There aren’t enough words in the English language to explain how amazing the Lord has been this month. I’ve tried, many times, and often found myself speechless. This month my team is in Chichicastenago, Guatemala. We are in the mountains, engulfed in Mayan culture. It’s been a pretty chilly month, with nights getting down to the 30s.
In the Mayan culture, families bring food and drinks to their loved ones because they believe their spirits still need to eat.
The Mayan have several gods who require sacrifices. Their religion is very works-based. Visiting the ruins we saw three individuals sacrificing to one of the gods.
The first two weeks in Guatemala we lived in our tents in a church. We helped transform the basement of the church into an apartment for the pastor and his family, who are also our ministry hosts.
Home sweet home!
After everything in the basement was ready, we helped Juan and his family move in and are now living at their old house. They moved into the basement because they could no longer afford their rent.
Home for the second half of the month
Our hosts, Juan and Evelyn, are some of the most amazing, God fearing people I’ve ever met. They have childlike faith and have given everything they have to furthering the Kingdom. It’s impossible to be around them and not fall deeper in love with Jesus. I came to Chichicastenago to serve them and their ministry, but I’m the one leaving completely changed. Through them, I have a new understanding of what it means to fully trust in the Lord’s faithfulness. I’ve seen how fruitful a life solely devoted to God can be. I’ve seen them rejoice in Jesus’ name, even when the enemy tries to rob them of their joy. When they first started their ministry here in Chichi, they were sharing the Gospel to two children. They prayed for more, and God opened a door into a huge public school. Juan and Evelyn now serve and share the Gospel to over 600 students! Their lives are a perfect representation of Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Juan and Evelyn
As I mentioned above, the first few days of ministry was preparing the church basement and moving Juan, Evelyn, and their son Isaac in. Here are some other things we’ve done:
-Organized and lead youth group
-Kids club (skits, music, message, candy!)
-Taught English in school (to over 600 kids)
-Worked in a preschool
-Ministry with local police
-Distributed food to and prayed for homeless
Speaking at youth group
Passing out arroz con leche (rice and milk)
Painting the church!
When we arrived in Guatemala, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to give. I remember walking up to Juan and saying, “God is just shouting at me to give to your ministry, so if there is anything you need, let me know!” The next day he showed me a Facebook status he had posted about needing a TV and told me he and his wife had been praying for God to provide. We went and bought a 55” flat screen the next morning and had it mounted on the wall that afternoon. I remember having a moment of panic….I had tapped into my savings that was reserved for getting me back on my feet after the race. Was that a smart decision? Could I have used that money to feed the hungry or buy school supplies? Was that really God telling me to do that? The next week we also purchased Juan and Evelyn a keyboard, heater for their basement, and a water pump so they can have running water. Each of these items will have huge impact on their ministry. Here’s how!
TV: Juan was in tears sharing his excitement over the TV with the youth group. They now have a resource to help kids with homework. They can use it Sunday mornings for teaching and worship. They also are able to draw kids in for movie nights!
Keyboard: Juan plays the piano and will utilize this for worship. He also wants to give piano lessons as another way to bring people into the church and into the love of Christ.
Heater: Juan and Evelyn have a 2-month-old son, Isaac. They were so worried about him staying warm in the basement on freezing nights. Isaac would often wake up cold in the middle of the night!
Water pump: This allows them to have running water upstairs in their small kitchen. With running water, they can provide more meals for kids in school!
The Lord has used Juan and Evelyn to create a safe place for people of all ages to come and learn about Jesus. A place to eat a hot meal, play games, learn to play a new instrument, or simply hangout and find love within community. Getting to be apart of this has been the greatest experience of my life thus far. All my doubt and fear was wiped away when I saw the impact these purchases will have on bringing glory to the King! Giving is an act of worship, and worshipping the Lord in this way has filled me more than I’ve ever been filled. The Lord uses His children to provide for His children! The Lord used me to provide for Juan, and I have full peace He will continue to provide for me and my needs as well.
On the World Race, we do ministry 5 days a week for 5-7 hours a day. One day off is reserved for rest, and the other is called an adventure day. God has worked on me for four months to change my view of ministry. Ministry isn’t a task. It’s not a job I clock in and out of. It’s not just part of my day. Ministry is a lifestyle, and a lifestyle that is more rewarding than any other. God has truly opened my eyes to see His people, and His creation through His eyes. Our mission field is right here, wherever we are. I begged the Lord to use me in mighty ways, and He has transformed my life for His glory. I now strive to provide for people’s physical and spiritual needs 7 days a week, not just during scheduled ministry.
Friends, the World Race is hard. It’s a sacrifice of comforts, security, friends and family, and control. God has called me even deeper into abandonment and sacrifice by asking me to give financially without having an income. But through obedience in sacrifice comes dependence. And through dependence comes hope, peace, security, and unconditional love. I’ve never felt more at peace with my life since giving everything I have and everything I am to the Lord.
I pray you see this blog as a glimpse into my heart. In no way am I trying to be boastful of my actions, or bring glory to myself. All the glory goes back to the Lord, for without Him I can do nothing. I currently have $670 left to raise in order to remain on the field for the next 7 months! Please prayerfully consider helping me reach my goal and know the Lord is at work!
EXTRAS!
Meet Duke and Duchess! They have been my faithful companions all month, even though they only love me because I feed them.
This month I celebrated my birthday! Everyone threw me a surprise party with fireworks, even the local police came!
These girls have literally held me up the past four months (required dad pun). Love all these ladies to death!
-Christen <3
