Three Takeaways from Guatemala
Wow I am 1/3 of the way through my time in the field! It is crazy to think that I have already been in Guatemala for 3 months. A few days back I took some time to process my time here. I decided it could be a great thing to write a blog about… While I can’t fit all my notes in this blog I decided to talk about my three main takeaways from Guatemala. So here it goes.
- God’s plan doesn’t always look like mine but, it is always better.
When I decided to go on The World Race my hope was to be providing physical needs to people while sharing the love of God with them. When I showed up to Guatemala and learned I was going to be playing soccer everyday I’m not going to lie I was kind of bummed. However, after lots of time praying about soccer God really changed my heart. I learned to see soccer as something that the Lord was using to open doors with kids. When we showed up to a village week after week with soccer equipment and energy to coach/have fun with the kids it really allowed us to build relationships with them. I Believe that pursuing these kids intentionally using soccer (their favorite sport) as common ground was so awesome. It was so cool to see growth in them and get to help them strengthen their relationship with God. While soccer wasn’t what I had in mind it was so fruitful and rewarding. Thanks God!
2. God is still doing big things!!!
I know that this is common knowledge but, it is one thing to know it in your head and another to believe it in your heart. I think I’ve always known in my head that God is not passive and that he is in the business of miracles. My time in Guatemala has taken this concept from head knowledge to a heart belief. I have seen God heal, heard stories of Gods insane provision, and have seen prayers answered. I am so grateful that God allows me to partner with him even though he doesn’t need me. What I know is that while God is doing incredible things here, he is also moving in the States. I think so often we are too scared to ask for the big thing for healing or for provision. The truth is sometimes when we pray for good things God has a different plan and it isn’t instantaneous. It is easy to get disappointed or discouraged but, the reality is we are the asker It is God who has the ability to answer. I want to encourage you not to be afraid to ask the Lord for big things just because he may not instantly answer. What I see in the bible is that Jesus doesn’t often bless those who don’t ask so, lets ask for the big things.
3. God can use seemingly insignificant action.
I spent a lot of time in the small town of Parramos throughout my time in Guatemala. It is a short bus ride from our base and our favorite lunch spot. One day before soccer ministry we went to Parramos probably to grab lunch I don’t really remember. Anyways I met this little kid named Gabriel gave him a high five learned how old he was and said goodbye. I didn’t think alot of it, just a kid I sat next to while I ate my sandwich. The funny thing is that after that day Gabriel decided he liked hanging out with us. For about the past month whenever Gabriel sees us he comes running. We have gotten to build such a cool relationship with him over basketball, bean sandwiches, and just talking. It is so cool that just by my asking and remembering a name God has allowed us to share his love with Gabriel and build into his life.
My time in Guatemala has been so Amazing. It has been a time of blessing others and sharing the love of God with the people of Guatemala. I just want to thank my supporters this wouldn’t be possible without you!! Today we head to Ethiopia which will look a lot different than Guatemala. I probably won’t have access to internet often and so blogging will be more difficult. My squad and I would really appreciate your prayers as we transition into Ethiopia where we will live and work on an Orphanage. Once again thanks so much for your support!!!
Mason Ruark
