How did I do that?!

Arriving at "el campo" this morning for our church service, I realized that I had left our camera at home.  How did I do that?  I knew that it would be a special day and I forgot it?!  Oh well, words will have to suffice since there are no photos to document the day.

About once a quarter or so, our church has a special day of worship.  Last July 4, we went to Escuintla to a water park for worship, baptism, and fellowship.  About four months ago, another one was held at the campground a little ways out of Chimaltenango.  (We were unable to attend.)  We had been anticipating attendance today.  Again this service was held at the camp area.  We arrived as the service was beginning.

One of the young boys encouraged us to sit in the chairs.  Later, Pastor Victoriano was encouraging others to sit in the remaining chairs - those who were pregnant and the elderly.  haha.  After a time of praise and worship in song, prayer, and reading of the Word, we were divided into groups - married/older men, married/older women, single young adult men, single young adult women, teenagers, children.  It was a good study time as the men studied the importance of men before God, with his wife, and in his home; and the women studied the importance of women and dispeling the lies that Satan casts upon women and the freedom found in Christ. 

A small cement pool had been half way filled for the baptism of three new believers.  The water had been added one bucket at a time from the nearby well and had not been greatly warmed by the sun.  But what a sweet joy to watch as two women and a young man displayed their passing from death in sin to life in Christ through salvation.  The husband of one of the ladies who does not attend church was present and heard a strong message the difference between "presentation and baptism," the declaration of baptism, and the deliberate life of the disciple.  Pray that he too will come to faith in Christ.

Since tomorrow is Pastor Victoriano's 49th birthday, we sang Happy Birthday.  I must admit I did not know there were that many different Happy Birthday songs.  We must have sung four or five totally different ones.  And of course, the songs were accompanied with the traditional firecracker explosions.  David was asked to pray for Victoriano and his family.  During the repeat of one of the Happy Birthday songs, folks came to him to give hugs and presents.

People scattered around the campground for lunch.  Such good tastes were shared with a special treat for everyone...a strawberry ice cream cone.  I must admit though I saw several folks (and not just the kids) going back for seconds.  Why not?  It was so good!

Felt like we had been to an old fashioned campground meeting ---good singing, good preaching, good food, sweet fellowship.  Probably a little picture of what it will be in heaven.

Submission

Recently, when confronted with two options for us when we return to the field in January 2012, we struggled with the choice to make.


Our hearts were first stirred for Guatemala in the eighties, and we have prayed for, visited, brought others to share the work and vision, have taught/preached missions, and rejoiced as we saw others develop a heart for and ministry in missions around the world.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and be courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for

the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

When the door opened for us to continue our ministry in foreign missions, it was an extra blessing that it was in Guatemala. We delighted in doing the work of researching the indigenous of Guatemala, riding the back roads, the high cliff sides, the dry winding trails, the slippery muddy ruts looking for those areas of lostness with little or no Gospel witness. It seemed only natural that upon completion of that work here in Guatemala that we would move to southern Mexico to continue research.

Lord, send me, O send me forth, I pray;

The need is great, Thy call I will obey;

Thy love compels me I must go

I’m willing, ready, longing to go.

We were totally unprepared for the entrance of another possibility of ministry. The opportunity to remain in Guatemala and work as Catalytic Connectors, connecting US and Guatemalan churches for the purpose of long term partnerships to plant and develop doctrinally sound reproducing churches was a surprise and a bit of an inconvenience. Now we had to seek God’s direction, not just take the next step.

Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to be,

For who am I that I should choose my way?

The Lord shall choose for me, ‘tis better far I know;

So let Him bid me go, or stay.

This new opportunity would be a step out, a challenge for us.  The move to Mexico, though leaving the familiar territory to move to the unfamiliar, the job itself was the same confidently familiar research.  With over 140 indigenous groups without reliable research, the need is great!  Our neighbor’s question, “Is God finished with you in Guatemala?” caused us to pause and reflect.  Who will reach these areas we researched where little or no vibrant Gospel witness grows?  With the Baptist mission force redirecting personnel to darker areas of the world with less than 2% evangelical witness, who will partner with Guatemalan believers to continue the task?  In many areas, doctrine has become a mixture of everything so that Truth becomes unrecognizable.  Guatemalans need to be challenged to be doctrinally sound, to reach their own people, to reproduce strong churches that continue to preach the Gospel of Salvation around the world.  The need is great!  It involves so much more than we have done before.  It is a massive undertaking of researching, training, teaching, developing, praying, growing, going…oh, Lord it is too much!

“But now be strong…declares the Lord.

Be strong…. Be strong…declares the Lord, and work.

For I am with you, declares the Lord Almighty.

This is what I covenanted with you when you came out…

And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” Haggai 2:4, 5

Many have covered us in prayer, asking God to give neon lights to light the way. God continues to work and bring release and peace. We will return to Guatemala after our stateside assignment to continue the work for which He brought us.

No sweeter joy could my heart know

Than this that He’s called me

To spread abroad His wondrous grace

That makes blind hearts to see.

Songs include:  Lord, Send Me by Wilda Savage and Submission by unknown



Happy Birthday to our first born!

Happy Birthday Miriam! 

Where have the days gone when we first held you in our arms and wept in gratitude to the Father for you?  We have watched you grow and develop into a precious young woman.  Your obvious desire for others to know and serve Jesus continues to bless and encourage our lives. 

We love you and wish you a very special day of celebration.  Happy Bday, sweet lady!

It's the time of PURPLE

Jacaranda trees are blooming everywhere with their beautiful purple blooms and as they fall they leave a gorgeous purple carpet below.  This one is seen from our office window and shines so beautifully against the backdrop of pine trees.  Enjoy the beauty around you and let it cause you to praise the Great Creator!

Doing ALL in the name of Jesus...

Always giving a witness of the Life within you.

While in Santiago, we were walking back to the hotel when we passed a lady carrying wood into her house.  She looked at us, smiled and jokingly said, "Ayúdame (help me)!"   [Wood is such an important daily need here as much of the cooking is still done on a wood fire, especially these wonderful tortillas.]  Well, David and Ron looked at each other and said, "she asked us for help, we can do it."  Margie and I loaded their arms and they carried wood...and carried wood...and carried wood until it was all inside.  The ladies (mom, grandmother, and daughter) were surprised that "the gringos" would stop and help them.  We shared with them that Jesus loved them and desired a relationship with each of them.  We prayed with them and then returned on our way back to the hotel.

Just down the street, we passed another load of wood, probably three times the size of this wood pile, and we didn't stop to help them.  This time, there were four young men well able to carry it all inside.  Plus they didn't say. "Ayúdame."

Come apart for awhile...

Intermissions is the organization comprised of missionaries from all over Guatemala. The last weekend in February is the annual retreat held at Lake Atitlán. It was a wonderful time of spiritual renewal and refreshment. It was a breath of fresh ointment to sing and worship in English and to hear God’s Word shared without having to decipher verb conjugations!


Afterwards, we spent a couple of days across the lake from special friends praying and seeking guidance for our future.  The little stone cottages, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the lake provide a places of sweet rest.

Come apart and rest awhile as we seek His face.

The flowers here are so pretty.  I hope you enjoy them as much as did.

Special friends...special times...special memories.



Happy Birthday to our first SIL!

Leading the others into a new decade, our first Son-in-Law celebrates his birthday today.  We prayed for him for many years before we knew his face or even his name

Happy Birthday Mike!

We are so thankful that God created you and brought you into our lives as the godly husband for Miriam.  We are blessed by your smile, your love, your life.

This is the year that God has planned for you

to bless you and to give you a future.

Long time friends...

Long time friends are those special folks you have known for a long time and with whom when you see them again, you begin right where you left…almost in the middle of the last conversation. 

Well, long time friends, Jim and Patsy came to visit us again this February.  But this year they traveled alongside us up the Rio Dulce to Livingston to gather information on the Guatemalan Garifuna. 

The views on the Rio Dulce are so pretty at sunset.

The water taxis like to go back up river for folks to see the old Spanish Fort Felipe.

Herons, by the thousands, live on the river.  

This young girl wants us to buy her shells, note that large starfish in her boat.

The bevy of boats...

Young boys net fishing...

Sea gulls, by the thousands, live around Livingston.

We watched as these men put down their nets and then circled back to gather their catch. 

Obviously it was quite a heavy load.

These were hoping there would be some left for their dinner as well.

These folks were hoping for some of that dinner too.

Happy Birthday Sweet Momma!

Today my sweet momma celebrates her 92nd birthday!

Mom is a wonderful lady who is a reflection of Jesus whom she has loved and served for nearly 70 years. She was a guiding influence for my sister and me to come to an early understanding of the Love of God and the acceptance of His free gift of salvation through Christ alone. She taught many others as well and rejoices to hear how and where they continue to serve the Lord.

Today we will miss celebrating together but the love we share will always be celebrated. Mom, I love you and thank you for the life you have lived before me.