They call me Maestra Abby here so I’m rolling with it.
My ministry in Guatemala began today at a small, private school. There are about 64 kids who attend this school, and they’re all mixed in age. Most of the kids who attend the school are part of indigenous tribes and speak indigenous languages, as well as Spanish and a TINY bit of English. My job this month is to teach english, art, dance, and whatever else they need me to do. The Lord is definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone.. I’m no teacher.
I’m not going to lie. I was a little disappointed when I learned that I’d be working in a school all month. Teaching isn’t my most favorite thing to do and it definitely is way out of my comfort zone. I guess that teaching my own language to others is hard for me to see as a ministry opportunity, sometimes.
Upon arrival to the school, we met with the principal, Carla, to introduce ourselves and go over expectations of us for the month and logistical things. Me and my team mates were joined by 2 friends from the Adventures In Missions Guatemala base. Both of them have been here for 2+ years and can speak pretty fluent Spanish, so they were helpful with introductions and such.
While we were talking with Carla, she let us know that she had constant leg pain and has had it for 2 years. She quickly explained to us that she had knee problems and “that’s just the way it is.” Gabe, from the adventures base, encouraged me and my team to lay hands on her and pray for/declare healing over her knees.
It’s nerve wracking when you’re on your knees, touching someone, begging God to show up. It makes you ask yourself if you really believe that He is the God who sees us, the God who cares for us, the God of miracles.
Carla got healed today, in Jesus’ name.
She excitedly showed us how she could bend her knees and walk up/down stairs. She went from being in constant pain for 2 years to no pain in a split second.
After our prayers with Carla, we walked downstairs to get introduced to the students and explore the school. We walked into the older kid’s classroom to meet them. We immediately noticed that one of the students had an issue with her eyes. After leaving the classroom we asked about it and Carla explained to us that she had microcephaly and was totally blind in one eye and could only see a little out of the other eye. We asked Carla if we could pray for her, and she pulled her out of the classroom and asked if it was okay. She agreed and we, again, laid hands on a person who we knew only Jesus could heal.
A blind eye was opened today in Guatemala, in Jesus’ name.
She smiled and showed off her newfound sight to us by covering her “good eye” and counting fingers we held up far away from her with her once blind eye.
It’s easy to read about miracles in the Bible and truly believe that they happened. But when I even think about praying for a miracle, doubt creeps in and I let fear make my decision.
Fear tells me that the God of the Bible isn’t the same God I have today. Fear tells me that God doesn’t see me. Fear tells me that God doesn’t care. Fear tells me that God won’t show up and perform a miracle.
Fear also tells me that teaching English and working in a school couldn’t possibly be ministry.
The God of the Bible is the God that I follow today. He sees me. He cares. He performs miracles. He can use any interaction as a way to minister to someone’s heart. To bring healing. To love.
I’m so excited for the amazing ministry opportunity that I have this month. Hearts can be changed through an English class. Seeds can be planted through a dance. Healing can come through simple prayers.
Ministry doesn’t have to look a certain way. And it doesn’t have to be something I’m comfortable with doing. God is stretching me this month in a lot of ways. But He’s in the stretching.
God’s using miracles, uncomfortability, and 64 indigenous children to grow my faith and confidence this month. I’ll proudly respond to Maestra Abby if it means that I get to press into the deeper places of God.
My heart cry for this month is, “God, would you come and do more than I dare to ask you for. Because I’m sure I underestimate your love, your power, your kindness, and your grace.”
Areas you can be praying for me this month:
-boldness
-faith
-patience
-confidence
-AND fundraising!
It’s been a fun month so far! Here are some of my favorite moments:
My whole squad hiked an active volcano together and roasted marshmallows at the top!
If you were to ask me what my dream job is… missionary dog-walker Would be the answer.
I got to sit on this roof and pray and watch as this volcano exploded every morning of debrief.
Guatemala has ballin’ sunrises and if you know me you know I have mad love for the sun.
Thanks so so much to everyone who reads this blog. My prayer is that you’d walk away from reading it feeling encouraged and full of faith and confidence that our Jesus is alive and working in the hearts of people in the nations.
Grace. Peace.
-Abby
