back to Our Walk of Faith
Wednesday (7/11)
We had to say goodbye to the teachers from Chimaltenango this morning...but they left us with phone numbers and at least 3 invitations to stay in different homes in case we pass through there. After they left, we helped gather up the towels and sheets.
We went to check e-mail, and we heard from Patricia Ryan...one of my former students...She also ran cross country and worked with us on the leadership team for FCA. She just wanted to let us know that she was going to be in Guatemala the 17th through the 30th near CHIMALTENANGO (okay...4th contact to this city) We were so excited. Then when we walked back into the door at Buenas Nuevas, we almost ran into 2 men--Allen and Rafael As it turns out, Rafael is a professor at the Seminary in Chimaltenango (number 5!! now we know what direction we are headed from here...we just don't know when we are leaving!) Right as Allen and Rafael were heading to their cottage, Fran and Jonathan came up and invited us to eat breakfast with them on Thursday morning before we left.
From there we had a little bread and a little coffee, then we went to a
cell group meeting at Irma's house (she works at Buenas Nuevas, so we were excited to meet her family) We had a great time singing everyone's favorite hymn or praise song and then sharing testimony! There's a really sweet spirit about their family.
Thursday (7/12)
Breakfast with Fran and Jonathan was really good...the food was normal, but the conversation for was excellent! Fran talked to us about downfalls of doing short-term mission trips...concepts that we hadn't thought about...again God bringing up issues to consider...things such as partnerships, definite goals, and beginning/ending points. Then we talked about possible causes of poverty here in Guatemala...we raised all of the normal issues--lack of education, outside interferance, corruption in the government, apathy--but he raised an issue that I've never thought of...spiritual poverty...people at all economic levels who steal saying there's no other way for me to get ahead--lack of integrity. Then tons of illegitimate children...a cycle left over from the Spanish conquerer days...plus the family unit being broken up because of work...people seeking a better life in a different job (many times in the US) instead of seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness! Fran shared our opinion and concern for so many men leaving for the US and the destruction that is causing on families here.
After breakfast, Chris called his dad. (He had talked to him mom and was even able to talk to his Uncle John on Wednesday afternoon.) He and his dad had a really good conversation! Praise God...we are continuing to lift up our families while we are so far away...especially Chris's right now!
Then Chris rested some...he only slept 3 hours on Wednesday night...God woke him up to pray and read His Word. While he was resting, I worked on the blog a bit.
After lunch, we went to
Crossroads Cafe to hear Mike's testimony. (He's the owner of the coffee shop, and we had heard from several people that he had an awesome testimony.) The coffee of the day was Amazing Grace, so Chris got some...
Mike was pretty busy, so we only learned a little of his testimony...we were able to read their scrapbooked journey from California to Guatemala. Pretty good testimony of God's faithfulness!! We had been there for about an hour and no doors seemed to be opening, so we were almost ready to leave...God sat us back down. Chris talked to 2 men-
Michael (we ended up seeing Michael again and getting to meet his wife) and 
Rodrigo each for about 30 minutes while I talked to Mike's oldest daughter-
Kasia (pronounced Kasha). We had a great time talking. Kasia has a really sweet spirit...she loves the Lord! Then 
Lungi, Mike's youngest daughter, came in as well. We learned that both girls play the piano, but Kasia plays the harmonica and Lungi plays the ukalali as well! Before we knew it, time had passed and it was time to go to church.
We went to Emanuel Central American church tonight...Hna Marta met us there. The youth were in charge of the music, so we knew a lot of the songs, and they were really up-beat! The pastor talked about living under the law and how Jesus cancelled that law...we are no longer slaves to it or to sin if we have accepted Jesus!
Friday (7/13)
We decided to walk around Panajachel a little this morning and to enjoy the lake a bit. We've been working most of our time here, so we wanted to see a little before we left...we were pretty sure that we'd head out on Saturday.
After lunch, we walked the streets with Hna Marta...praying for the city and asking the Lord to lead us to those we needed to talk to this afternoon. We met Mariela first...Hna Marta did most of the sharing, but Mariela wasn't even interested in our praying for any needs that she might have. Next, we met Aracely...her husband owns the school where Debora (Hna Marta's daughter) went to school. They just lost their house, and they are struggling, so she allowed us to pray for her. From there, we went to visit Hna Manuela...she's 87...she lost her memory, but her husband is still faithfully caring for her. After we left there, we stopped by a pharmacy...the
lady there uses her job as an opportunity to minister spiritually and physically! Finally we prayed for Josefa who has a really hard job...around flies all day long...she's caring for her adult children instead of them taking care of themselves.
It was getting pretty dark, so we decided to head back to Buenas Nuevas...we washed up our clothes and spent a little more time with
Hno Marco and Hna Marta.
Saturday (7/14)
The day was a little slow starting, but we finally left about noon to head towards Chimaltenango. Three people gave us advice about how to go, but we finally decided to take the most direct route...Hna Marta reminded us that the Lord was going before us, so there was no need to fear. The road was uphill for about 15 minutes then relatively flat for 15 then it was time for a break...after we'd gone about 5 miles, a car with Texas plates hit the brakes and threw it into reverse. Alex (the driver) asked to see the back of Chris's pack. We learned later that he was looking for a light, a mirror or reflective tape...he had seen a flash of light from the cross. When he realized that it was just paint, he knew it was God! He and his wife, Evette, invited us to ride the rest of the way up the mountain with them. We agreed...then we got a real surprise. They are on a walk of faith as well...theirs is just figurative instead of literal!!
Alex and Evette moved here about 1 month ago from Texas with their family (Alex, Michael, Rose & Abigail) and two of their worship leaders (Chris and Rex)...Alex and Evette pastored a church in Dallas. God called them here to plant a church. They are also involved in Deliverance ministry. We didn't know what that meant, but they were willing to explain. Some people are possessed by demons...they aren't Christians, and they don't have the Holy Spirit living within them...they need deliverance to have the demons cast out. People who are Christians can't be possessed by a demon because Jesus owns their heart and the Holy Spirit lives within them...but Christians can have strongholds that haven't been broken which is why a Christian would need deliverance. As they explained, Chris and I began to understand at least one of the reasons that God brought us all together. There are issues in our lives that we have been battling with...we've prayed and asked the Lord to remove them from us, but it doesn't seem that we can be free...it's because there are some strongholds that need to be broken...we want to know God more...be closer to Him. We are pumped up to see what God is going to do here!!
After supper, we had a great time of praising the Lord IN ENGLISH!!! It was sooo good to sing out to the Lord with a group of people!! Alex also talked to us about the strongholds in our lives and told us to start praying for the Lord to reveal them to us. (Needless to say Chris and I talked and prayed a while before we went to sleep that night.)
Sunday (7/15)
Wow...what a morning...
we started with singing out to the Lord. God is so amazing! His presence was so strong. Chris and I both were just really seeking the Lord to be set free...Alex asked Chris Embler if it was okay to pray for me. I just began repenting to the Lord. As we were praying together, CE was praying for me as well. His praying began to change, and he was no longer praying...it was becoming disruptive. Alex, Chris, and Rex realized that it was a demon trying to distract and disrupt what the Holy Spirit wanted to do. Rex began to pray for CE, and Alex was lead to pray for him as well...It's really important that the head of the family is right before working on the other parts. I'm extremely blessed because CE desires to be molded and shaped by the Lord. He wants to be completely surrendered to the Lord...his heart is sensitive to the Spirit's leading. So Alex, Chris and Rex started praying for CE. It was really a battle...the strongholds didn't want to break although CE was asking the Lord to tear them down. As the men continued to pray and to take authority, there was a breakthrough. Finally, CE felt release...he had peace and felt that a huge load had lifted from inside of him! Praise God! God is so good!!
The rest of the day we fellowshipped with everyone and just praised God for the work He had done. That evening we even watched a movie together--Dreamer--about a little girl and her horse.
Monday (7/16)
We basically worked on things around the house today...C
hris helped haul bricks out from the chimney that was torn out. He also helped 
Michael groom Sampson, their horse. We also were able to spend some time with the family.
Tuesday (7/17)
Today we've been working around the house again...cleaning, finding boxes, rearranging,
laying block, etc. Chris and I also walked up to the top of the mountain to bring some water down and to find some cups. Chris has really been enjoying working with the construction crew...they are from San Lucas...the exact same place that Patricia is coming to today!! Can you say "hand of God!!!"? Hopefully tonight we are going to be able to spend some time praying and worshipping the Lord together again!
Well, we spent some time praying tonight...that's for sure. Alex sat me down and talked to me for about 30-45 minutes about my deliverance. Then I went upstairs to talk to Chris. I was pretty nervous, but we went back down pretty soon. Alex and Evette started praying for me...at first nothing seemed to happen...there seemed to be a block. I was struggling with strongholds of fear, control, and rebellion...they did not want to come out. After several hours of praying and seeking the Lord, I finally felt release...peace. Now it's a matter of taking every thought captive to the Lord...allowing Him to be in control. For so long, I've lived my life to please others...now it's time to only worry about pleasing Him!! Praise God!
Wednesday (7/18)
Today we've been working around the house again...hauling block up
to the 3rd floor for the builders, sweeping, painting, etc. This afternoon we are just catching up on journaling. This evening we just hung out with the family by the light of a flashlight because the power was out for several hours.
It appears that Patricia will arrive this afternoon because she didn't arrive in Guatemala City until late last night. It's looking like we may be leaving tomorrow...we'll have to see what God has in store...maybe we'll get to see Patricia...292 days without seeing anyone from Smithfield...we're pretty pumped up at the thought of seeing her!!! We are just waiting on God's timing though...He knows best!
We'll be in touch again soon! Please keep praying for Chris's family...his Uncle John passed away on Monday...we just found out on Wednesday.
Also remember Gabrielle O'meilia (see prayer requests for more information)...they have her on some pretty strong medication to stop the seizures, but she just had another round (6-7 in a 24 hour period) earlier this week. We love you and God bless you! Keep seeking God first...He'll take care of the rest.
1) Rose and RE guarding the gate so that the dogs didn't get out. 2) We almost convinced Michael to go with us and carry CE's pack. ha, ha, ha
Rex, Rose and Micheal...
They say that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lakes in the world...we thought we'd share a couple more pictures from there...
Of course...I have to share the flowers with you...
Wednesday (7/11)
We had to say goodbye to the teachers from Chimaltenango this morning...but they left us with phone numbers and at least 3 invitations to stay in different homes in case we pass through there. After they left, we helped gather up the towels and sheets.
We went to check e-mail, and we heard from Patricia Ryan...one of my former students...She also ran cross country and worked with us on the leadership team for FCA. She just wanted to let us know that she was going to be in Guatemala the 17th through the 30th near CHIMALTENANGO (okay...4th contact to this city) We were so excited. Then when we walked back into the door at Buenas Nuevas, we almost ran into 2 men--Allen and Rafael As it turns out, Rafael is a professor at the Seminary in Chimaltenango (number 5!! now we know what direction we are headed from here...we just don't know when we are leaving!) Right as Allen and Rafael were heading to their cottage, Fran and Jonathan came up and invited us to eat breakfast with them on Thursday morning before we left.
From there we had a little bread and a little coffee, then we went to a
cell group meeting at Irma's house (she works at Buenas Nuevas, so we were excited to meet her family) We had a great time singing everyone's favorite hymn or praise song and then sharing testimony! There's a really sweet spirit about their family.Thursday (7/12)
Breakfast with Fran and Jonathan was really good...the food was normal, but the conversation for was excellent! Fran talked to us about downfalls of doing short-term mission trips...concepts that we hadn't thought about...again God bringing up issues to consider...things such as partnerships, definite goals, and beginning/ending points. Then we talked about possible causes of poverty here in Guatemala...we raised all of the normal issues--lack of education, outside interferance, corruption in the government, apathy--but he raised an issue that I've never thought of...spiritual poverty...people at all economic levels who steal saying there's no other way for me to get ahead--lack of integrity. Then tons of illegitimate children...a cycle left over from the Spanish conquerer days...plus the family unit being broken up because of work...people seeking a better life in a different job (many times in the US) instead of seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness! Fran shared our opinion and concern for so many men leaving for the US and the destruction that is causing on families here.
After breakfast, Chris called his dad. (He had talked to him mom and was even able to talk to his Uncle John on Wednesday afternoon.) He and his dad had a really good conversation! Praise God...we are continuing to lift up our families while we are so far away...especially Chris's right now!
Then Chris rested some...he only slept 3 hours on Wednesday night...God woke him up to pray and read His Word. While he was resting, I worked on the blog a bit.
After lunch, we went to
Crossroads Cafe to hear Mike's testimony. (He's the owner of the coffee shop, and we had heard from several people that he had an awesome testimony.) The coffee of the day was Amazing Grace, so Chris got some...
Mike was pretty busy, so we only learned a little of his testimony...we were able to read their scrapbooked journey from California to Guatemala. Pretty good testimony of God's faithfulness!! We had been there for about an hour and no doors seemed to be opening, so we were almost ready to leave...God sat us back down. Chris talked to 2 men-
Michael (we ended up seeing Michael again and getting to meet his wife) and 
Rodrigo each for about 30 minutes while I talked to Mike's oldest daughter-
Kasia (pronounced Kasha). We had a great time talking. Kasia has a really sweet spirit...she loves the Lord! Then 
Lungi, Mike's youngest daughter, came in as well. We learned that both girls play the piano, but Kasia plays the harmonica and Lungi plays the ukalali as well! Before we knew it, time had passed and it was time to go to church.We went to Emanuel Central American church tonight...Hna Marta met us there. The youth were in charge of the music, so we knew a lot of the songs, and they were really up-beat! The pastor talked about living under the law and how Jesus cancelled that law...we are no longer slaves to it or to sin if we have accepted Jesus!
Friday (7/13)
We decided to walk around Panajachel a little this morning and to enjoy the lake a bit. We've been working most of our time here, so we wanted to see a little before we left...we were pretty sure that we'd head out on Saturday.
After lunch, we walked the streets with Hna Marta...praying for the city and asking the Lord to lead us to those we needed to talk to this afternoon. We met Mariela first...Hna Marta did most of the sharing, but Mariela wasn't even interested in our praying for any needs that she might have. Next, we met Aracely...her husband owns the school where Debora (Hna Marta's daughter) went to school. They just lost their house, and they are struggling, so she allowed us to pray for her. From there, we went to visit Hna Manuela...she's 87...she lost her memory, but her husband is still faithfully caring for her. After we left there, we stopped by a pharmacy...the
lady there uses her job as an opportunity to minister spiritually and physically! Finally we prayed for Josefa who has a really hard job...around flies all day long...she's caring for her adult children instead of them taking care of themselves.It was getting pretty dark, so we decided to head back to Buenas Nuevas...we washed up our clothes and spent a little more time with
Hno Marco and Hna Marta.Saturday (7/14)
The day was a little slow starting, but we finally left about noon to head towards Chimaltenango. Three people gave us advice about how to go, but we finally decided to take the most direct route...Hna Marta reminded us that the Lord was going before us, so there was no need to fear. The road was uphill for about 15 minutes then relatively flat for 15 then it was time for a break...after we'd gone about 5 miles, a car with Texas plates hit the brakes and threw it into reverse. Alex (the driver) asked to see the back of Chris's pack. We learned later that he was looking for a light, a mirror or reflective tape...he had seen a flash of light from the cross. When he realized that it was just paint, he knew it was God! He and his wife, Evette, invited us to ride the rest of the way up the mountain with them. We agreed...then we got a real surprise. They are on a walk of faith as well...theirs is just figurative instead of literal!!
Alex and Evette moved here about 1 month ago from Texas with their family (Alex, Michael, Rose & Abigail) and two of their worship leaders (Chris and Rex)...Alex and Evette pastored a church in Dallas. God called them here to plant a church. They are also involved in Deliverance ministry. We didn't know what that meant, but they were willing to explain. Some people are possessed by demons...they aren't Christians, and they don't have the Holy Spirit living within them...they need deliverance to have the demons cast out. People who are Christians can't be possessed by a demon because Jesus owns their heart and the Holy Spirit lives within them...but Christians can have strongholds that haven't been broken which is why a Christian would need deliverance. As they explained, Chris and I began to understand at least one of the reasons that God brought us all together. There are issues in our lives that we have been battling with...we've prayed and asked the Lord to remove them from us, but it doesn't seem that we can be free...it's because there are some strongholds that need to be broken...we want to know God more...be closer to Him. We are pumped up to see what God is going to do here!!
After supper, we had a great time of praising the Lord IN ENGLISH!!! It was sooo good to sing out to the Lord with a group of people!! Alex also talked to us about the strongholds in our lives and told us to start praying for the Lord to reveal them to us. (Needless to say Chris and I talked and prayed a while before we went to sleep that night.)Sunday (7/15)
Wow...what a morning...
we started with singing out to the Lord. God is so amazing! His presence was so strong. Chris and I both were just really seeking the Lord to be set free...Alex asked Chris Embler if it was okay to pray for me. I just began repenting to the Lord. As we were praying together, CE was praying for me as well. His praying began to change, and he was no longer praying...it was becoming disruptive. Alex, Chris, and Rex realized that it was a demon trying to distract and disrupt what the Holy Spirit wanted to do. Rex began to pray for CE, and Alex was lead to pray for him as well...It's really important that the head of the family is right before working on the other parts. I'm extremely blessed because CE desires to be molded and shaped by the Lord. He wants to be completely surrendered to the Lord...his heart is sensitive to the Spirit's leading. So Alex, Chris and Rex started praying for CE. It was really a battle...the strongholds didn't want to break although CE was asking the Lord to tear them down. As the men continued to pray and to take authority, there was a breakthrough. Finally, CE felt release...he had peace and felt that a huge load had lifted from inside of him! Praise God! God is so good!!The rest of the day we fellowshipped with everyone and just praised God for the work He had done. That evening we even watched a movie together--Dreamer--about a little girl and her horse.
Monday (7/16)
We basically worked on things around the house today...C
hris helped haul bricks out from the chimney that was torn out. He also helped 
Michael groom Sampson, their horse. We also were able to spend some time with the family.Tuesday (7/17)
Today we've been working around the house again...cleaning, finding boxes, rearranging,
laying block, etc. Chris and I also walked up to the top of the mountain to bring some water down and to find some cups. Chris has really been enjoying working with the construction crew...they are from San Lucas...the exact same place that Patricia is coming to today!! Can you say "hand of God!!!"? Hopefully tonight we are going to be able to spend some time praying and worshipping the Lord together again!Well, we spent some time praying tonight...that's for sure. Alex sat me down and talked to me for about 30-45 minutes about my deliverance. Then I went upstairs to talk to Chris. I was pretty nervous, but we went back down pretty soon. Alex and Evette started praying for me...at first nothing seemed to happen...there seemed to be a block. I was struggling with strongholds of fear, control, and rebellion...they did not want to come out. After several hours of praying and seeking the Lord, I finally felt release...peace. Now it's a matter of taking every thought captive to the Lord...allowing Him to be in control. For so long, I've lived my life to please others...now it's time to only worry about pleasing Him!! Praise God!
Wednesday (7/18)
Today we've been working around the house again...hauling block up
to the 3rd floor for the builders, sweeping, painting, etc. This afternoon we are just catching up on journaling. This evening we just hung out with the family by the light of a flashlight because the power was out for several hours.It appears that Patricia will arrive this afternoon because she didn't arrive in Guatemala City until late last night. It's looking like we may be leaving tomorrow...we'll have to see what God has in store...maybe we'll get to see Patricia...292 days without seeing anyone from Smithfield...we're pretty pumped up at the thought of seeing her!!! We are just waiting on God's timing though...He knows best!
We'll be in touch again soon! Please keep praying for Chris's family...his Uncle John passed away on Monday...we just found out on Wednesday.
Also remember Gabrielle O'meilia (see prayer requests for more information)...they have her on some pretty strong medication to stop the seizures, but she just had another round (6-7 in a 24 hour period) earlier this week. We love you and God bless you! Keep seeking God first...He'll take care of the rest.1) Rose and RE guarding the gate so that the dogs didn't get out. 2) We almost convinced Michael to go with us and carry CE's pack. ha, ha, ha
Rex, Rose and Micheal...
They say that Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lakes in the world...we thought we'd share a couple more pictures from there...
Of course...I have to share the flowers with you...
1 comment:
I hope you enjoyed your stay in Panajachel. It really is beautiful!
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