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