WOW!
That's about all I can say after the two great weeks I just had in Guatemala! As I mentioned in the last post, the purpose of the trip was mainly to do some planning for the future. But, the truth is, the things that I wanted to accomplish didn't really take all that long! In fact, I found that some of the best conversations and advice came in car rides while we were traveling or as we sat down to eat around the table. I guess that in my mind I had imagined Jimmy, Shelley, and myself sitting around a table, pencils in hand, sipping on coffee, while sketching out the future (HA!). With their schedule (raising twin, 2-year-old boys)...
...things can be a little busy. Nonetheless, they were awesome hosts! I really had such a great time visiting with them. They are a great blessing to work with and learn from.
I mention "Fuel on the Fire" because I feel like, after this trip, the fire or burden to be in Guatemala that I have has only increased. Not only that, I have such an excitement for the future that is ahead! Since God has started working in my heart for Guatemala, I had always imagined myself just working with Spanish-speaking people. Last summer, I had an introduction to what is going on within the Kekchi ministry in the Peten. This summer was like a full-blown immersion into the Kekchi ministry! You see, as I mentioned before, to me this trip was mainly going to be a planning trip. Jimmy had mentioned that we would be doing some Kekchi village outreaches, but I did not imagine what lay ahead! The second week was so much like fuel to my fire!
Yes, there was adventure: horseback riding into villages...
...crossing a river in canoe...
...or riding for hours in the back of a truck on dirt roads.
But, the most rewarding and wonderful part was to be able to minister in those villages. What a blessing that was!
I also got to meet so many wonderful Kekchi brothers and sisters in Christ!
So, all of that is to say: I believe that involvement in the Kekchi ministry will be just as much a part of my ministry as Spanish church planting; which makes me very excited! God also provided an opportunity for ministry at a Spanish speaking church! I had the opportunity to preach in the Primera Iglesia Bautista Monte Sion in San Benito. What a great privilege!
Well, I don't have much to say about the second part of my title. I think its pretty self-explanatory! For a cheaper flight, I drove to the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area to fly our of that airport. I also had some time to visit with my aunt and uncle who live in the Pembroke Pines area. Upon my return, Uncle Mark gave me the opportunity to share about Guatemala during his Wednesday night service.
As I drove north to North Carolina, I stopped in Jacksonville to visit with the Carswell's (Shelley's parents). But, I also got to catch up with some cousins I haven't seen in a long time! The picture is of Chris and Melissa and their family. Melissa is the oldest Brown cousin and I am the youngest. I was actually the ring-bearer in her wedding!
I greatly enjoyed spending time visiting with them! Chris has been teaching the teen boys in their church and asked me to teach the class for that Sunday morning. What an opportunity! And, it amazed me that God was still providing ministry opportunities even on my way traveling home! (2,000 miles on the odometer later, I arrived at home).
I am so thankful and very excited for what God is doing in my life right now and how He is leading. The future is exciting. And I am going to keep serving Him as I continue to move forward. After all, that's ALL THAT MATTERS.
