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).