Recent Happenings

Over this Christmas break, I've enjoyed the time I've had to spend with family and friends. I was also able to work some while I've been here at home. One thing that keeps coming up in conversation is a regular question: "So, what do you plan to do after graduation?" (this is my last semester!!) Well that question leads me to say, "I'm planning on going to Guatemala to serve as a church planter." As you could expect, many questions follow such as: "How long are you gonna be there?"--(my response)"For the rest of my life." Other questions are usually, "Are you scared?" "Isn't it dangerous?" "Why missions?" "Why Guatemala?" "ARE YOU SURE??" Well, I usually try to answer these questions as best as possible. But, I am mindful of one thing: many people just don't understand someone going to the mission field. I know these are the desires God has placed in my heart.

I cling to verses like Jeremiah 29:11;
"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

And Philippians 1:6;
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

I don't know where this path will lead, but I do know God has plans for my life and that He will guide and direct me. I'm trusting Him as I go day-by-day.

On New Year's Eve, I attended a night service at Iglesia Bautista El Calvario (Calvary Baptist Church) in Stanleyville, NC. It was a blessed time to fellowship with believers and many Guatemalan friends of mine in that church. We gathered first for food (tortas and ponche and pastel) and then moved to the church for a time of worship. It was neat to bring in the New Year with these believers and spend time in prayer in the first minutes of 2011.

The following day, I invited two friends from the area over to our house for a visit.

These are friends Noe and Juan, from Mazatenango, Guatemala
Noe is a believer and faithfully attends the church, but Juan does not. Please pray for Juan and his spiritual state.

I'm so thankful for the friends God has provided and the opportunities to spend time with them and get to know them better! May God continue to lead people into my path as I follow Him down this path He has for me!