Walking Among Us

Hola from Guatemala! Today was our last day in Santiago and we are all with heavy hearts. Today and yesterday, I literally felt as if God was walking among us just hanging out with His people helping us all to join hearts despite language and cultural barriers. I can feel His presence so close here that it will be hard to leave tomorrow. What things can I share that stand out? So much but I will choose just a few. Yesterday, we delivered beds to the families that have been relocated from Panabaj. I am sure you all saw the post and pictures from yesterday so you can see that when I say "bed"I mean a fold up cot that might be rolled in as uncomfortable extra in a hotel - not a real bed by our standards. Yet the receivers of these beds were overcome with joy and thanks - many receiving only one per family. It was heartbreaking to see such a visual contrast between what we are have and what these people have. When was the last time you gave genuine thanks for the bed that you sleep in? We also visited the homes that our team and past HPCC teams helped to build and got the honor of praying with each family. Let me tell you, Pastor Diego prays with an authority and passion for God that is emotionally overwhelming. I am not typically a public crier but I found myself sobbing as I tried to pray. I also got to try my hand at tortilla making....mission failed?! Everywhere that we go, we are followed by children. I can't help recall from the bible how the children loved to follow Jesus and He always made time for them. Father God, PLEASE let these children have seen a small glimpse of Jesus in us!

We ended the day with the honor of hearing the testimony of Pastor Diego. His faith in God is inspirational and he has warmth that makes you know instantly upon meeting him that he is a man of God. I am positive that all HPCC teams have a warm place in their hearts and prayers for Pastor Diego and his ministry.

Now today, I have to admit that some of the team was a little hesitant about today. We were told there were two church services that we could attend - one was the children's service from 9am - 11am and the other was an adult/family service from 5:30pm - 8:30pm...now that is a whole lot of Jesus - right?? Especially considering that it would all be in Spanish or the native language here so we would more than likely understand little to nothing. Both services were optional for all team members. My family and I decided to attend both. We had to see the VBS kids one more time for sure! The morning service with the kids were great. Frederico was the teacher for the class I sat in on and it was so much like JAM. They had lively songs with movements, a great lessons, and of course the awesome kids! They let us sing a few songs with the kids as well. After morning service, some of us spent the day watching a soccer game that hear was very exciting - I opted for a nap. I feel emotionally spent and needed some rest.

Finally, we ended the day with the entire team attending adult service and I have little words because nothing I can say in words will help you to visualize the experience. If you can believe, our very own Roy gave a testimony that was translated in front of the entire church. Roy's testimony is powerful and he was very "valiente" to share with his new church family. We also shared three songs with our new church family and got to participate in their worship that was passionate and beautiful! A few songs were even familiar to us - helped to feel like there was a bridge that gapped the cultures. Finally, Pastor Diego preached and surprised us all by asking our awesome translator, Cesar to translate his message for us as he spoke it! Cesar was a little nervous but did an amazing job. Pastor spoke powerfully about having a heart for God your whole life through. The time flew by and we were all glad to have gone!

I am so glad to be experiencing this as a family. Had just one or two of us gone, we never would have been able to express the love and need in Guatemala. We will return and we all have a new heart for international missions. The worst conditions that I have seen in our country don't compare to the average conditions here in Cerro de Oro. Please continue to pray for the people of Guatemala and for Pastor Diego and his ministry. Love to everyone at home - we will see you all soon!

Posted by Stephanie Larkins