Question: What could keep this blog-aholic from writing a new blog for almost 3 weeks?
Answer: One of the Greatest Months on the Race
The Holy Banditz and Team Fuse spent July in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala working with Shofar FM Ministry. Shofar FM is first and foremost a Christian radio station. But early on the roughly 10 men that run Shofar on a day to day basis got together and made a commitment to each other. They wanted to my more than a radio station. They wanted to be a complete ministry. As you will see soon Shofar FM ministers in a number of different ways in the community of Puerto Barrios.
This is our amazing ministry coordinator Saul. Definitely one of my favorite people I have met on the entire Race. He will be missed.
This thug is named Elias. He lives at the orphanage that we spent a lot of time at. Elias is probably the coolest kid I have met on the Race. Truthfully, all the kids there were incredible. Fuse and the HBz spent most afternoons from 3-5 rocking out at the orphanage. Playing water games (thank you Junior High Alive camp), singing songs, doing Bible skits. You know. The usual. But there was something different about this orphanage and I truly believe God’s hand is in that community. The orphanage itself was an incredibly dark place both physically and spiritually. The main building could have been used in a horror movie. But there was something special about the kids. They were really well behaved. But even more impressive than that was the way that they cared for each other. This care for each other was especially noticable when playing games. When playing they made sure that everyone got a turn and that noone was left out. And they were quick to speak up or act if someone did seem to being left out. How often do you meet a group of small children that watches out for each other in that way? It was cool to watch them love each other. It was shocking to compare the environment they were in (dark) with the way they interacted with each other (light). That’s why I say I believe the Lord’s hand is on those children.
On our last day there we threw a big fiesta for the kids with tacos, gift bags of clothes for each kid (that our girls got donated from the used clothing stories in town), and a pinata. Absolutely the best way to leave. We loved those kids.
The mornings were spent in the community. Here are some shots from the day we went to the Dump with food and went around praying for people. We did a lot of door to door prayer ministry in Puerto Barrios and the surrounding area.
Twice we led open air meetings in the market. We did a skit about Jesus set to music and gave some testimonies and messages about the love of Christ for mankind. Afterwards, we would walk through the market praying and talking to people.
The Santoz Banditoz also spent some time in a children’s hospital. We led them in some songs and games and prayed for them. Getting kids to smile when you know they are suffering pain is a great joy. The little boy with the cast on his arm broke his Elbow and was having surgery that day! He came in with very down, but after a few songs he was laughing and enjoying himself.
Random Pictures:
Me with a random Guatemalan guy in a Micheal Hines inspired T-Shirt. (Micheal Hines is our Coach and director of the World Race)
Celebrating the 300th Day on the Race with some well deserved oreos.
Our house might look nice in this picture. Just remember that the inside temperature averaged 147 degrees + humidity.
Loved the contacts, loved the ministry, loved Guatemala.
