1/23/11
Devotion Saturday evening was led by Tony (aka Antonio). Tony spoke of his word for the year (inspired by KLOVE) which is "service". He read from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 11, which spells out that some of us are called to be ministers, but all are called to serve in some way. Our team has been called to serve in Guatemala, and keeping this verse in mind will help us to remember that we all have a role to play in the Body of Christ.
Last night we had a fancy meal out in Antigua at a restaurant called Don Rodrigo's. A fun time was had by all, as we enjoyed very good food and company and were entertained by native dancers in masks shaking maracas. Several of our team were pulled out onto the dance floor to help with the festivities, and they shook more than their maracas!
This morning we said goodbye to the Lutheran Center. We took our busload up to the cross that sits on a hill overlooking Antigua. What a beautiful location to hold our morning devotion and to have a team photo taken. Our fearless leader, Ron Hart led devotion, talking about John 3:16 and John 3:17. Although many of us are quite familiar with John 3:16, and we see it held up on signs at sporting events, the message of the following verse is equally essential to the Christian faith. Jesus was sent to save the world. This gives us hope when the situations we face seem hopeless; the plan for this messed up world is for redemption, not destruction.
After devotion, we sadly said goodbye to Pastor Steve and Pastor Miguel, who have been such a blessing and inspiration during these first days in Guatemala. We will miss Pastor Steve's warm and welcoming presence and spiritual guidance and Pastor Miguel's unfailing enthusiasm and steadfast faith, but we know they are going forth to continue building up the church and the people they meet.
We left Antigua for a bus ride to Zacapa, where we plan to have lunch at the Lutheran school before checking in to our hotel.
Lunch at the Lutheran school in Zacapa was very nice; the house recipients joined us, and it was a pleasure to meet Dona Hermalinda, Robin and Reina and their daughter Reinita (2), and Mercy and her children Monica and Chriss (11 and 4). We were able to visit the worksites for their homes, which are near the church, Jesus the Good Shepherd. These families are so gracious and thankful for the houses being built for them. After dinner catered in at our hotel, we returned to El Maguey for evening church service, led by Pastor Ared. It was wonderful to see all of the familiar faces this afternoon, and we received many hugs from our brothers and sisters in El Maguey, especially the children. They have grown since we saw them last! They send their love especially to their friends Amy, Shelby, Bob, Stacy, Jason and Milt! We assured them that you all wanted to be here, too, and that you would see them next time. They were happy to be introduced to our new sisters, Paula and JoAnn, who were initiated into the family with a rousing game of Duck, Duck Goose! We are tired but happy, and ready for the challenge of three houses and VBS tomorrow. Love to all reading this blog!
