Taking that first step into the gate of the city’s public school was like walking into a zoo, except I was the animal being stared at and getting the oohs and ahs along with the finger pointing. My two teammates and I were the main attraction as we were the first “gringos,” or Americans, these kids have ever seen. They didn’t know how to react or what to say as they coward around their group of friends. I was taken out of my natural habitat and into foreign lands…
The ministry God placed me in is still a mystery waiting to be revealed. We were assigned to Santa Teresita school to help out in whatever ways they need. This has the potential to be a great ministry and outreach opportunity but when we first started confusion and doubt filled our heads. This school has never had any type of volunteers before so when we showed up the principal and teachers didn’t really know what to do with us. The language barrier did not help the situation either as nobody in the school speaks English. The first couple of days we were put to the tasks of helping with constructing batons and banners for the parade tomorrow. It’s the Independence day of Guatemala on Friday and celebrations have been going on all week or really all month. My partners and I started to question God…what is our purpose here? How are we going to make a difference? Can we even mention You in this public place? Are we going to be doing these mindless tasks all month?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9
We quickly talked it out and changed our approach along with an attitude adjustment. We have the privilege to be the first ones to cross the gate to build relationships with this specific community. We have lots of influence that cannot be put to waste. We have the tools to impact these kids and staff in more ways than we can imagine. We started praying on our walk in, praying while doing these little jobs and connecting with these kids. Smiles and laughs make the best conversation. Being present is ministry in and of itself.
Courtney, Anna, Me
Anna is one special fourth grader who taught me how to march with a baton!
I am so excited to see how the Lord will use us in this setting. First step, making pom poms for the batons being used in the parade. Next step, letting Anna teach me the steps and letting me walk beside her during practice. Today it will be running around town with the school behind a torch to celebrate the independence of their country!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
Prayer requests:
-community living with my squad, for patience and understanding, fun times and bonding.
-declaring dominion over this city, being intentional wherever I am
-balancing my time and grabbing opportunities to be the light and servant God has called me to be
-strength and energy to celebrate the Independence day by running behind torches from one city to the next!
