"Mini" Missions Conference

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the 3rd annual Children's Missions Conference at my (West Virginia) church, Hilltop Baptist Church. Our theme was the "Underground Church."



Over the course of three days, the children attended Main Session times where they were challenged with what they can do for missions. They also attended workshops where they learned more about the underground church and were challenged even more for missions. There was also time where the children could tour the various booths which represented countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Along with all these activities, we also had fun times of skits, games, and songs.



Overall, it was such a great opportunity to be part of this missions conference. It truly is a wonderful thought that we may be able to have an impact on these children and that one day they may be serving the Lord in missions! "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Luke 10:2

Recuerdos

It really has been a while since I've written a blog! A lot is going on these days as I move along through my senior year. It seems like the year is flying by! I wanted to share about something different though in this blog. In Spanish, the word for a memory, souvenir, or anything tied to something you remember is called a 'recuerdo.' Now, I must say that I think about Guatemala all the time; its constantly on my mind! But, there are a few things that are kind of like recuerdos for me.


This is my contact prescription that I got in Santa Elena. Believe it or not, it was only about $8.50! I recently tried to buy contacts at Wal-Mart with it and it was a bit difficult. I had to explain everything! It turns out they couldn't order them because the computer system didn't recognize the doctor. Who would have guessed? I guess that's what I get for trying to save a few bucks! I'm sure it will still work out though...with some explanation...


I know this seems menial, but these were all items I bought in Guate. Every time I used them, they made me think of Guatemala :) I was kinda sad when they all ran out...


Eusebio from Huehuetenango; living here in Beckley


Edgar, Salvador, and Mayra from Jalapa; living here in Beckley


Anthony; son of Salvador and Mayra

More than any of these other items that I've shown here (my recuerdos), these friends of mine are the most important and most precious to me. I am by no means referring to them as recuerdos but, being from Guatemala, they do make me think of Guatemala and feel like I'm there when I'm with them! God has seen fit to lead these people into my life. How great of an opportunity to spend time with and minister to these people from Guatemala!

I have had the opportunity to share Christ with all of them and have many spiritual conversations. I believe Eusebio knows the Gospel but he is just a bit 'cloudy' on some things. Edgar trusted Christ when I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with him two years ago when he was in the hospital. Since then, we talk openly about the Lord and the Bible and he has expressed interest in knowing more. Salvador and Mayra are 'religious' but have no fruit of salvation in their lives. Little 'Tony' is mixed up between English and Spanish. He goes to school and speaks English and his parents at home only speak Spanish. The problem is...he won't speak Spanish! He is 5 years old now. I know that one of his baby-sitters is a Christian woman. I hope that little Tony hears the Gospel and accepts Christ at a young age.

As I said, all of these friends of mine are very dear to me. I have known Edgar, Salvador, Mayra and Anthony for over 3 years now. I have known Eusebio for almost 2 years. As my time here comes close to ending, its hard to think about not seeing these friends anymore. Please pray for them! Pray that I will have had a lasting impact on their lives. Also pray that I will continue to have opportunities to share Christ with them. I'm thankful for the things in my life that remind me of Guatemala. But more than that, I'm ever thankful for these people that God led into my life! My prayer is like the words of Paul in I Cor. 3:6; "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." May God give the increase to seeds that have been sown in these lives.

Seminars, Mission Boards, and Contacts

Most of you know that a big thing on my list these days is finding a mission board. In a lot of ways, that's a big, scary decision to me! Finding the right board is pretty important as you could possibly be associated with them for the rest of your life! Well earlier this week (Monday through Wednesday), I had a great opportunity that pertains to my future with missions. The Fellowship of Missions

www.fellowshipofmissions.org

hosted a mini-conference here at the college. The speaker was a motivational-type speaker named Greg Blake. You can also visit his website at:

www.pepworks.org

All I can say is, "What a blessing!" It was very encouraging to sit in on these seminars. Although the seminars were not directed to the students, but rather to the missionaries, it was great information that will surely be a big help in the future. Many topics were covered as the seminars were geared more toward Practical type discussions. Things were discussed like: how to handle problems in ministry, how to strive for excellence, how to guard your ministry, among many others.

The seminars were a great blessing but it was also a wonderful opportunity to engage in conversation with veteran missionaries, young missionaries, and representatives of mission boards. I made several good contacts that will be a help to me in my future. I also had some good talks about what I should look for in a mission board and what to expect. Although I didn't make a decision on a board yet, this helped get at least one step closer! Please continue to pray as I seek God's wisdom in selecting a board to go with that will be a good fit and help to my ministry. Thank you for all your prayer and support!

Back to the Grind

Well, its official...the fall semester is back in full swing! The new students arrived last Saturday and the returning students arrived yesterday, Monday. Things have been pretty busy with fulfilling RA responsibilities and going to soccer pre-season practice. But, God is good and I know this will be a great year. God will bless and work this year I know. This year, I am serving as the Head RA in the men's dorm. Part of that means I have a kitchen where I can cook my own meals. One thing I realized is...I don't know how to cook! I went grocery shopping Sunday night after church and felt like a lost little boy in the grocery store. But, it will be a good learning experience and I'll be cooking in no time I'm sure! Look out Emeril!

When I was at the grocery store, I had an awesome experience I wanted to share on my blog, which is mainly about Guatemala. Compared to my home state of North Carolina, there aren't many Hispanic people here in West Virginia. So when I do see a Latino, I usually talk to them and find out where they are from, etc. As I was walking into the grocery store, so was a Hispanic man. I struck up conversation with him and soon found out he had moved from NC and was originally from....wait for it...GUATEMALA!! How exciting! He is from Quiché, Guatemala. I was so excited that the first person I talked to in Spanish happened to be a Chapin! I got Peluche's number and hopefully we will be able to meet up again soon. Please pray for other friends of mine from Jalapa: Edgar, Mayra, Salvador and Eusebio from Huehuetenango. I have wonderful opportunities in serving here in Beckley to spend time with these friends and share the Gospel with them. Pray for open doors.

Until next time, Jay

Passion for Petén

You may ask, "Have you rested, relaxed, and caught up on sleep since returning from Guatemala?" My answer would be a "partial yes." I have enjoyed some time to relax but for the most part, I've stayed pretty busy. But, its been a "good busy." The first weekend I was back at my home church, Vernon Forest Baptist, I had the opportunity to share my experience in Guatemala and my burden for the Petén to my home church family. What an awesome opportunity! I can already tell it was good experience for upcoming deputation. One thing I really learned is to NOT HAVE TOO MANY PICTURES! That Sunday evening at Vernon Forest, I had "un monton" (a bunch) of pictures! I just had so much to share and tell about that it was hard to narrow it all down. Most of all, I just learned to "be myself" and be sincere in my presentation.

Well, beginning the following Monday (last Mon.), I set off with my parents to pick up my nephew, Haddon, and spend a week in Ohio. We went to a Cincinnati Reds game, The Creation Museum, and the Cincinnati Zoo. It was a great time be back in my home state and spend some time with my family. At the end of the week we traveled to Amish country Ohio, Monroe County, to be part of my cousin's ordination service at the Calais Baptist Church. This church was the first church my dad pastored and now my cousin, Brandon Ward, has assumed the pastoral role at this church. This weekend was also Homecoming weekend at the church, so it was nice to fellowship with our church family at Calais. Pastor Ward had asked me to share about my trip in the Sunday school hour. What a wonderful opportunity to again present my burden for the Petén! My father preached in the Morning Worship service and was moderator in the ordination ceremonies. Also my brother-in-law, Todd Lockyer, had the opportunity to give a challenge in the ordination service. Thank the Lord for such great ministry opportunities for all of us!

What does all this have to do with the title, "Passion for Petén?" Well, I'll tell you. Since I've returned, its been hard to get Guatemala, specifically Petén off my mind. It seems that SO many things remind me of it. I even saw an animal at the Zoo, el Pizote, that I saw IN THE WILD in the Petén! It was behind glass at the zoo and I was close enough to touch it in Guatemala! So many other things make me think of a memory of Guatemala or part of the life there. But more importantly, every opportunity I have to share about my trip, it only deepens my burden for the Petén. Speaking of the UNREACHED....the NEEDS...the PEOPLE...only makes me want to return as soon as I can. Please continue to pray that God will guide and direct and that He will prepare me even more for future ministry in the Petén. Thank you so much for all your prayer and support! Until next time,

Jay

New URL Address for Blog

I have changed the address for my blog from jaybrowninternship.blogspot.com (my internship is over) to:

jaybrownguatemala.blogspot.com

Guate On My Mind

Well, I arrived back in North Carolina on Monday evening. Since then, I've been enjoying time spent with family and catching up on rest and relaxation. The inevitable question (which I've been asked already) is "Do you miss Guatemala?"...the answer is YES, I do!! I also have to say that it was somewhat hard to acclimate to being back in the states. One of the other interns, Rebecca, and I had a laugh about how many times we said "Buenas tardes" or "gracias" to people when we came back. It is a big shift and change after spending so much time there in Guate. Nonetheless, I am glad to be home and I'm looking forward to the remainder of the summer and the upcoming semester at school.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in Guatemala this summer. Its so exciting to think that it is the place where I will spend the rest of my life (Lord willing)! I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity I will have to return there. Please continue to pray for God's direction and guidance in the time in between.



Jimmy encouraged me to take a picture of this sign. I think he said, "That is the perfect missionary sign!" We could say confidently that we live in a lost world. In the Petén, the majority of the people have never heard the Gospel. It is truly a "lost world." As I plan to go to Petén, please pray that God will continue to do a work in that area. Pray for Jim and Shelley and for their ministry there.

Please pray specifically for Jose, a Kekchi Pastor and friend of Jim and Shelley. He is going through some very difficult things right now. Please go to Jim and Shelley's blog and read about our dear brother in Christ (link is on the left side of page) and most of all, pray!

Short-Term Trip; Long-Term Planning

Well as you can see, I just changed the name of the blog. "All That Matters" will be the new title from now on. You may ask, "Why?" Well, let me explain. The title of this entry says "short-term trip; long-term planning." I came to Guatemala for a two month missions internship. The purpose of the internship is to gain experience of what it's like serving as a missionary on a foreign field. Well, for me I already had an interest in serving in Guatemala. So, this trip was sort of like a survey trip. I have had SO many wonderful experiences here. And, as this is my last week, it's somewhat "bitter-sweet" to have to leave soon. The first month in Solola was great to get acquainted with the culture, to meet so many wonderful people, and to be involved in various activities. Thank you, Larry and Claire Boggs, for your hospitality and willingness to let me come and work there at the Nido. Those are memories I will never forget! This month in Petén has also been wonderful. If you've been keeping up with my blog entries, you've read of the many wonderful experiences I've had here. It's been great! In my time here, I believe God has placed a desire in my heart to return to Petén and work here full time. Thank you, Jimmy and Shelley Dinsmore, for your encouraging and challenging words in our many discussions. I am so grateful to have met you two (and Jonah and Silas :)

So, in saying all that, I am planning from this point on to begin preparing to return to Petén as a church-planting missionary. I realize it may be bold to make a definite plan at this point. But, I believe it's a good thing to have plans. And God could redirect me if He sees fit. But, my life is committed to serving Him. After all, that's "All That Matters," isn't it? So, I would appreciate your prayer as I finish up with my last year at Appalachian Bible College and make preparations for my future. Thank you so much for your prayer and support! I look forward to continuing to share how the Lord leads and directs in my life.

In Christ,
Jay

Wonderful Ministry Opportunities

6/22/10--Thursday

Well the last time I wrote, Jimmy and I were still preparing our materials for the upcoming Kekchi Pastors training module. We had prepared lessons on the cults and the book of Judges.

All the notes were compiled into 25 pages of notes. We had one notebook made for the cults and another for the book of Judges. The training was planned for 3 days, but we finished early yesterday. Just because we finished early doesn't mean we flew through things! There was A LOT of discussion about various topics throughout the lessons. It was good to see how passionate these men are about the things they believe. And they had many questions to ask. You better have scriptural proof for your answers too! The men always want to take time to look up the proof verses in the Bible and read them out loud. I think thats a great thing!

This coming Sunday I have part two of Esther to finish and I'm really looking forward to that. I had a great time teaching last Sunday and It's going to be great to do it again! I really am thankful for these great opportunities for ministry! Its so awesome to be involved here! Its hard to think that I only have a little over a week left. My time here has been so great and I know even these last few days will be great too!

Teaching Cont'd

7/19/10--Monday

Well, yesterday we studied the first part of Esther. I had a great time teaching to the people at the Santa Rita Bible Study! Its exciting to see the people interact with the story and enjoy it. I was a bit nervous before I began, but I soon felt very comfortable like I was at home. I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach and share from God's Word. It was a good experience because starting tomorrow, I'll be teaching with Jimmy several times a day at the Kekchi Pastors Training. So, I'm glad I got a good start last night!

Today we will go back to Santa Rita for the Children's Bible Study. Another intern, Rebecca, will get her chance to teach. She is starting a two part lesson on the Fruit of The Spirit. I know she has put a lot of work into it and is excited to do it. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes.

Teaching

7/18/10--Sunday

Good Sunday Morning! May God richly bless you as you gather in your local church to hear from God's Word, sing His praises, and fellowship with His people. We were just talking yesterday in the car as we traveled (The Dinsmore's and us interns) about how easy it is to tell who is a Christian here in Guatemala. They are just so different from everyone else. You can see it in their face; they're much happier than before. The truth is, its hard at times in the States to tell who is a Christian. May we do our best to show Christ in our lives everyday.

Today I will begin a two part lesson on the Book of Esther at the Santa Rita Adult Bible Study. I've been working on the preparations for it and I would lie if I didn't say I'm a bit nervous! I would greatly appreciate your prayer for that. Pray also that I will be able to highlight some of the spiritual applications from it, not just merely tell a story.

Jimmy and I are also finishing up all our lessons for the Kekci Pastor's Training. As we look forward to teaching the book of Judges, we already have Ehud's dagger, Shamgar's Ox goad (10 foot long bamboo pole), Jael's tent peg, a Donkey jawbone, and a wig for Samson's hair. It should be a great experience in sharing with these men. We are also excited about our studies on the cults. We've done a lot of research, compiling, and outlining and we're looking forward to teaching.

I'll report more later on how everything goes. God bless!

More Great Experiences!....

Pictures: TOP--Mercedes and Blanca w/Silas (Santa Rita converts),

BOTTOM--Road to Escipula

6/11/10-- Sunday

Sunday we were back at Santa Rita for another adult Bible Study. Jim and Shelley hand out a "homework sheet" every week that relates to next week's lesson. If they bring back a completed sheet, they earn points. (The people try to work and earn points for different things. One reward is a new Bible and a big reward is a trip to Tikal, the Mayan ruins). Since I will be teaching next week, I made a sheet for the book of Esther to hand out. I accidentally introduced them to something new though. I put references for the verses (1:11) beside every question to help them find the answers. The only problem was, they had never seen that before. Jimmy just usually has them read the whole chapter. It took a little explaining, but I think it will work out. Well, that night Jimmy taught on Galatians 1 and explained that salvation was a free gift and gave the Gospel clearly. It was neat to see people interacting and asking questions.

6/12/10-- Monday

After a day of work and preparation for upcoming lessons and projects, we headed again to Santa Rita for the children's Bible study. Shelley has been teaching on the Crucifixion and the events leading up to Christ's death. The kids know the story by heart now and could tell you the events in perfect order. Its great to interact with the kids and just be a "big kid" with them--that's easy for me to do! Monday's lesson taught about the charge Jesus gave his disciples to share the Gospel. The kids make a craft every week and this week's craft was a bracelet with the colors of the wordless book so they could share with their friends the message of the Gospel. There have been at least 3 "kids" (ages 11, 12, and 13) come to Christ just recently. Please pray that more will understand the message of the Gospel and make a decision.

6/13/10-- Tuesday

Do you like off-roading/4-wheeling? Do you like getting muddy? Does a trek through the jungle sound fun to you? Well, you would have loved Tuesday's adventure! Tuesday was a planned day to go to the Kekchi village of Escipula, about a 3 hour ride. There was a "salvation service" planned. Jimmy could do a better job explaining this, but the Kekchi like to really think about the decisions they are going to make. Often times, they think through salvation for a month or more. Along with that, there aren't churches in many of their villages. So, they plan a time when Kekchi pastors (kinda like circuit preachers) can come in a have a service where they will accept Christ that night. We went along yesterday with Kekchi pastors: Jose, Domingo, and Oscar. Now, these men drove their own truck. In our vehicle, their were 5 adults and 2 baby boys :) Jimmy had wanted to rent an SUV that we all could fit in, but that fell through Tuesday morning. So, plan B was for all of us to ride in Jimmy's Tacoma (4x4 with new tires that Jimmy was excited to try out). The only thing was not all of us could fit in the cab. So, myself and Rachel, another intern, rode in the back. It was an enjoyable ride! The road is about 1 hour paved and 2 hours off road. When we arrived at the village entrance, there was another 10 minute or so walk through the jungle over wood bridges, which go over the river, and through the mud. But, it was great! In the village, they provided a meal for us. Well, the most important thing that happened that night was that 2 families and 1 young man accepted Christ! One man announced that he accepted Christ already before the service was held! How exciting it was to be, as Jimmy put it, on the "front-lines of the uttermost parts." Praise the Lord for the decisions that were made! All in all, it was such a great day...and worth putting up with some of the things to get there!

Great Experiences

6/12/10--Monday

Greetings from Dolores, Peten! Its been a week since my last post! I realized that I haven't been as faithful to post blogs as I was last month. I'll try to do beter :) Its hot; its muddy; I've got mosquito bites; and the power goes out often...but I'm loving it here!

I'm thankful for the wonderful opportunities I've had already and the ones yet to come! Last week was a unique and somewhat unusual opportunity. A family from Santa Rita, the Macz family, was going to the city of Sayaxche to exhume their son's body. You may have read about this on Jimmy and Shelley's blog. Jimmy had asked permission for us to come along. So, we packed in Jimmy's Micro, all 34 of us, and rode to Sayaxche, about a 40 minute ride. During the time when they actually dug the body up, it was such a hard time for the family. I won't go into too many details, and honestly I probably don't know all the details. But, the death had been unknown to the family for a few months. So, you could imagine that this was a pretty hard experience for them. The body was exhumed and the family prepared to return to Santa Rita for a proper burial and service. After the legal documents were handled, we headed back to Santa Rita. There, we joined the family for a memorial service. The service and message was delivered by a Catholic priest. The sad part is the fact that the majority of the family is unsaved and they really don't have any hope. Jimmy and Shelley have grown very close to the members of this family and have shared the Gospel with them many times. Please pray that God will continue to open doors for them. After the service, we walked with the family to the cemetery where they were to bury the body. The family did not make the trip for fear of "bad luck." According to their superstition, it is bad luck for the family to be there when the body is buried. How sad it is to see the spiritual blindness of these people. I'm thankful for the experience to be there as this was a very eye-opening and learning experience as well as an opportunity to meet many of the people of Santa Rita.

I've really enjoyed the time to spend with Jimmy and get to know him better. We've had many opportunities already as we ride around to run errands or just sit and talk to get to know each other. We've had several of those "missions/ministry discussions" that a missions intern like me is always on the lookout for. I'm grateful for the talks we've had and the chance to learn from his experience. Jimmy and Shelley are very down-to-earth and I always enjoy just having fun and joking around with them. I know youguys will probably read this so---Thanks a bunch! I think you're great!

For now, I'm staying busy working on my lessons for the Bible Study and Kekchi pastor's training. I look forward to reporting more about what's going on later! God bless!

Jay

Catching Up

7/6/10-- Tuesday

Hello! Its been a while since I've been able to post a blog, so I'll try to fill you in on all thats gone on. I left Solola last Wednesday and took a shuttle to Guatemala City. It was real tough to say goodbye to everyone. I've made a lot of great friends there and had such a wonderful time. In Guatemala City, I stayed in a hotel for one night before my flight the next day. Early Thursday morning I flew into Flores, Peten. Talk about a temperature difference! In Solola, it was cold and often rainy. Here in Peten, you sweat just sitting around! But, its great here! I had Thursday and Friday to stay in a hotel on Flores (a small island) and just hang out and relax on the island. That was nice!

Well on Saturday, I met Jimmy Dinsmore and we picked up a few grocery items and ran a few errands then he took me to the hotel. I spent the rest of the day visiting with he and his wife Shelley and their two baby boys, Jonah and Silas. I've really enjoyed getting to know them. They're great! On Sunday, they meet in a Kekchi village called Santa Rita for a Bible Study. That's what they're allowed to call it, not a "church." Well, that was a great opportunity to meet many of the people and see the ministry that the Dinsmore's have. Sunday night, July 4th...we set off fireworks! Monday was pretty similar except the Bible study is for children and Shelley teaches. It's like a Vacation Bible School packed into an hour and a half! Well that evening the other two interns, Rebecca and Rachel, who will also be here for the month of July arrived. We ate in Flores and headed back to the hotel after that.

There are many great opportunities here. Jimmy has given me the opportunity to teach at the Santa Rita Bible Study. I will be teaching a two part study on the book of Esther...to people who have never heard it! I will also be teaching with Jimmy at a Kekchi Pastors Workshop. We will be teaching a cults class and the book of Judges. These are great opportunities and we would greatly appreciate your prayer! My internet capabilities are a bit limited here. I will try to keep things up-to-date as best as I can. I would encourage you to check out Jimmy and Shelley's blog. The link is posted on the right side of my blog. I look forward to sharing more with everyone later!

Until Then,

Jay

Thank God for Opportunities

Top: Nehemias

Bottom: Bro. Nery and Family

6/28/10-- Monday

This weekend was another great weekend with many opportunities to serve the Lord. Saturday morning, I went on visitation again with Bro. Nery and Bro. Nehemias. Every house or place we stopped, Nery gave me an opportunity to share a testimony or some words with the people. Praise the Lord! Later in the afternoon, we were preparing for the choir practice and Bible study that they have on Saturdays. There are several groups here right now (One group with Caroline's Promise is here with people from Kernersville, W-S, High Point, and Greensboro---how neat is that to meet up in Guatemala!). So, I say that about the group to say we prepared songs to sing on Sunday that we could sing in English and Spanish. The choir practice and Bible study was such a sweet time. Even after my short time here, I just feel like part of this church family at Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Nacimiento (New Birth). Its only because they have made me feel so welcomed and we share the common bond of Christ. I shared some words that afternoon of what that church and those people mean to me and they shared some real encouraging words to me.

Sunday was just another great day. It was wonderful to be in the Lord's house with His people. We praised the Lord in English and Spanish. Praises were sung in different languages to the SAME GOD! I again got an opportunity to share a word of testimony in the service. But, the most unexpected opportunity came during the preaching time. Bro. Nery got up to preach and asked if I would come up to translate into English! I was a little nervous and worried--that was a first for me to translate. But, praise the Lord, it went well and I am very grateful for that opportunity! That evening, I joined the group from the Triad and enjoyed some time of fellowship and games. Only two more days here in Solola :( Its coming to an end and it is sad to think about leaving. But, I have another month in a new area, with new people, and new opportunities.

"No Title; Just a Great Day!"

6-24-10-- Thursday

Well as I told you before, we were to have a field day at the school on Thursday. Well, Thursday was also Dia del Maestro, a national celebration. So, in the morning the school had a celebration with a flag presentation, the national anthem, and special presentations for the teachers. I was honored and they presented me with a shirt signed by everyone in the school---so sweet and what a memory to hold on to! Well after the festivities, we went to the cancha. There were three teams: Cherokee, Apache, and Navajo---the kids loved that, especially the cheering competition. We played some normal relay games and such, but the highlight of the day was the water balloons. I gave out balloons at the end and one word describes it--pandemonium..The teachers may not admit it, but I think they liked the balloons as much or even more than the kids! They were breaking balloons over the other teacher's heads and having a great time. I guess some of the kids brought balloons because more balloons kept coming out even though we had used all the ones I brought....Well, it was such a great time. I'll never forget it!

From there, I went to the Manna feeding program but couldn't stay for long because I was going with the kids and nannies from the children's home to Panajachel to celebrate Jose Pablo's (Colocho) birthday. What a great time we had there! Those will also be precious memories that I will never forget! We played around on the beach of Lake Atitlan and enjoyed some cake afterwards---which leads me to one funny story to share. We were playing in the water and I looked up and a dog was in our things that we brought with us. I ran over there to find he was eating the cake! Well, he only got a part of it and we cut the part off and enjoyed the rest! Can't let a dog ruin a birthday celebration!

My time here at Eagle's Nest is nearing an end. I've loved every minute of it! Made some great memories and friends here at this place. Until next time,

Jay

The pictures :Dia del Maestro, Manna, Jose Pablo, Lake Atitlan

A Refreshing Weekend

6-22-10-- Tuesday

Hello all! I apologize for the delay in posting a blog, but I wanted to tell you about the events of last weekend. I traveled with Mr. and Mrs. Boggs to a few of the churches they have started. Saturday afternoon we were at Iglesia Biblica Bautista Manantial de Vida in a town called San Jose. The pastor is a man named Israel. This church was having a Father's Day celebration. There was singing, preaching, games, gifts for the fathers (i got a gift---I guess representing my dad...), and there was of course food! It was truly a blessing to worship and fellowship with those believers. That evening we went back to our hotel. Sunday morning we were at Iglesia Bautista El Calvario in San Marcos. It was another blessed time to share and fellowship with believers. The pastor of this church is a man named Job Fuentes. I was given the opportunity to share a testimony and Mr. Boggs delivered a message. Afterward....can't guess? FOOD! That afternoon we traveled to our third and final stop...Iglesia Cristiana Bautista Maranatha in Santa Irene. I truly cannot express on here how blessed this time was! I've said it before, but its so great to praise the same God in a different language with my Guatemalan brothers and sisters in Christ. Pastor Azael Calderon gave me an opportunity again to share a testimony. Praise God for these opportunities! And, you should know by now, after the service there was....food, glorious food. Just a side note---I'm becoming quite familiar with tortillas and tamales---two staples here. Tortillas are an everday thing :)

As far as things at the school and here at Eagle's Nest, they are moving along as normal. We are still having the swimming classes and looking forward to this Thursday, the 24th. The school has a "field day" and I will be planning the games and all that fun stuff---maybe water balloons??? Well until later, God bless! Look forward to reporting more to you all soon!

Opportunities

6/17/10-- Thursday

I am truly thankful for the opportunities I have to serve here at Nido de Aguila. The swimming classes are going great. Here in Guate, its just a different culture and mindset in regards to swimming. People just don't know how to swim and are maybe afraid to go into the water. Out of 89 kids in the school, only 4 said they knew how to swim! Well, the kids are really learning a lot, and most of all, losing their fear of the water. Its great---I've asked some of them to jump into the deep end (with a pool noodle) and its like asking them to jump off a cliff! But, its so fun to see them lose their fear, learn to float, and get comfortable in the water. As for me---you could call me a lobster right now---kinda burnt :)

I also got the opportunity to lead the Manna Feeding Program today. It was great! I got to lead the kids in a song and learning a Bible verse. Psalm 119:97- "O cuanto amo yo tu ley! Es mi meditacion todo el dia." Its so refreshing to just love on these kids and be an encouragement to them. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know them and spend every day's lunch hour with them. By the way, my name is Jota (J in Spanish).

Filling and Pouring

6/15/10-- Tuesday

Yesterday and today were the usual routine at Nuevo Dia with swimming classes and such. As Moses' face reflected the glory of the LORD, my face reflects the Sun of Guatemala....But I am greatly enjoying my time here and the opportunity to serve.

I wanted to write about something else though. I was reminded of a necessity we have if we seek to be used of God. A quote in a missions journal I have reads: "You can't pour out unless God pours in." If we seek to be used of God, being filled is necessary. How are we filled? By seeking God through His Word; meditating on His Word; hungering after His Word; praying to Him that He would guide us through His Word. I was convicted in this and I pray that God would fill me so that I can pour my life into others. The quote goes on to say: "Develop a hunger for God's Word. Know it deeply and study it daily. Spend time with God through His Word." Want God to pour in so you can pour out? God to His Word.

6/12 & 6/13/10--- Saturday and Sunday

Saturday, I had the opportunity to go on visitation with Pastor Nery and Hermano Nehemias. What a great experience! Especially when Hno. Nery would say, "Now, Hno. Santiago (Brother James) is going to share something from the Word with us...maybe an unexpected opportunity, but I am grateful for it! I got to meet several of the people who attend the church and share and pray with them. We joined Nehemias' family at his house for lunch and watched the England-US game (always squeeze in time for the World Cup!). Some of the people we visited were greatly affected by the recent storm. Visiting with them made me grateful for what the Lord has blessed my family with. Also on Saturday afternoons, several people meet at the church for choir practice. It was great to sing praises in a DIFFERENT language to the SAME God! After choir practice, Brother Nery shared a message on the consequences of sin from the life of David that was a great blessing.

On Sunday, church started at 10 am. We gathered and praised the Lord through song for a while as people and children continued to come in. Praise the Lord for an opportunity in the service to share my salvation testimony. Since I was saved at the age of 6, I encouraged the children that they are not too young to come to Christ. After a few more songs, Brother Nery came to share from the Word. He preached a wonderful message on "Communion with Christ" and "Walking in the Light." Praise the Lord for Brother Nery's ministry in the Word. It was so encouraging and refreshing to be part of this church. We are from different lands, speak different languages, eat different foods, etc....but serve the same God! Thank God that His salvation is a gift to ALL!

6/12/10--- Saturday

Yesterday, we took a break from school to watch the World Cup. I wanted to show you a few pictures of that....

Swimming Day

6/11/10-- Friday

As I said before, today I filled in for the teacher in the 5th and 6th grade class. From the beginning of the morning, we practiced some English dialog (what is your name, how old are you, where are you from, etc.) Then, most of the older kids in the school went and watched a game of the highly anticipated World Cup. We watched the game South Africa vs. Mexico. I pulled for MX along with just a few other students, but most everyone was pulling for South Africa... It ended in a 1-1 tie. After that, we began the first swimming class time. We started with the little ones (Prepa---Pre K), then 1st-3rd, then 4th-6th. It was such a blast in the pool, but soon turned pretty cold....we are 7,00o feet up here....I met Pastor Nery at the feeding program today and plan on going on visitation with he and another man named Nehemias. Look forward to reporting you all that happens this weekend! God bless----Jay

Nuevo Dia

6/10/10-- Thursday

Thursday was another great day at the school. With the 5th and 6th graders, we practiced some more basketball skills and soccer skills. I also went to a few more classes to teach some more English. In the evening I went with the Boggs to Panajachel to visit a coffee shop run by some missionary friends of theirs. We planned on eating dinner in Pana, but Mr. Boggs got an unexpected call to help another missionary friend. So, we returned to Eagle's Nest. I went up to the children's home for the evening again (my normal dinner spot) and ate with them and played for a little bit until it was bed time . Also, I'm enjoying the opportunity everyday to play soccer with the construction workers on the cancha (kinda like a basketball court for soccer). They primarily speak Kakchikel, a dialect of the area...so most of the time I'm lost in translation....but its fun!

Me....Teaching???

6/9/1---Wednesday

Today was another day at the school, Nuevo Dia. I didn't really know all the teaching opportunities I would have here but I am grateful for the experience. This day I taught some more English in various classes. We covered some vocabulary like family members, colors, and greetings. Its fun to see the kids get excited about learning new words. I also got to teach some basic basketball skills in the phys ed time. Futbol is the favorite around here but the kids enjoy practicing basketball too. We are all awaiting the beginning of the World Cup! It will surely be a big event. On Friday, I will be filling in for the teacher in the 5th and 6th grade class, so I would appreciate your prayer for that too. We may also begin swimming classes on Friday, weather permitting. I'm looking forward to that! Thanks for all your prayer and support.--- Jay

My Week So Far

Hello to all reading this! This first blog will mainly just be a review of the 3 days that I have spent here so far. Plus, I'm new to this....so not sure how it will turn out...

6/6/10--Sunday

The airport travel here was long....and hot....and boring at times. But about 3.30pm Central time, I arrived at the Guatemala City airport. From the Washington DC airport to El Salvador to Guatemala, it was as if I was already in another country! Pretty much everyone spoke Spanish (which wasn't a big deal for me (: ) but, it was a change...Well, a man named Gilberto was waiting at the airport for me and we loaded up in the van and hit the VERY busy streets of Guatemala city. Bienvenidos a Guatemala (welcome to Guate)! It truly is a different world. All I can say is---I'm glad I wasn't doing the driving...! I was glad to just take in the sights and enjoy the ride. We rode for about 3 hours to Solola and arrived at Nido de Aguila (Eagle's Nest Camp). I was greeted by missionary Larry Boggs and led to the apartment where I am staying. After a bit, I went up to meet some of the orphans. How precious they are! I had just met them and they were climbing all over me! Well that night, I got settled in and got ready for the next day.

6/7/10---Monday

This morning, I joined Mr. and Mrs. Boggs as they traveled to Quetzaltenango---about 2 hrs. away. I went to a meeting at a seminary with Mr. Boggs where I got to sit in on the meeting and meet some of the pastors of that area. Quetzal. has several "American" type stores, so we did some shopping there before heading back. We left that morning at about 7 am and ended up returning about 5.30 pm. When we got back, I spent some more time with the kids and had some 'play time' with them.

6/8/10---Tuesday

One of the things I will be doing here is helping at the Christian School started by Mr. and Mrs. Boggs. The school is called Nuevo Dia and has about 89 students. I will be teaching a little English, Bible classes, Swimming Class, and Gym. This morning, I met the teachers and many of the students there. I even got a chance to teach a few things in English to the 2nd grade class. Today, I also helped with the Feeding Program held here at the camp. 30-40-50 kids come in from the surrounding areas for a lunch everyday. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs lead the kids in Christian songs and share Bible verses with them. I will be continuing to help with this program in the following weeks. Tuesday evening, I got the chance to go to a town called Panajachel right on Lake Atitlan. It is so beautiful here. I must have forgotten the cable to upload photos on my computer. I hope to get something figured out soon so I can upload pictures. To ride down to Pana, we rode on a packed out bus (I guess Americans call them chicken buses). On the way back, we rode in the back of a truck (a little bit different of a bus---but an experience in itself). All in all it was a great time to enjoy a taste of "la vida guatemalteca" (guatemalan life).