Plug into Relationships

I remember, not so long ago, putting on a CD on Saturday mornings as our family went about our household chores. We all listened together, in community. Today, we all have our own Ipods, so we can listen to what we want, and we plug in our earphones and plug each other out! I remember, not so long ago, actually going into the bank and knowing the tellers by name and visiting with them a little as I did my banking business. Now, rarely do I ever actually go to a bank. I do all my banking online and if I have to make a deposit, I use an ATM. I remember, not so long ago, not having cell phones and actually having to talk to others. Now, I do more texting than talking. I even remember, not so long ago, when someone came to the car and pumped your gas, cleaned your windshield and checked your oil and tire pressure! Now, I simply swipe my credit card and "pay at the pump." Not contact required! The last time we returned to Canada, the grocery store and hardware store had automated checkouts. We could choose whether or not we wanted to speak to anyone or simply stay in our own little world, isolated and alone.


The modern world is becoming less and less connected, relationally. Yet, we serve a God who sent His Son, to connect with the world, relationally. This Son gave us a relational ministry - that of reconciliation - as though we were His "ambassadors, making His appeal through us!" 2 Corinthians 5.


How, as believers, can we live in this modern world and enjoy the technology that has simplified our lives, but at the same time, not get so plugged into ourselves that we are plugged out of the world around us? It is a challenging question.



Living in rural Guatemala, has helped us take a step back and see what is happening in our home culture so much more clearly than if we never would have left. Here, our world is relational. Relationships always superceed tasks and people are always more important than things.



This is not so, when we go back to Canada. Yet, Jesus called us, as believers, to be fishers of men - "to go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19. That takes time; it takes energy; it takes heart; it takes committment; it takes relationship!


We are coming home for a visit in June. I didn't think I was going to be able to join Rocky and Hope, but thanks to my parents' generosity, I can! One thing I am going to try to focus on, while in Canada, is to engage in relationship, wherever I am. If I am at the grocery store, I am going to choose the checkout with a person working the cash register so that I can, in some small way, build relationship and be a blessing. I am going to take the time to talk to the people I encounter along the way, because this is what Jesus would do and because He lives in me, this is what I am to do!


Will this make errands take longer? Absolutely! But I really believe it is worth it. You see, the only way we, as the body of Christ, are going to reach the lost in our culture, is by building relationships one person at a time. Jesus took the time with me, and it radically transformed my life. Now, because I no longer live for myself, but for Him who died for me and was raised again, this ministry is mine! Wow! Challenging, hey?


The Lord is speaking to me about unplugging from my own isolated world and plugging into those around me, speaking words of life to all I encounter, being salt and light in the mission field where God has planted me as His ambassador, so that the lost in my community can be found! I challenge you to do the same!


Blessings on you,

Karren

Gifts from the Lord

This morning, at about 5am, we said goodbye to the Foothills Alliance team from Calgary, Alberta, as well as our friends, John & Bev Crozier, Howard Giesbrecht and Gord Wiens, from Kamloops.

We have the privilege of sharing time with some pretty awesome people here in Guatemala! I get to go with teams to do children's ministry and just hang out with kids and play! This last group work with a church in Chakalte, a village about 30 minutes from Tactic in the moutains.

Rocky does what Rocky does best - work! He organizes the work projects and makes sure the teams work hard and feel like they are accomplishing something.

Together, we get to share times with teams where we talk about the things of the Lord and help groups process some of what the Lord is teaching them through their experiences here in Guatemala. This work is very rewarding...very tiring at times, but always rewarding.

I think, although, the most rewarding thing we have the honour of participating in is connecting sponsors with their sponsor children. There is something divine that transpires when a sponsor meets the child they are sponsoring and it is an honour to witness this union.

Our family started sponsoring Anayeli 4 1/2 years ago and I never tire of seeing her and spending time with her. Being able to watch her grow, pray for her and simply be a part of her life is so amazing.

Anayeli lives with her mom and brother - her dad has never been in the picture. She is blessed to live beside her grandmother and 2 aunties, so although her mom is often away from home, she is rarely all alone. She has, from a very early age, taken the responsibiliy for her little brother, Adalberto - Alberto for short. Anayeli will be 10 this year and her brother 8.

When Arryn was here in March/April, we went to visit their home. We spent some time just playing catch with them outside of their house. Anayeli hasn't had much time for play in her life. It was such a simple thing, tossing a ball around, yet it brought such joy, not only to Anayeli, her brother, and a few of their cousins, but also to us. Knowing that for that window of time they knew that we cared enough about them to spend some time with them and just play with them.

I remember when we were deciding if we could commit to sponsoring a child and some of the arguments we had against doing it. Now looking back, it is hard to believe we hesitated. If you are reading this and you don't have a child that you are sponsoring in a developing country, do it! For the cost of a Starbuck's a week, you can make a difference in a child's life. The cost is nothing in comparison to the reward, both for you and the child! When we give to others, our hearts are softened and we are blessed. Sponsoring Anayeli has never been a duty or a hardship; it has been a gift from the Lord for our entire family.

Why am I here today?

From time to time I ask myself this question. It usually comes after being frustrated with a situation or set of circumstances that are out of my control. Since I am not a confrontational person, I suck it up and try to remember I am in another culture, I don't speak the language, and they do things differently here.

One of the things I tried to do back home when I was working on a particular construction job was to think of how to make the job as easy as possible for the others trades I was working with - bringing them in at the right time, leaving space for them to work, etc. For some reason, I keep hitting a wall on this here. They seem okay about moving the same pile of dirt twice or not thinking about how their work might affect others. Maybe it is just my inability to communicate; I don't know. All I know is if I was doing the job, I would do it differently. So, it is then that I take a deep breath and ask myself, "Why am I here today?"

I love these Guatemalan people and I know God loves them, too! I think back to the verse in 2 Corinthians 5:14, that talks about the finished work of the cross and that it is His love that compels us not to live for ourselves, but for Him. I am here to serve and be a part of the body of Christ and it is His love that compels me to do so. I would not be here if it was not for the overwhelming love and grace He has poured out into my life. So, in view of God's love, I can help support and walk alongside my brothers in Christ, as they move the vision here in Tactic towards fulfilment. That includes empowering them to see themselves as valuable in moving ahead in the things of the Lord and helping them complete projects that will facilitate growth in the Kingdom of God.

This week a significant portion of the bridge was completed and now we will have access to the new property! The two 48 foot truck decks were put in place and soon we will be able to drive across and begin building the road. I look forward to this next phase with anticipation and even though I know I will ask myself a few more times, "why am I here?" I know the answer will always be the same...it is the love of Christ that compels me.

Blessings,

Rocky

Semana Santa

Well, Semana Santa is officially over! Holy Week...there isn't really a lot that is holy in the way the majority of people here celebrate Holy Week. It consists of multiple processions with floats of idols, carpets of coloured sawdust and flowers, and depressing music - all to celebrate

the death of Christ - not His resurrection! It also consists of parties -lots of parties and lots of drinking! It can actually be a bit dangerous here during Holy Week, as there are drunk people everywhere, even during the day. Holy Week is also a very busy week for witchcraft and worship at indigenous sites - caves and high places. Some of the traditions the local people perform are so deeply entrenched in who they are as a people, they don't even really think about what they are doing. They believe the gods - they are polytheistic - are all running around in chaos causing trouble and only the witch doctor is able to bring them under control and appease their desires. This is the people group that we, through Impact Ministries, serve here in Tactic, Guatemala. The message of the Gospel is in direct conflict with their belief system. They are taught you have to work hard to appease the gods and if something is not going well in your life, then one of the gods is angry with you or you didn't perform the necessary rituals to maintain peace in your life. Salvation, something we can never earn or deserve, given to us a free gift, is a completely foreign concept.

I was out in my garden the other day and saw that my calla lillie was blossoming! For me, it was a symbol of the life - new life - that we have in Christ. Although on our own, the scriptures tell us, our righteous acts are nothing better than filthy rags, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are cleansed and purified. We are washed clean, just like the pure white petal on the lillie in my garden. To be honest, I have a hard time truly comprehending that. To grasp the depth of the Father's love for me is tough. That He would send His only Son for me...it is overwhelming. That He sees me as His precious daughter, without spot or blemish, like my beautiful, perfect lillie. WOW!

In church on Sunday, we celebrated! Unlike the those lost in Catholicism and Mayan beliefs, who are weighed down, bound and oppressed, we rejoiced and celebrated the victory we have in Christ. We jumped, clapped and shouted - Jesus lives! And because He lives, we, too, live.

Happy belated Easter. I pray we will all learn more fully how to live in the victory Christ purchased for us on the cross.

Missing Home!

There are times - thankfully not too many - when I really miss home. Not home, per say, but my family. This past week has been one of those times. Don't get me wrong; I love being here in Tactic and believe this is where the Lords wants us at this time. It's just sometimes I would love to be able to go to my sister's and just spend the afternoon together. Or invite everyone over for a meal and play games into the evening. I think some of my favourite times with my parents over the past few years has been over a dish of apple crisp playing a game.

I think what triggered my sudden bought of home-sicknesses is that Rocky and I have been talking about him going to Canada with Hope in June. Because of a few groups cancelling, we have a chunk of time without any teams. Hope was already booked to return to Canada June 7th - she hopes to be accepted at Eagle Bay Camp as an LIT 2 (leader-in-training second level). Because we won't have teams here at that time, and because of our shortfall in support, Rocky is considering going back with her and trying to find some work for a month. The difficult part is that I cannot go along; it just doesn't make financial sense. If Rocky goes to Canada for a month, it is pretty likely that he can pick up a job, and make enough to not only pay for his flight, but also to help us get out of the hole. If I go along, however, we would only break even on our flights.

Living on faith support has been one of the biggest stretches for us as we embarked on the adventure of full-time foreign missions service. Before, when we both had jobs, we simply bought what we needed and purchasing a second airline ticket would not have been a insurmountable obstacle. Now, although, every penny we have is given to us by others who have worked hard to earn it. They have sacrificed so that we could be here. We, in turn, must sacrifice as well. And for me, right now, that means not getting to go home and get a dose of family when I would really love one.

It is at times like this when I draw great strength, inspiration and encouragement from the Apostle Paul. For years I read the passage out of Philippians 4 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength - and I'd say, yes, I can! Interestingly, today, it is not verse 13 that speaks to my spirit, but rather what preceeds it.

Philippians 4:11-13 ...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

I know my challenges are nothing in comparison to what the Apostle Paul faced, and yet he said he had learned to be content. I am learning - yes, just learning! - that all things are in my Father's hands and I can be content regardless of my situation. Today, for me, that includes staying behind while Rocky and Hope go to Canada.

Married for 10 years!

This Tuesday, April 12th, Rocky and I will have been married for 10 years. It is hard to believe. On the one hand, it seems as though we have always been together, which is good; and on the other hand in comparison to others our age who are celebrating their 25th anniversaries, it is just a short time.

I remember the first time we met - it was a blind date! Rocky was attending a Full Gospel church plant in Dallas and Glen Switzer was the pastor. I worked with Glen's wife, Carol, at the Christian School. The two of them were relentless and wouldn't give up until Rocky and I agreed to meet. We went out for coffee at Zack's and basically agreed that neither of us was ready to talk about a relationship - we were only having coffee to get Glen and Carol off our backs - and we spent the evening talking about missions. We said our goodbyes and I never thought I'd hear from him again.

Two years later, just before he turned 40, he called and asked me out, again. Yes, we had a very slow beginning! But, from that second date on, things moved quickly. Six months later he proposed and 10 months later we were married.

Our relationship has had its share of challenges - blended families are difficult - but the Lord has always kept us focussed on Him and on working together. He is so good! In the midst of the challenges, the Lord brought a more complete healing into both of our lives and into the lives of our kids. We became more aware of how much God loves us and desires for us to be fulfilled. Neither of us ever dreamed we would be given another chance at marriage or happiness, but the Lord knew and He used a blind date 13 years ago to plant a seed in our hearts.

Today we are living out what we talked about on that first date so long ago - the life of a missionary on the field. Together, the Lord has allowed us to be used to further His Kingdom work and we are truly humbled by the honour.

Tuesday night we will celebrate 10 years of marraige in Guatemala City with Arryn, Marshal and Hope (just missing Alex). What a blessing!

We pray the Lord will bless your marriage and relationships within your families!

Well, I just said goodbye to Bearspaw this morning. There were 48 in all on this team and we were running from morning to evening. I decided not to go into Antigua with them, but Rocky did, as he was driving one of the vehicles. I have totally neglected the girls for the last week and a half, so I thought I should spend some time at home. Bearspaw Christian School did children's minstry in two different locations and this group really stepped up to the plate. On our last day in Chixajau (Chee-shah-how), we had 360 kids! It was crazy, but I was so proud of the group. No one complained and everyone dug in and gave their all. At the end, the teachers of the school presented the group with a snack and a gift to remember them. On the gift, was a card with this scripture - "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Faither in heaven." Matt 5:14-16. What an ecouraging passage. "Let your light shine!" How often do I actually hide my light rather than let it shine? I know when I was living in Canada, I often didn't let my light shine as I should have and as a result I know I missed opportunities to share the Gospel with those who are perishing. I am asking the Lord to make me more courageous, so that I will speak His truth, in love, on all occassions.

We have really enjoyed having Arryn here. Life is so quiet without her! It has been fun to have her around and watch her re-establish friendships from last year. She arrived and simply plugged in wherever she was needed and she has been a busy girl. It is hard to believe she has to go home next week!

Marshal is supposed to be coming here the morning before Arryn leaves. This will allow us a little time together. He is still in Columbia, but is ready to go back to Canada for work. Before he does, although, he is going to hang out with us for a week. That will be nice, as in the fall, before we return to Canada, he is planning on taking off on another travelling adventure, so we wouldn't see him for over a year.

For us, we have a few days now without a group! This is our first break in 6 weeks, so we are pretty excited. Our next team is from Regina Christian School, and they arrive on April 17th.

Well, bless you all and an early Happy Easter!

Karren