The team made it home from Guatemala Saturday evening. As I said in previous posts I, Trisha, co-led a trip to Hope of Life ministry in Zacapa Guatemala. The group we went with was from Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, LA. What a great group of people! We went to Guatemala as strangers but left as family. They were some of the hardest working people that I have served with on the field. It was amazing to see the heart each of them have to serve the Lord. I think one of my most impactful things of the trip was to watch the group and see how the Lord moved in each of their lives individually.

During our eight days in Guatemala we were all stretched by the Lord to step out of our comfort zones that we have created. Whenwe went to the dump to conduct a medical clinic and feed them a hot meal, many of the group were moved to tears to see the site people live in. Others were pushed physically as they wanted to complete the construction projects to provide a source of food and income for families.

Personally, my growing moment came on Tuesday. During the trip I was able to choose which team I would serve with because one of my purposes for going was to see the ministry and different aspects so that I could lead a team to the ministry in the future. I had served with the medical and evangelism team the day before and I desired to continue. On Tuesday I woke up knowing I was supposed to go with the construction team.Humanly I had no desire to go with the construction team. I wanted to go out to the village with the other team and meet the people. But I knew without a shadow of doubt that God was telling me to go with construction. As I got ready for the day I struggled internally what choice would I make. I was justifying why I should got with the team to the village, but I kept hearing God's voice say go with construction. So before breakfast I made the choice to listen to God's voice. I got ready to serve with the construction team. When I informed a couple people I was going to go with construction they even said, "Why?, you can do that another day." I said, "No, I need to do this." I had no moment where I was like this is why I was supposed to be with construction today. And let me tell you it was HARD work and HOT, but I had the peace that I obeyed the Lord. I also was able to really get to know some of the people I was serving alongside of.

To close God really moved during the trip. I may post some more stories because they flow. If you would like to see more picturesclick here. Thank you for your prayers and support!

First days in Guatemala

We have been in Guatemala for 3 days now. So far it has been a great trip. I came on this trip with much excitement to go to a new country and to see what God is going to do. But I also came with fear. You see the last time I was in Central America I almost died. Since I have gotten here I have had a peace. It has been cool to see the work that God is doing through the ministry we are visiting. The leader is truly a visionary and has dreams to help the people of Guatemala. I have held babies who are malnourished and were left to die. I have held a baby whose mother buried him alive but someone heard his cries and saved him. I have talked with elderly who have no family and now are being cared for. I have seen 50 orphans with joy. I could go on but will end now. Thank you for your prayers and support. Continue to pray for our team as we are doing construction, medical and meeting with the people.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Joanne & I are getting ready to leave on our flight to begin travels to Guatemala. It is VERY early and have had little sleep. Looking forward to the adventures the day holds.
-- Tri

Next Stop...

Hey All! Well I am going to be on the road again, this time my travels take me to Guatemala. This will be my first time to Guatemala but not my first to Central America.

I am co-leading a trip of 24 people to ministry we serve in Llano Verde. The ministries name is Hope of Life. They truly are giving people hope for their lives. They serve in so many ways that it would take me forever to list all they do. The main functions are to serve the malnourished, run an orphanage, school, elderly facility, and warehouse ministry.

While we are there we will be conducting medical clinics, constructing a house and 4 greenhouses, and ministering to the people. I am so looking forward to the trip and all that God is going to do.

Please pray for us as we travel and that we all stay healthy. Our travel dates are Oct. 16-25. Also, pray that we will be used to bless those we come in contact with. I am not sure that I will have access to the Internet, but if I do I will try and blog.

I would also like to take some things to be able to hand out to the children we will be working with. I am collecting stickers, hard candy, crayons, bouncy balls, etc. If you want to send some items to bless the children let me know.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!