The first week of World Race Guatemala is now officially in the vault! Seven days of service have gone by and I have quickly realized a pattern, “the Lord has served and is blessing me way more than I could ever attempt to serve or bless him.” I would love to catch you up “Newsletter” style of all the happenings of our first week in ministry here in Guatemala. So here are some bullets coming at you!
- Getting Adjusted
Life with six new strangers everyday can be interesting to say the least. Not to mention that there is no script, primetime television ratings, and you can’t vote anyone off. Six different habits, lifestyles, attitudes, personalities, baggage, and opinions all collided together in a matter of a few days can spell “DRAMA” for many people! But the children of God should model the opposite of what makes for good television. Saying that, God has so blessed me with teammates who not only serve in the ministry that we do, but serve one another with grace, humility, and understanding in the everyday things. In the end, I think (know) that’s the type of service that really matters in our life.
Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”
We all cook for each other 3 meals a day in teams of two, and support each other in our individual concerns, desires, and suggestions. What a blessing our hostel has been as we have a full kitchen, beds, internet, showers, and purified water! We also have some stupendous chefs on our team, which makes us pretty much the most spoiled missionaries on the planet. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous high of 72 low of 55 and not a cloud in the sky. Only one of us has gotten sick since we have been here and it was only for one day. God has really heard your prayers over us, and we have not forgotten to praise him for the small things!
- Ministry
Our main ministry here of teaching Bible and discipleship in the village schools has not begun yet, so more to come on that next week. For our first week we were able to get connected with a hospital for children and young adults affected with cerebral palsy and two homes for the elderly. What a blessing and challenge they both have been.
At the hospital we were able to help the nurses clean up the patients rooms and just love on the children. It can be an overwhelming sight to walk in a room and see the disfigurement and physical infirmities on these children. But somewhere in the midst of that you see more than hurting child. You see a heart, soul, mind, and joyful strength ready to receive your love. That’s when Christ-like compassion and love step in. Not because they are sick, but because you realize this is a soul that God created for a purpose.
One boy David Herrera really has touched my heart. He has almost died several times this month but he keeps holding on. On our first day there when we were getting our tour I was standing by his crib and my heart went out to him. I just touched his head and he opened his eyes and smiled at me. The caretaker said it was the first time he smiled in over two weeks. I began to pray for his soul that he might feel the love of Jesus when I pray, sing, and love over him. That’s the one who can bring real healing and smile to his face. I remember how much I loved the affection and prayers of my parents as a little boy when I was sick. Please pray for this boy to know the love of God in his soul and that the Lord would heal him or see him home. He is greatly suffering with fluid in his lungs. 
The old folks homes have been so entertaining to say the least. I love the elderly and we have had a lot of fun. We have played worship music, read the Bible, done skits from the Bible, sung opera, danced, and even got our faces painted. It hurts my heart to see the elderly in a room all day with no family or friends to visit them. I don’t care how old you are. People are people and feel real emotions. God really allowed us to bring joy to some dark places. Some of the elderly there were definitely under demonic oppression and others were believers sweet as could be. I might this man Mr. Jesus Florez. He is a Godly man and loves the word of God and worship. I got to give him one of my cross necklaces and I told him I am your brother in Christ, you are my friend, and I love you. He really lit up and was so thankful. He really likes the classic Latin romantic songs and I happened to have some on my Iphone. He loves to sing and knew all the words. Please pray for Mr. Florez as he has severe arthritis in his hands. His fingers look broken and the pain runs all the way up his shoulder. This precious man is praying for healing. I hope you will partner with me in God lifting him up. There were so many more people and stories to share about, but for the sake of time and lack of consistent Internet, I’ll save the rest for the video blog. My videos will be at the end of every week showing events of the week before.
- Fun
We got with our ministry contact Luis who took us on a little tour of Antigua. We went to an old ruins nunnery where there were beautiful gardens and singing chambers which was so cool. We also went to a Macadamia nut farm where I got a free face massage. I figure this doesn’t happen everyday so I might as well.
- Final Thoughts and Prayer Requests
God is so good, and has been so awesome this first week. I can’t wait for week two!! Here are some prayer requests if you would like to know how to pray for us.Love yall
- David Herrera's continued health and God's protection
- Mr. Jesus Florez arthiritis
- Continued health and safety
- The Anointing of the Holy Spirit in all we do
- And daily strength and restoration
Stand on the Truth, Walk in the Light, and Rest in His Love.
Ryan Miller
