Climbing the mountain to San Marcos/San Pedro Sacatepequez, Guatemala

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Wednesday (6/27)

Hna Suly is the principal of an elementary school in San Marcos...it's an all-boy school. The only exceptions are 2 hearing impaired girls because they have a special program for deaf students--12 in all. When Hna Suly learned that it was time for us to go, she said "I want to take you to San Marcos." We didn't realized that she wanted us to visit her school or that they were celebrating Teacher's Day that day.

After Chris and I did some work that we needed to do on the computer, Hna Suly took us and Mario (a young man from her church in San Rafael who is learning sign language each week at Hna. Suly's school) to eat breakfast. Boy, were we in for a surprise? Hna Jania (striped sweater) is the mother of the owner of the restaurant where we ate. She's an amazing Christian lady. She and her husband were pastoring a church Palabra en Accion (Word in Action--what a great name for a church!) in San Marcos. They were reaching out to a lot of people who had great needs and strong addictions. One day a few years ago, one of the people that her husband had been working with came into the church and killed him with a machete. Instead of pursuing an investigation, the family decided to let God handle it. I couldn't believe her testimony. She had such peace. Her son (the owner of the restaurant) now pastors the church where his dad was.

We went back to school, and Hna Suly let us visit the hearing impaired class. We asked if we were allowed to share from the Bible, and she told us that in Guatemala, you can talk about God and the Bible as much as you want to!! Chris and I talked to the kids and shared testimony. We also taught them a song. Then Chris asked me to show them the Evangecube, so I pulled it out. Many of the kids had already made a decision to follow Jesus...they were so excited to see the cube and shared how much they love Jesus. It was great.

From their class, we went to a school-wide assembly. The 6th graders were putting on a program to show their appreciation for all that their teachers had done for them. They danced, recited poems, had contests, gave gifts, etc. to their teachers. Afterwards, their parents brought in food to serve the teachers, the 6th graders and their parents.

Chris and I were planning on walking from there even though it had started raining a little, it was freezing cold, and it was sort of late. Hna Suly would not hear of it! She called her cousin Hno Yuri and Hna Any and arranged for them to take care of us. It was pretty funny to see how God worked everything out! We ended up staying in an apartment by ourselves. Hno Yuri and Hna Any came to get us for supper and to take us to visit a couple of families. We met Hno Yuri's Aunt Maria and Uncle Efraín before supper. After supper, we met Hno José Manuel, Hna Jocabed, Martín, and Juan Antonio--a really sweet family! Hno Yuri and Hna Any planned to "share" us with Hno José Manuel and Hna Jocabed--between the two churches and the two families!

Thursday (6/28)

Hno Yuri and Hna Any came to get us for breakfast and to show us around San Marco/San Pedro Sacatepequez. The 2 cities are divided by a street, so you really can't tell the difference between the two! Then they dropped us off with their associate pastor, Ruben. His son had as a Cyber, so we were able to check our e-mail for a little bit for free! After we worked a little bit, we planned to walk around the city a bit. Instead Hna Sandra (the pastor's wife) invited us into their house for a Pepsi. Then Hno Ruben (the pastor) came in to talk to us. He has an unbelieveable testimony. He accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was young (confession), but as he became a teenager, he walked away from the Lord. When he was 19, he was kidnapped because he was mistaken for someone else. (There was a civil war going on in Guatemala during this time...with Gorilla Warfare, etc....really dangerous.) They beat him in order to make him tell who he worked for...it was during this time that he accepted Jesus as his Lord (conviction). He heard the Holy Spirit tell him to say, I belong to Jesus. They beat him even more. Finally, they turned him over to the authorities, and he served a year in jail. He had peace and joy the whole time because he knew that he wasn't alone! When he got out of jail, he began serving the Lord (action), and not just claiming that he was a Christian.

His testimony was powerful, but he didn't stop there. He opened the Bible and started teaching Chris and I out of Psalm 112. He called it God's hand upon our heads. (We smiled because we always share about God's hand being on our heads out of Psalm 139:5.) Our responsibility is to fear the Lord and to delight in His commands (vs 1). Then our children will be mighty (physically and spiritually) (vs 2); riches will be in our house (health, joy, intelligence, finances, etc.) (vs 3); we'll make intelligent decisions because God guides us in making them (vs 5); we'll have security...even though bad news may come, we won't fear because we know that God is in control (vs 7); gifts (mercy, advice, time for others, teaching, financial resources) will flow from us to others (vs 9). He warned that people will get frustrated with us because God's hand is upon us...just don't worry about it (vs 10). He shared a ton more with us...it was as if we were having our own personal class! We ate lunch, and fellowshipped a little more. Then Chris and I went out to explore the city a bit.

Later in the afternoon, we called Pastor Phyllis (in Dilley, TX). She, too, taught us a lesson through testimony of what she had experienced on her trip to the Philippines. Jesus went to the least, to the last, and sometimes to only 1 to serve them and to teach them even when He was tired and hungry. If He did that, we can suck it up and deal with difficult circumstances as well!

When we were finishing our conversation with her, Hno José Manuel pulled up. He was ready to take us to his house. We met his daughter, Fernanda (pictured folding clothes...she's waiting expectantly for her new baby brother), and his parents, Hno Edgar and Hna Elena. Their family grows a lot of coffee, so they showed us the process that coffee goes through so that we can drink it. I'm sad to tell you that Chris and I just thought it grew like that on the tree. It doesn't!! The beans grow inside of what looks like a berry (first it's green, then yellow, then red)...if the bean is ripe (red) you can suck on the juice inside the berry...it's sweet! The "berries" have to be hand picked, then the berry part is taken off. Next the beans are dried out, then they remove an outer shell. It looks like a bean that you could eat at that point. Finally they toast the bean, and grind it so that you can enjoy coffee. (An additional step that I'm particularly fond of it taking the toasted bean and dipping it in chocolate!!) Their coffee is really good by the way...I don't even like coffee and I liked it!

That evening we went to church at Bethel Church with Hno José Manuel and Hna Jocabed. The Holy Spirit really spoke to me during the singing. Back in the time of the Old Testament, men went out to battle on God's behalf. That hasn't changed...we are still to do battle...what has changed is our enemies..."For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorites, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) How is it that we are supposed to fight? Ephesians 6:13-18 goes on to tell us...with truth, righteousness, readines, faith, salvation, God's Word and prayer in the Spirit. That's big to think about...we are God's warriors!

I was so pumped up because Chris and I shared testimony that night, but God taught me before we even went forward! After the service, Pastor Sergio (pictured with his family...l to r: David, Pastor Sergio, Hna Tomasita, Daniel, and Sergio) invited us to go to Nueva Jerusalem near Tacaná on Friday. We thought they were doing an outreach, so we agreed.

Friday (6/29)

This morning, we went to Pastor Sergio's house bright and early. We learned that it was a Quinceañera that we were going to...the 15th birthday is a huge deal in Latin America...especially for girls. They get dressed up like you would not believe and have attendants...it's almost like a wedding. This celebration is a time for the girl to give thanks to her parents for raising her and taking care of her to this point, and it marks the beginning of her womanhood. Chris has never been to one, so he was in for a treat.

The view on the way was gorgeous (see more below)!! We passed by 2 volcanoes Tajumulco and Tacaná. (Hope you enjoy the photos...they really don't do the beauty of God's creation justice!)

The ceremony was really sweet...we could tell there was a certain sadness though. Keyly's (the birthday girl) parents weren't there. They sent money back from the US for the party, but they themselves didn't come. I was moved to tears several times. What could be so important that you would miss one of the biggest days in your daughter's life? Money...I'd say that a lot of people get caught in that trap. We used to see it everyday when we taught in the high schools--kids who had all of the material possessions in the world, but lacked the affection of their parents. Why? They were too busy in their jobs...in their own lives.

Friday evening, the Bethel Church was having a vigil...7 pm - 1 am--a time of praising the Lord, preaching, testimony, and prayer. They come together as a church the last Friday of every month...it was awesome! At the end of the service, Daniel (the pastor's youngest son) came up to us. He told us that God said "Prepare your hearts because you are about to see great and mighty things." Wahoo...our heart's desire is to know God more! Bring it, Father God, we can't wait to see what You do!

We were exhausted by the time that we arrived back at the house...we moved from the apartment to Hno José Manuel and Hna Jocabed's house so that we could be with a family.

Saturday (6/30)--Happy Birthday, Mama!!

We at lunch with Pastor Sergio and his family. The teens of the church were practicing for a drama that they were going to perform that night. The praise band was preparing as well because they were going to play that night. We had the opportunity to watch and to share quite a bit with all of them. It's an unusual situation because most of the teens who are actively involved at church are guys! Pretty exciting! The other unusual thing is that these guys are in the middle of a 40 day fast! They are seeking the Lord, and He's revealing Himself! Daniel (the pastor's youngest son) has begun to have visions. The Lord has begun speaking strongly to several of the other boys too! We were pumped up to see their excitement for serving the Lord!

That afternoon, Chris and I went to check e-mail again...the guys wouldn't allow us to pay for our time! Then we went to get Chris's hair cut (yes, that's a straight razor), and the guy wouldn't allow us to pay there either! God's provision astounds me!! Praise God!

We were able to go with the teens to see the drama and to worship the Lord through song that evening at the Prince of Peace church. Two churches from 2 different denominations getting together to worship the Lord...now that's the body of Christ! The drama was excellent...they explained that only Jesus can be counted on in all the trials and struggles in life!

Sunday (7/1)

Early in the morning, we went to visit Hno José Manuel's grandmother. She, of course, wanted to feed us breakfast (even though we had already eaten), and the family wanted to know all about what we were doing. We enjoyed sharing with them for about an hour...then Hno Yuri and Hna Any picked us up to go to their church--Candelero de Oro (The Golden Candlestick). It was a pretty good service and their church is huge. That's why they have a ton of small groups who meet together during the week. (Hno Ruben and Hna Sandra are leaders of several small groups at the church.)

After church, we had lunch at Hno Yuri and Hna Any's house. We had met Iliana, their daughter, and José Carlos (in white) and Daniel (in front of me), 2 of their sons, earlier, but we finally met Juan (in blue). Juan has a huge testimony of God's healing...he fell from the 3rd floor of their house onto the concrete. He broke both legs pretty badly, but he lived to tell about it. Now he has had complete healing...he can run, jump, walk, etc., and he has no pain ever! It's pretty awesome to see God's works because the doctors told him that he would never even walk again!

From their house, we started making visits...first we went to see Hna Laura who is pregnant, but she was in a lot of pain. We went to pray for her and to show our support for her. Her husband doesn't want anything to do with her...he won't give her money to go to the doctor. She's worried that he won't give her money for food and clothes for the baby either. We shared from Psalm 139 that God has put this baby together, and He will not forsake her! We also shared from Matthew 6 that we don't have to worry ourselves with material possessions...we are to seek God first...He takes care of the rest! (We learned 7/5 that she is doing well physically...they aren't going to have to take the baby early! Praise God!)

Then we visited Hna Any's mother...Doña Any is really Hna Any's grandmother, but Hna Any's mother abandoned her when she was 6 months old. She is a sweet lady...we prayed for her as well.

Next we went to Hno Miguel and Hna Jenny's house. We couldn't believe it Hna Jenny is Hno Hanry's (from San Rafael) sister! Hno Miguel and Hna Jenny are struggling with marital issues and with trying to blend their families. They have 8 kids all together, but only one of them belongs to both of them. They also have Jenny and Hanry's youngest brother, Daniel living with them as well. We prayed for healing both physically, emotionally, and spiritually for their household! Hno Miguel wanted us to go to his store as well...he's a butcher! We got to see all the meat and the processes that it all goes through. He also gave chicken and steaks to Hno Yuri and Hna Any! I'm telling you, God's provision is huge...and it's for everyone! We also prayed over his business.

We went back to Hno José Manuel and Hna Jocabed's house for supper. We were greeted with quite a surprise...Dario and his family were moving in! (Dario is Hno José Manuel's middle brother.) All of Aracely's (Dario's wife) family was there. Wow! There were a ton of them! Dario and Aracely have two sons, Ale and Adrian. It was pretty fun having that many people together in one place! Dario also gives testimony of God's healing touch on him...he was in a motorcycle accident without a helment on. The road basically peeled his scalp back...it took quite a few stitches, but he's completely healed now--1 year later! We serve a big God!

After supper, we made one last visit. We prayed before we entered...we wanted God's Words to be spoken not our own. Hno Byron was planning to leave for the US (illegally and against his family's wishes) on Monday morning at 8 am. He got home from work that evening at 10:15. I wasn't planning to say anything because I've seen too many hurting wives and children on this journey. Chris spoke, but I had to translate...I burst into tears as we were talking. The sadness of Keyly (the quinceañera) was too close in my heart and mind. I couldn't hold it in. The Lord finally calmed me down while Hno Yuri and Hna Any spoke. I asked if God had given Hno Byron Word to go to the US...he said no. We ended the evening encouraging him to seek the Lord...at least for a month about what he was supposed to do...not just him but his wife too...then when God spoke clearly about what they were to do, they should be obedient! (We found out 7/5 that he didn't leave...he decided to seek the Lord and that his family was more important!! Praise God!!)

Pictures from the Quinceañera...
a) they serve everyone lunch...we had a beautiful view of the mountains! b)Keyly in front of her cake...I'm sad to say that it wasn't nearly as tasty as the ones we helped make!!












a) time for cake... b) the tradition is to take a bite out of it!! Usually that means someone is going to push your face into the cake...poor Keyly! ha, ha, ha









a) the teens from Bethel Church played! b) Everyone had a chance to take Keyly a present and to wish her well












Pastor Sergio preached the service...









More pix from the drama that the teens from the Bethel Church put on...also pictures from the praise team rehearsing...

The Coffee process...

Traditional Guatemala...
a) this man is weaving the beautiful material for the skirts that you'll see in the Xela entry! b) this is a stove that you'll find in Guatemala...when the want to turn up the heat, they add more wood and take out one of the metal plates!!

More beautiful flowers...

Some of the views from our trip to Tacaná

Traditional dance at Hna Suly's school...this is a mom and her son












a) RE with one of the teachers for the hearing impaired students b) Hna Suly laughing at the performance of the 6th graders...some of the guys were dressed as girls...it was a hoot!