Salvation in Guatemala

Below is a list of some wonderful kids who prayed to receive Christ yesterday at bible school.

Walder Gomez 10 yr old
Amilcar Lopez 11 yr old
David Lopez 9 yr old
Ronnie Perez 13 yr old
Cesear Gomez 11 yr old
Eddie Apen 10 yr old
Ruth Hernandez 12 yr old
Elder Samora 13 yr old
Jonathan Samora 8 yr old
Jimmy Waran 9 yr old
Diago Hernandiz 11 yr old
Christian Perez 9 yr old
Pedro Chicay 9 yr old
Hector Apen 10 yr old
Julian Conech 11 yr old
Johnny Alexander 7 yr old
Two adult women ( I will get names today)

Day 2- great start!

I wasn't able to post yesterday, typing on the Iphone is a little difficult.  Today is Monday and Sheila has been so kind to loan me her laptop so I can post.  Josh just cut up a fresh pinapple from Guatemala, and brough it to the table.  It is unbelievably good!  So yesterday was so much fun.  Everyone was so excited and highly anticipated our shopping trip into the village of Antigua.  When the bus dropped us off, we were immediately swarmed by vendors sellling their wares.  It was so hard not to buy from them, everything was so beautiful and hand crafted.  I am not a shopper, am a saver....but I tell you, I had ran out of Guatemallan money before anyone else did!  The people were so gracious and polite, it was so good to meet them, look at their hadniwork and try to get away without buying what they had.  Lunch was "nothing" special, but the experience made it so much worth the walk.  I have been struggling with my spanish but Hayley Anderson has been my right hand the whole time!  When the waiter came by after we had finished our meal, I asked for the check in spanish, the waiter said "si senior" and walked away.  You could hear crickets....everyone just looked at me like "what in the world just happened!"  They didn't know I had my Iphone in my lap and had looked it up!  Once the check came, the waiter shorted me about 87 Q's-  so here I was trying to explain what had happeened.  Jason Mullins to the rescue....although he doesn't speak spanish, he was able to explain and they made their wrong right.  The rest of the day was spent shopping, watching John and Anthony sing and dance in the square, going to the arch in Antigua, eating supper at the restaurant Mike Parker picked out and then we came back to the safe house for the evening.  Today has been incredible.  We ate breakfast, prepared our things for bible school, loaded up the bus and took off toward San Antonio Acqua Caliente for our mission work.  After traveling thru the village, we were dropped into what seemed like a different world.  Not long after arriving, John, Anthony and Josh (from GA) were chased by a viscious dog who seperated Anthony from the rest of the group.  The alleys are just about 4 feet wide, so there was no place for him to go.  I happed to be about 20 yards away and heard the commotion.  At the time, all I knew was Anthony was running full speed into the street with GA Josh about 3 seconds behind, followed by Mr Grigsby another 3 seconds later.  That was one of the funniest things I think I have seen.  When we made it back to the feeding center, we spackled, painted, installed a stove, created a medical clinic, feeded kids and played with some incredibly receptive kids.  Who knew bubbles, candy and fingernail paint could create such an amazing bond with people who we have just met.  One special little 7 year old wouldn't leave my side.  Evertime we moved from location to location, Emethal would wait on me so he could walk beside me and hold my hand.  Our soccer game was so much fun...those kids are amazing..I have never seen anything like it.  I actually scored two goals.  The first goal I made, I had a big Chalie Brown moment afterwards and fell straight on my back.  I thought I broke my thumb, but I think it's just bruised.  My back is feeling it now, but I kept playing and ended up scoring another goal.  I think this was the third time I had ever played soccer in my life.  Each time we scored a goal, we would run to the other side of the field with our hands in the air and everyone tackled the person who scored the goal for their team.  I think this is like an end zone dance in football, but having all those kids celebrating with me, was indescribable.  Got to share about Jesus with two adult men with Morgan and Anthony.  Everyone is doing so well....you should be proud of the whole team.

Well, it's late and Jason and Shiela need their computer back.  Love to you all!

Day 1

We have made it. What a journey it has been so far. An emotional send off proved to bring more excitement as we headed south. Our first stop in Chattanooga proved to be uneventful minus Robert Muncy's heroic driving after we made a wrong turn into the mall. After arriving at the Atlanta airport, we bumped into Ludacris?, a supposed rapper( everyone seemed to be excited about it except for me, Bobby, Sue, and John!). After successfully passing security, we all divided for an early supper. I had a little fun hijacking a ride on one of the golf carts in the terminal, Bobby commented that he was sure I would be another one in jail at some point during the trip. About five minutes before we boarded the plane, a gentleman I met inquired about our trip. He said he was Jewish, but he appreciated what we were doing a d wanted to do something for us. He proceeded to pull out a 100 dollar bill and ask if he could donate it to our cause. I hadn't known Jim for 3 minutes. My God is big! Well when I boarded the plane, I noticed Sue standing next to the door to the gate. Didn't know what was going on, but it turned out to be another blessing. Of all the people on the flight (it was pa led full), Sue and Morgan were selected for an upgrade to first class! I was very excited for them both. We had cookies as our in flight meal and I understand they had filet minon and shrimp! Ha , God is good. The flight was good, we all watched a movie. Upon landing, we all split up so not to draw attention tomourselves! Everything up to this point seemed normal. We got our bags and headed out to customs. I was on high alert. I felt a huge responsibility at that very moment to be watchful and ready. We had truly entered into a different world. People were staring at us, and I just wanted to get everyone out of the center of focus. So we stepped to the side and waited for Josh and Emily... Sure enough, everyone made it thru customs except Josh an em. They ended up taking some of our medical supplies away from us, but we were smarter than the average bear... We had spread them out over several suitcases, so all is well. Next we loaded the bus and heAded to Wendy's for a bite to eat. I was surprised to find two small guards patrolling the parking lot with very large sawed off shotguns. At that point, Hayley and Gina were my top priority to watch. SheilA has Jason...emu has Josh... Brandy has Anthony... Sue has Bobby... And whether or not they like it, they have me for this trip (and the others of course. Once we arrived and unpacked, it was time for bed. Bat about two o clock, we called it quits. Morgan, Anthony and Bobby all pet outside! They are hilarious. Well that takes us to now. Going to skype with the church here soon before we bead out into the city. Please continue to pray for us... I feel great things in my heart.

T minus 2 and counting

Yesterday was good, today is better-  two days from now, it will be intense.  Last night, I could see the excitement on the team's faces.  Emily, Josh and I talked about "blogging" and doing our best to keep everyone informed back home while we are away.  Hopefully we can get someone to take our blogs and send them out to the GRAVESTONLIST in case there are folks who don't keep up with facebook.  David and I shared our excitement and how it really has began to sink in.  After an awesome performance by four of our incredible youth leading praise and worship, Scottie had the entire youth group lay hands and pray over me, Sheila, Jason, Morgan and David.  Although all the team members weren't present, the prayers covered us all.  It was a sweet time.  Every member I saw had leakage from the eyes, and that was just fine.  Jason was talking about smuggling in 3 big cans of meat sauce into my suitcase, John and I were talking about getting music together for the worship time and we all were grateful the "water day" at the village school we are working in had been cancelled.  The thought of Guatemalan water being hurled at you by 500 kids screaming in a different language would excite only the parasites and the kids.  None of us was really looking forward to that.  Got an awesome t-shirt to wear for the block party,  and found out the "preacher man" will be riding the bus with us down to Atlanta to catch the plane.  That should be one interesting ride.  Quite fitting for the week to come.

Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Sometimes you get hit with the unexpected, and for me, it tends to take me off task for a time.  Doubts creep in, fear creates worries, and unfortunately it effects more than just me.  Some people may not understand why I would choose to leave my family and go into a country where danger truly exists.  Don't you know that you could leave your wife a widow and your children fatherless?  Isn't there enough work for you to do here, aren't there many needs right in your own back yard?  Yes and Yes.  The first question is a very emotional, heart wrenching question.  I found myself taking in every word, question, and observation from my kids this morning.  When I found myself alone, I began to think the worst-  what would their lives be without me?  Are they old enough to remember me or the things I try to teach them.  How will Sara survive?  Who will protect her?  Needless to say, I broke down.  Then, like always, the "Truth" overcomes, rises to the top, and reminds me of my faith.  Fearing what will happen to me in Guatemala is pointless as God holds my future in His hands.  If God so chooses, He could remove me today without warning, regardless of how careful or ready I am.  I chose to live my life responsibly, not taking any unnecessary risks- but if it's His desire for me not to make it back, I have confidence He will care for my family.  I  must remember, they are all saved and part of His family, they belong to Him anyway.  As for me, I do not fear my passing-  I really can't wait- but I know who holds my family's tomorrow.  So why should I go?  "Isaiah told God, Here am I, send me!"  Not only that, but the Lord Himself commanded us to "Go Ye Therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".  Perhaps the most compelling reason for this trip comes from Acts 1:8-  "But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth."  This year our church has ministered and witnessed in our hometown over several events.  We have traveled to Hancock County and surrounding counties on a mission trips serving our region. Now we are embarking on the uttermost part of the Earth.  We don't stop serving and witnessing in our hometown, it's what we do, it's who we are, and it needs to be evident and a part of our daily lives.  Why me?  Why not me?

SHIELDS UP, ARMOR ON

It doesn't break my heart knowing I am not the most articulate writer around.  In fact, it doesn't really phase me. There are many other things I would rather spend my time doing.  However, I am smart enough to know the next week of my life has the potential to shape my future thoughts, efforts, feelings and emotions as it relates to the world around me.  I also know that there are 15 others who will be traveling with me who will also share in this "shaping".  Therefore, I will do my very best to share with you, in as much detail as I possibly can, our time as we give ourselves to the people of Guatemala.  I imagine we will run the gambit of emotions, but my prayer is that each team member have a personal and powerful encounter with God, allowing His love to flow unconditionally into the lives of those we come in contact with.  Whatever else happens will be gravy on the biscuit......It's four days before we leave.  My bags are already packed and I can't wait until we board the plane.  I have plenty of fears about this trip, but not for myself or where I will be going.  I hate being away from the most precious gift I have.  I have set up SKYPE on my wife's phone so we can communicate once we are settled in the Mission House.  Everything is in HIS hands-  this I know.......Today I learned that Mike Parker, our host in Guatemala, has come down with a stomach virus.  Must have ingested a parasite.  Be in prayer for his health to be restored.  I know each day leading up to and including our arrival will be filled with "daggers".  Time  for a little "SHIELDS UP, ARMOUR ON" action.  It's time to battle.