfectly) with brothers and sisters in Christ? What a sweet time of prayer and fellowship!

As we returned, we passed a "processional" complete with parade and float.

Spiritual blindness is the darkness that holds people in bondage separated from God. Wherever the country...whatever the thought. But thanks be to God for victory in salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Where the fire never goes out...

Yesterday David and I took a road trip by ourselves to visit Chichicastenango and Santa Cruz del Quiche. The trip was beautiful; the weather was like a September day in the mountains of Georgia, especially as we drove past apple orchards with small road side stands selling sweet smelling, delicious apples; the roads were good but with muchos curvos peligrosos (many dangerous curves) going up and down the mountain. Arriving around lunchtime we visited a unique hotel restuarant. The courtyard was beautiful and hosted several large (and at times, noisy) parrots. I am glad that we enjoyed our visit because after we received the bill for the meal, we will bypass this place the next time...expensive!





As we walked around town viewing the brilliant colors of the housands of tablecloths, placemats and napkins, wraps, skirts and blouses, we came to the church.

It is on the location of a former mayan temple, destroyed and replaced by the catholics during Spanish conquest. However, the religion has become a mixure of both beliefs...shamans practice their ancient traditional rituals in the midst of the church. Even the original steps were rejected and replaced by steps to represent the days of the mayan calendar.


At the base of the steps the fire continued to burn to appease the evil spirits.


We were approached several times to be carried into the church and led in religious rituals. No thanks, we believe in the one true God in Whom there is freedom and release from fear and death. Sadly many thousands of Guatemaltecos are walking and even worshipping, in the lostness that only Satan provides. Pray that they will hear the Truth that brings freedom and salvation.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

El Día de la Independencia



September 15 is celebrated throughout Central America as El Día de la Independencia, the day of independence from Spain. Here in Chimaltenango our parade began around 9 and lasted for almost 2 hours. It was a beautiful display of patriotism and national pride.













It was enjoyed by young and old alike.




Families and workers enjoyed the view.




But how could these feet endure the 3 mile walk?!



A reminder to all that true independence comes only in Christ and our salvation in Him.

Monday, September 14, 2009

A Week of Family...

The week in recap:

Welcome Roses - a dozen for $2.50 :)

Excited Deborah

and Chris

Parades

Boat rides

Friends - Carol, a fellow missionary who joined us at the lake

Santiago Atítlan

Beautiful traditional dress

Avocado harvest

School children

More parades

Smiles

Boys ziplining down the mountain

Girls enjoying the beauty and the walk

Boys tripping though the swings :)

San Antonio Pálopo

Love :)

"A light lunch" - club sandwich

Traditional Menu Lunch

A little rain

Pacific sunsets


"Boys" playing in the water

Family poses

Birthday kisses

Ice Cream :)

Independence Day Celebration - Torch runs

Volcano Views - Volcan Agua


Coffee tour

The 'rents with Deborah

Family pose

Goodbyes

Last view

Tears left behind

Many memories, much love :)
Looking forward to the next time!