Through the pain.

In these difficult times not just for us but for you as well I want to tell you all how much God loves you.  The difficulty that the country is passing through now not just with the elections, but the fires in TN and many other things have no limits. There is so many people in need not just here in Guatemala, but close to you, so if you can do something for someone that needs it PLEASE do something. Don’t wait until it is to late don’t wait for a thought of doubt to invade your feelings, if you have the chance to pray for someone in the middle of the street do it.  Don’t deny Christ to others because your lack of confidence it is time to be BOLD it is time not just to act like Christians, but to be like Christ.  This month has been a month of sorrow, loss, and tears, but in every situation Gods brings glory to His name.

Three weeks ago we lost a 13 year old boy as always for respect to the family he will not be named.  He was killed on a Monday night a drunk bus driver didn’t see him and killed him and he had actually came to our church that Sunday. He was in the kids Sunday school class laughing, singing, and playing and we are thankful to have this memory of him. The heartbreak is unimaginable, the loss incomprehensible, and the pain unspeakable. However, as the body of Christ we take part in this heartbreak, loss, and pain. As if the head hurt the hand would hold it, and this is what we the church must do as well.  As we drive by the place he was killed every day it is a time of remembering not only how he passed away, but also who he was, his smile, his laughter, and his face.  It reminds me to think of the cross this way, always remember how He passed away, but also remembering everyday who He was. Thankfully with Christ who He was does not end there but HE is, and HE will continue to be!

We miss him, we still cry for him, but we must rejoice for his death was gain!!!

Some days are harder than others to have heavenly perspective in those days we MUST draw near to HIM, we must seek HIS eyes and heart, for ours will certainly fail us. I ask that today in your pains, in your disappointments, in all the places you secretly think the Lord has failed you…stop and seek His face and ask Him to show you His perspective, that He may give you the eyes to see His glory.

                This month has also had times of excitement as we have had the first baptisms and baby dedications of the church.  We had four people baptized and got to have celebratory lunch after the service. We have been encouraged in the church by seeing that those who come, however small the number, truly want more. We have been asking for this, and are so glad to see people that want more of our Lord and to see people following in obedience like baptism. We are hopeful and prayerful for more and ask that you come alongside us in the prayer for our church and for yours.

We had the privilege of having a team from South Carolina come visit and love on our kids at our feeding center in San Mateo this month. We had a special meal of homemade pizzas and punche(which is literally the best drink in the world). We were also blessed to install a stove for a family with this team and are so thankful for each of their hearts to leave there families and homes and come give and love on others that they do not know.

Through Manna worldwide teams we were also able to bless so many.  7 families were blessed with bunk beds some of which were sleeping on the floor. The family of the boy that was killed was blessed with a food basket. Also, a Manna team donated 100 chairs to our church. 

As for Thanksgiving well that doesn’t really exist here, however, we had the privilege of celebrating it twice! We were invited by a manna team to have a thanksgiving meal with them and the kids of their children’s home. It was such a special night for us to take part of thanksgiving, conversation, skits, reconnecting, and so much more. We also got to spend Thanksgiving day with a couple and their family that have come to be very special to us. We had great food, conversation, and games and felt so at home. We are so thankful to have people that feel like family here and to be able to celebrate together. We are blessed!

We are thankful to also let you know that in God’s perfect plan He has given us another child that will be coming in April. As well as He takes away, He also gives.

This month has been full to say the least! Full of giving, full of eating, full of firsts,  full of heartbreak, full of life!

I have been preaching the book of act and in chapter 12 talks about the execution of James by Herod and he was the first apostle to be killed and the next one was to be peter but in his circumstances he prayed and the church as well.  He didn’t cry, he didn’t say why, why God, no he was sleeping actually an Angel had to wake him up.  In our trials we have the option to blame God and ask him why me, and be angry, be sad, and in denial or we have the option to trust and wait for the Lord. We as humans have to understand that sometimes God answers in three different ways YES, NO, and WAIT and accept his answer because He is absolute.