Thursday, June 2, 2011

Jimenez-Bryant Post 5

Humanity will search the world for love. It is the daily goal for most people. They walk out their door every day looking for something to make life worth it. A man will travel the world – in vain – looking for someone worthy of his love. But Christ has made life so much simpler. When you walk out your door, love your neighbor. The first person you see, love your neighbor. When someone is in need, love your neighbor.

It makes our work easier when we understand who our neighbor is. The people we've been coming in contact with each day may not have much in common with us, but it has become our joy to show them the love of Christ. Today was another day and another opportunity to be a blessing to the people of Guatemala. Like the last few days, we spent part of the day playing with the kids and part of the day trying our best to teach them about who Christ is. Our vacation Bible schools have all concentrated on the question of "who is God?" We have talked about God as our Creator, Provider, Protector, and today's theme, our Savior. As the week has progressed, so has the unity and organization of our team. Even with last minute changes each day, God has always provided solutions to the issues we run into. We are so blessed to serve a God that works on our behalf. He has shown up over and over this week, and any success that comes from this trip must be attributed to our Gracious God.

So now we have just a small amount of time left to enjoy Guatemala. Tomorrow we will be traveling across the lake to a city called Panajachel. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a little touristy distraction from an otherwise very stressful, very demanding, but very rewarding week. We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers as our trip comes closer to it's end. Due to dehydration and exhaustion we've had some minor health issues throughout the week. Although some have already emerged, another wave of sickness has overcome a few others. Please pray for a special touch from the Healer and a boost of energy from our true source of strength for the duration of our time here.

Impacto (our host ministry in Guatemala) is in the process of building up the local church in order to no longer be reliant on missionaries. In the past, much of the ministry taking place, especially with children, has been done by missionaries during the summer months. With this new initiative, there will be new leaders trained and brought up who will be able to continue the work that is already taking place. The churches of Guatemala will no longer be bound, but will be able to thrive year round. We have grown to love these people and we are praying that this new ministry will be a huge boost to the spiritual health of this nation. I have been blessed by my conversations with the leaders of Impacto and know that there are great leaders here. But more are needed to spread the love of Christ. Please join us in praying for more leaders to step up and be built up for service here in Guatemala.

Thank you for continuing to support us. Your partnership in this trip has been the driving force for everything that has been accomplished. God's love is being poured out and recieved. The glory is all His.

Richie

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