This has been an amazing and full week here in Guatemala. We did not have a blog appear last evening as our group was worshipping at Guatemalan church with people from all over the lake. Even though we do not all share the same language, we share a bond deeper than that, which is love for the same Lord--and this is something that transcends all. This service was typical Guatemalan style with a few "Gringo" elements thrown in here and there. The service was 3.5 hours and included greetings and testimonies from several on our team, a message from Pastor Clark and a lot of singing. Many left that service with full hearts for sure.
Now that it is Friday evening we have wrapped up work on the 7 homes--which will all be dedicated in the morning, the medical and dental clinics have seen their final patients, the water filters and computers have been installed, home visits have all been completed, the teaching ministries have packed up....but all is not done. This lake region and the people will be on the hearts and minds of all on the team until next year when we are here again. Many new relationships have been established over the last 5 days...and even though we won´t see one another for a year, we will be praying over each other.
There is a chance that this will be our last blog during this trip. Tomorrow after the home dedications, the team will board buses for Antigua Guatemala where we will spend a day and a half processing the trip with each other before dropping back into our "normal" daily routines. Please pray for travel safety for all while on buses on Saturday and Monday....as well as for safe (and timely) flights on Monday.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Ministry Day Three
We apologize for the lateness of Wednesday's blog! During the team dinner last night there was a bit of a heavy downfall (rain...no snow!) which ended up knocking the power out in our hotel and much of the "city" as well, so...no blogging.
Now that we have had 3 full days of ministry, we are seeing many ways that God is working with us and through us around the lake in Guatemala. The "house to house" (home visits) teams have had an opportunity to meet with families and pray with them, and offer practical assistance whenever possible. One of the concerns that people often tell us is about their concern over loved ones dealing with alcoholism. A newer ministry has been our "addiction recovery" team that meets with people who are have this struggle, and encourage them in becoming sober.
Tonight will be the "celebration" that will be held in our host church in Santiago. People from many areas all around the lake attend this (it's usually a 2-4 hour event!), and there is an opportunity for the Guatemalans and the "gringo's" alike to fellowship together. Tonight our team will attempt to become a "choir" and share one song in English, while there will be a lot of wonderful music that the Guatemalans typically share. It's a great evening. Pastor Gary Clark will be sharing a message (which will be translated), and several of our team members will also be sharing their faith stories.
Now that we have had 3 full days of ministry, we are seeing many ways that God is working with us and through us around the lake in Guatemala. The "house to house" (home visits) teams have had an opportunity to meet with families and pray with them, and offer practical assistance whenever possible. One of the concerns that people often tell us is about their concern over loved ones dealing with alcoholism. A newer ministry has been our "addiction recovery" team that meets with people who are have this struggle, and encourage them in becoming sober.
Tonight will be the "celebration" that will be held in our host church in Santiago. People from many areas all around the lake attend this (it's usually a 2-4 hour event!), and there is an opportunity for the Guatemalans and the "gringo's" alike to fellowship together. Tonight our team will attempt to become a "choir" and share one song in English, while there will be a lot of wonderful music that the Guatemalans typically share. It's a great evening. Pastor Gary Clark will be sharing a message (which will be translated), and several of our team members will also be sharing their faith stories.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Ministry Day Two
Another successful day in Guatemala!
Today, the children´s ministry learned about Jesus and different cultures through games, songs, and skits. Girls here are like girls everywhere as they bonded over nail polish. The dentists worked extra hard today with some difficult tooth removals for those in pain. The women`s house-to-house ministries visited thirteen homes today and heard lots of stories that included both joys and challenges that people are experiencing in their day-to-day lives. Our women were able to pray and fellowship with those families. The computer team finished installing computers in Panajachel today and move on with many in the group to San Lucas tomorrow. Relationships between us and the Guatemalan people are being formed as all of the ministry teams head out to the different villages.
We are looking forward to what God will do with the next three days. Please be in prayer for the celebration service on Thursday night with all of the ten churches we partner with here on Lake Atitlan.
Today, the children´s ministry learned about Jesus and different cultures through games, songs, and skits. Girls here are like girls everywhere as they bonded over nail polish. The dentists worked extra hard today with some difficult tooth removals for those in pain. The women`s house-to-house ministries visited thirteen homes today and heard lots of stories that included both joys and challenges that people are experiencing in their day-to-day lives. Our women were able to pray and fellowship with those families. The computer team finished installing computers in Panajachel today and move on with many in the group to San Lucas tomorrow. Relationships between us and the Guatemalan people are being formed as all of the ministry teams head out to the different villages.
We are looking forward to what God will do with the next three days. Please be in prayer for the celebration service on Thursday night with all of the ten churches we partner with here on Lake Atitlan.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ministry Day One
Greetings from Guatemala!
Today has been a great day, and a great beginning to the ministry week. Work has begun on 7 homes, and it is sounding like two are already near completion, and most will have roofs installed tomorrow! The computer team began the work of installing 12 computers in a church (they discovered a slight electrical system set-back...but will be up and running tomorrow!), the medical and dental teams spent the day treating patients in a clinic set up in a community center while the addiction recovery team has established many connections and relationships already, and has already had a huge impact, with people understanding how important recovery is. For several teams today one of the highlights was to reconnect with families that recieved homes last years, and hear the stories of how their lives have changed and have been impacted over the past year.
Based on the stories shared around the dinner table, this will be an incredible week--a week with a significant impact on the lives of both Guatemalans and North Americans alike.
Today has been a great day, and a great beginning to the ministry week. Work has begun on 7 homes, and it is sounding like two are already near completion, and most will have roofs installed tomorrow! The computer team began the work of installing 12 computers in a church (they discovered a slight electrical system set-back...but will be up and running tomorrow!), the medical and dental teams spent the day treating patients in a clinic set up in a community center while the addiction recovery team has established many connections and relationships already, and has already had a huge impact, with people understanding how important recovery is. For several teams today one of the highlights was to reconnect with families that recieved homes last years, and hear the stories of how their lives have changed and have been impacted over the past year.
Based on the stories shared around the dinner table, this will be an incredible week--a week with a significant impact on the lives of both Guatemalans and North Americans alike.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
We are here!
Hello to all who are following us!
We arrived safely in Guatemala last evening after a full day of traveling...most of the group starting the day in Minnesota by meeting at church at 2:30 in the morning....and finally reaching our destination in Santiago de Atitlan Guatemala by about 7:00 pm.....it was a full day, a long day even, but we were blessed by good travel conditions all the way (minus a brake issue with one of our buses which caused a slight delay while they found us a different bus to finish our travels on...)--and no snow!
Thank-you for prayers for the luggage and equipment, particularily at customs! Everything went as smoothly there as it could and we left the gates with all of our luggage, equipment and medical supplies--and no taxes on any of it!
Today has been a day for the teams to all begin to work with each other and plan out the ministry week. In addition to that we have already had great chances to begin relationship building with so many of the Guatemalan people that we will be living amongst for the next week.
I am hoping that we will have pictures for you tomorrow!
We arrived safely in Guatemala last evening after a full day of traveling...most of the group starting the day in Minnesota by meeting at church at 2:30 in the morning....and finally reaching our destination in Santiago de Atitlan Guatemala by about 7:00 pm.....it was a full day, a long day even, but we were blessed by good travel conditions all the way (minus a brake issue with one of our buses which caused a slight delay while they found us a different bus to finish our travels on...)--and no snow!
Thank-you for prayers for the luggage and equipment, particularily at customs! Everything went as smoothly there as it could and we left the gates with all of our luggage, equipment and medical supplies--and no taxes on any of it!
Today has been a day for the teams to all begin to work with each other and plan out the ministry week. In addition to that we have already had great chances to begin relationship building with so many of the Guatemalan people that we will be living amongst for the next week.
I am hoping that we will have pictures for you tomorrow!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Team Prayer Letter
Prayer Letter: Bridge Builders Team in Guatemala 2011
We are a team of 43 North Americans, mostly Wooddalers, who will be serving 10 churches around Lago de Atitlán. Please pray for the following ministries:
- Children’s music and Scripture program in schools and churches
- New homes for (7) families – construction and building material support
- Church leader training – Themes: Who is Jesus? What is the church?
- Computer technology – installations in Panajachel and San Lucas Toliman
- Medical and dental clinics — working with Guatemalan dentists!
- Install and maintain more than 30 water filters
- Home visits - one-on-one women’s and men’s prayer ministries
- Teach water hygiene and English in the schools
Here’s how to pray for us each day:
Sat., 2/19: Pray for travel mercies, protection and smooth logistics — especially getting through Customs with the new country regulations for donations.
Sun., 2/20: Ask God to humble and strengthen his servants as we prepare for the week and that relationships within our ministry teams gel and grow.
Mon., 2/21: Pray for the courage to embark on our ministry efforts with humility and love for the glory of God in each village. Ask a special blessing on the computers being installed this week — may both churches use them as an effective outreach in their communities.
Tues., 2/22: Pray for the community of Tzan Chaj, especially at the Baptist Camp where leaders from around the lake will be gathered. Dear Lord, protect our Children’s Ministry wherever they go this week.
Wed., 2/23: Ask for blessings upon the home-building teams, with more homes to build than usual this year due to funds dedicated to the memory of long-time Bridge Builder Bob Richter. May the calm and loving Spirit of God we always saw in Bob be felt among all.
Thurs., 2/24: Pray to God for regeneration as we minister within our base village of Santiago. Please ask the Lord to reveal to each of our ministries the meaningful ways we might become, through His Grace, a part of this community.
Fri., 2/25: Pray that our ministries in San Pablo/San Pedro be filled with gratitude as we share the love of Christ in homes; and offer medical/dental services to many who cannot afford healthcare. Praise God for the gifts and skills He has given us to use to serve Him.
Sat., 2/26: Praise the Lord as we dedicate all the new homes with the local pastor. May the love, glory, mercy and power of God be revealed to each family as they humbly accept this gift. Pray for travel mercies to Antigua.
Sun., 2/27: Give thanks and praise to God for time to rest and reflect in Antigua, including the morning worship service.
Mon., 2/28: Ask God to bring us home safely and help us return to our daily lives with fresh perspective, a renewed sense of purpose, and a greater embrace of how He works in the world through us.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Packing Day!
If we didn't already know it...we are getting closer and closer to departing for Guatemala! Today the team met at the church for packing donations and supplies that will go to various people and churches and clinics in Guatemala....we have nearly 40 bags (each weighing 49.5 lbs) of kids shoes, backpacks, school supplies, toothbrushes, t-shirts, toothpaste, medical supplies and water filters. Please be praying the next several weeks that all goes smoothly as we bring these supplies into the country...(i.e customs...that all of the bags arrive with the team...etc).
Sara....holding down the bags!
Team t-shirt....."Crossing the Lake" has so many meanings!
"Team, here is the master packing plan" Bill, diagramming how packing should begin and stay organized. This was one of our smoothest and most organizing packing days! Looks like we are getting the hang of this!
Shoes...shoes...everywhere!
Connie (green) and Wanda (red) experienced team members assisted by Erin (wonderful volunteer) in packing medical supplies....
More shoes!
Thank-you for your part in sending the shoes and other donations..and your prayers as well.
Thank-you for your part in sending the shoes and other donations..and your prayers as well.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Jump on the Chicken Bus, and come along with us!
As they would say in Guatemala "there's always room for one more!"
Thank-you for following our blog and using it as a way to join us in our preparations and in praying for us while we are gone. With the blog, you can stay connected, and feel as if you have just a small taste of a week in Guatemala.
Oh...and the Chicken Bus....it's only one of the best ways to travel while in Guatemala!
Thank-you for following our blog and using it as a way to join us in our preparations and in praying for us while we are gone. With the blog, you can stay connected, and feel as if you have just a small taste of a week in Guatemala.
Oh...and the Chicken Bus....it's only one of the best ways to travel while in Guatemala!
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