...the least, the last and the lost

 I borrowed this term from a book I am reading called Geography of Grace.  The premise of the book is that grace is like water, it flows downhill and pools up in the lowest places.  Could it be that the deepest reservoirs of God’s grace are located at the lowest places?  If we want to experience the deep levels of God’s grace shouldn’t we seek to swim in these places? They are with the marginalized and the outcasts who are seldom accepted by mainstream society and, sadly, the church.  They are the least, the last and the lost.

And that is where we find ourselves...among the forgotten.  You hear a lot about how many missionaries are working in Guatemala, but the overwhelming majority are within a one hour radius of the capital.  Out here there are very few.  As we continue to find our way here in Chisec, we are often overwhelmed by the need.  Yet, in this small community that was completely destroyed during the 36 year long civil war, grace is pooling up and lives are being rebuilt. 

Poverty is all around us.  Yesterday, Karren and I went for a drive through the streets of Chisec, and it was so clear that to be poor is the norm.  Most homes are made from rough cut wooden planks with dirt floors and an outhouse.  Families struggle every day just to find clean water and put food on the table.  Yet as we drove by one home, and waved, we were invited in and shared a few minutes with a family who exuded God’s joy in the midst of their need.   

 Although the church is alive and growing here, it struggles with the concept of grace and often gives way to rules, regulations, superstitions and a “works” mentality.  There is a strong need for good solid teaching in this area.  But, we see how God is making provision through North American pastors who are willing to come and teach basic truths from God’s Word. Next week we will host our second pastors’ conference this year. What a blessing it is to watch these hungry pastors receive truths that bring freedom and joy to those in their care.

There is also an established education system here, but it is limping along at best.  50% of those who enter elementary school never finish.  Of those who do graduate from elementary school, very few go on to high school.  The mentality is, if you can write your name and speak a little Spanish (first language here Queqchi) you are far ahead of your mom and dad, and it is time to go to work so you can help put food on the table.  By helping to ease the financial burden associated with schooling, through providing school supplies, uniforms and shoes, families are encouraged to have hope for the future.    

Basic health education is also sorely lacking.  By working together with the local Center for Health, we can provide opportunities for children to learn how to do simple things like brush their teeth and bathe regularly.  Young girls, an especially marginalized part of this culture, can receive teaching about their worth and value in the eyes of God. 

Sometimes the need here seems overwhelming and it is difficult to see how the little we do can possibly make a difference.  It is then that I remind myself that if grace is like water, flowing downhill and pooling up in the lowest places, I am where I need to be…swimming in God’s grace, among the least, the last, and the lost.

… as much as you have done it to the least of one of these , My brethren,  you did it unto Me. Matt.25:40

Blessings, Rocky

If you are a blog follower and would like to get together with us when we are in Canada (April 15 to June 1) please contact us on facebook or by email (we don’t have a phone).  We like coffee!!!

Sowing Seeds Into the Lives of Children

This past Saturday, we had our first (the Lord willing of many) Kid's Day.  As you all know, this year mission2guatemala was able to provide school supplies for over 80 children thanks to the generous donations made by idividuals and churches in North America!  As we gave out the supplies we always told the kids that it was the Lord who had provided for their needs and then we'd pray with them.  In our hearts, although, we wanted to do more.  We wanted to have an opportunity to share more personally with them that the Lord loves them and has a plan and purpose for their lives! 

So, we invited our first group of 17 kids to the mission site for a day filled with activities.  Rocky and Manny took the bus into Chisec and picked the kids up at 9am.  When they arrived, we spent a little time getting to know one another, because they came from 5 different schools.  We introduced ourselves, played an icebreaker game and sang some songs to get warmed up!  Cindy and I then shared the story of Joseph and how, although he experienced some really difficult things, God had a plan for his life - a good plan.  We then learned Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

Rocky and Manny took them all down onto the big soccer field and played games to work up an appetite.  After, we shared a "healthy" lunch of hotdogs, chips, cookies, and melon, and laughed and enjoyed each other's company.  It was so neat to watch them make new friends and enjoy one another. 

After lunch, Cindy spent some time teaching on oral hygiene.  Each child received a toothbrush and tooth paste and Cindy taught them, by example, how to properly brush their teeth!  

Then we did crafts and each child received a present.  We closed the day by repeating the verse from Jeremiah and talking about how God's Word is a source of comfort and strength in our lives and when we memorize it, we have it with us always! 

As we watched the kids drive away, smiling and waving out the windows of the bus, we were so blessed!  Getting them into school and providing them with supplies, shoes, uniforms, was just a part of what we wanted to share with them.  Saturday, we got to share some more!  We were able to show them how special they are to us and to the Lord; how much we love them and He loves them, too!  And to begin the process of planting a seed, because, God has plans for these kids, "plans to give them a hope and a future!" 

Coming alongside...

One of the things that Rocky and I both felt very strongly about, when searching for a new ministry opportunity, was the idea of "coming alongside."  We believed that this was what the Lord was asking of us; not to reinvent the wheel, but to help those already labouring. 

It is one of the biggest blessings for us as we serve with mission2guatemala.  This morning Cindy and I visited the local Center for Health.  It is the only health facility in Chisec and it serves an huge rural area - probably an hours drive in all directions.  Our goal...to come along side those already working here to see how we can help. 

Ana Flora is the woman in charge of health education.  Her main role is working with pregnant women, educating them on pre-natal care as well as post-natal care.  We brought her a couple of bags full of baby blankets and newborn clothes to give out to expectant mothers as they come in to see her.  She said many will come, that otherwise wouldn't, if they know they will receive a gift. 

We also wanted to check on a construction project mission2guatemala was working on there.  Their laundry room had no roof and no area to dry the linens once they were washed.  Manny and Cindy wanted to bless the Center of Health with a roof over their laundry area and Baudilio was almost finished. 

Our third purpose was to make a connection between 2 doctors who are coming on a team in July and those working in the clinic.  Those already here, working in the area of health know best what the needs are here - we don't have to try to figure that out because they already know.  They may lack manpower and supplies, but they don't lack local understanding and cultural savy.  We made arrangements for the visiting doctors to do some health teaching in the clinic as well as assist with exams for a couple of days.  Then, together with the staff of the clinic, we will go out to a needy community and have a clinic.  This way we have along those who speak the local language, those who know the most common needs, and extra doctors and nurses.  They are also the ones responsible for the long-term care of the people in this area, so it just makes sense to work together.

What a blessing it is to work together towards a common goal! 

Feed My Sheep...

Jesus apppeared to Peter after the ressurection and He asked him, "Do you love me?"  Peter answered, "Yes, You know I love you."  And Jesus replied, "Then feed my sheep." 
I feel like that is what we have been doing this past week. 
Last week Tuesday and Wednesday, we hosted a Pastor's conference here at the mission site. 

The pastor from Turning Leaf Church in Pheonix, Arizona was here and taught on the value of cell groups and small group ministry.  34 pastors came and for two days they "ate" not only the meals we served them, but also the scriptural truthes laid before them.  At the end of the mini conference, they each received a Bible and a tie and I cannot express in words the gratitude they showed.

Today we hosted the first of two girls' conferences here.  As you know, we have been working along side a number of public schools in Chisec and we invited two of them to bring out their grade 5 & 6 girls to the mission site for a day of teaching. 

Girls here are often undervalued and overlooked and it is such a joy to share with them that the Lord created them as female and that He has a plan and purpose for their lives. 
Another pastor, Connie, from the mid-US taught the Word of God and the girls "ate" it up. 

Two Christian ladies from the Health Center, who do community work, were also here and taught on self-esteem and healthy relationships from a Biblical perspective. 

The girls had the opportunity to write out the negative things that had been said to them and the negative things they've said to others and they put them in a pot and burned them, symbolizing - the old is gone and the new has come.  Today is a fresh start; an opportunity to live differently.  Praise the Lord! 
We shared a meal together and Manny and Rocky played games with the girls on the soccer field at the mission site.  

What a blessing to be able to sow into the lives of others.  That is what Jesus asked of Peter, and it is what He asks of us all.  The love of Christ that we have received affects us so that we no longer live soley for ourselves, but for Him and for those He loves.  Wherever the Lord has planted you, I encourage you today to "feed His sheep."  I promise you'll be the one who leaves the "table" full! 
Blessings!