March 13th Post

This trip just keeps getting better and better! Yesterday was so life-changing for all of us. We began by sending the ladies off to the “Baby House,” which is also called the Nutrition Center. For 4 hours, they got to spend time holding all of the infants and babies that have just been rescued from the mountains of Guatemala. What a blessing and privilege it was for them to invest their time as Jesus did….”allowing the children to come unto me.”

The guys went back to Chiquimula for one final work day project of painting and finishing the building. Within a few hours, the students painted the entire town walls, their local playground, and several houses along the way. It was great to see the community come out of their homes to watch us and even pitch in and help us to paint their town. Knowing that we would be in their church on Sunday, we were hoping that this would prove to be a great outreach to them and show them how much we love them. The guys did a great job and worked like professional painting crews!

After we finished eating lunch at the mission compound, we went back to the children’s orphanage one last time. We spent almost 3 hours with them and we were able to do a special craft with them (thank you Linda Alley!) that was a real hit with them. The craft reminded them that no matter what, they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Then we got to play the “box game” with them. This game was so much fun! The object of the game is to pick up boxes that are laid down across two tables and identify what is underneath them as quickly as possible. The catch is that underneath one of the boxes was John Hobbs head sticking up through the gap in the table. The reactions of each child were hilarious! We had such a great time with them. It was so heartbreaking, however, when we had to leave them for the last time. Those children had found a way into all of our hearts and we will never forget them! As we rode away, I noticed several of the seniors who had tears in their eyes because they loved those children so much!

For dinner, we had a special time of Guatemalan food and music. They really did a phenomenal job. Carlos Vargas, the founder of Hope of Life, addressed us and showed us a DVD which gave us a history of how everything got started. He also had some of the students in our group stand up and give testimonies of how this trip has impacted them. I was touched by their words and how they all seem to have open hearts to serve the Lord and have a tender heart toward others.

For team devotions, everyone shared their experience with the orphan that they got attached to all week. Each story was different, but yet so precious and meaningful. Those children will be in our hearts as we leave and we cannot wait to see them again someday!

Thank you for your posts and e-mails of prayer and encouragement! I have been passing them along to the students each day and that has fueled their fire for ministry. I will post later on about what went on today in our church ministry at Chiquimula and Zacapa. Until then, thank you for your prayers!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen