To my wonderful Family and Friends,
As Guatemala wraps up, and Honduras is on the horizon one family will remain on my heart.
During my time in Guatemala I have grown close to the Lopez family working side by side, eating meals, going to church, playing sports, snacking on conchas (roles), and goofing off.
My team and I were assigned to work with Pastor David Lopez, his wife Lole, nephew Eric (20's), son Rene, daughter Anna Luciel (both in high school), Julio (3rd grade) and dog George (good dog name choice).
Pastor David had us working at an elementary school giving short messages about God, singing songs and doing construction. During our time we build a water tower, office, doors, plastered walls and painted an exterior sign for the school.
Sandwiching our time in Guatemala we were reassigned to Pastor Victor, a friend of Pastor Davids. We leveled an empty lot with pick axes,hoes and shovels, no bulldozer. It was tough work but very rewarding to lay the foundation of a future church building.
I also had one special day where I and others in medical schooling got to work with Sally, our host mom, as a ultrasound tech. It was amazing to see the babies life in all these women. To feel the outline of the baby in their stomachs. I took blood pressure and prayed over families. Later on I gained some valuable experience distributing B12 booster shots : ). It made me so excited for medical missions some day, I felt so alive doing that ministry. As if this is definitely what I am supposed to be doing.
On Sunday’s we attended Pastor David's church. We were warmly welcomed by the church community. A few of us even got to share our own testimonies with the people. How cool to have my story now be affecting people in other countries : ). Pastor David preaches bold, animated, loud messages that cut right to the heart and reek of Jesus. Rene translates the messages to English as best as he can, but with so many colorful word pictures, it became hilarious.
My favorite times with the Lopez family were lunch. Every work day, Mrs. Lopez made a wonderful, filling authentic Guatemalan meal much to the rest of our squads envy. Gosh it was so good. We left so stuffed, eating every meal like it was our last. Eating tortillas with EVERYTHING. : )
Rene and Eric left the biggest impression on me. Both spoke English very well. Both had amazing hearts for God and huge Jesus dreams. Rene wants to be a missionary and preach Gods word all around the world. He is enamored by the world race and is planning on taking a year to do it in a few years. Eric is currently in seminary a few hours away. He took this month off to shadow pastor David, and work along side us. Rene and Eric have the most positive attitudes paired with amazing work ethics. I had so much fun with them. It was great to hear their heart for Guatemala. They both agreed that the most needed thing in Guatemala was for churches to start to preach the truth about Jesus, not just prosperity gospel, or other popular messages. Seeing this need is what has drawn Eric to become a pastor.
The impression that the Lopez family has left on me has changed my life. When ever I think of Guatemala, they will be the first thing that pops to mind. Please keep them in your prayers as through all their ministry they are battling with locals to keep rights to their home and church.
I leave them with warm hugs, and big smiles. They love as Jesus has loved. It is truly an honor to have met them.
Love,
Jake
