From March 7-14, the Timberlake Christian School seniors, sponsors, and parents will be off to Guatemala for their annual senior trip! We appreciate everyone's prayers as we leave and look forward to how God will use His Word and team as His instruments. As the team goes forth to serve, we must do so with His Word on their lips. Here are the verses of Scripture that we have meditating on as a team in preparation for this trip:
2 Corinthians 4:5-7
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Philippians 2:1-8
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Matthew 5:16 (our theme verse for the trip)
"Let your line shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
"Let your line shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Our lives are all about Christ! These passages point us to to the One
who we are preaching, the One we are serving, the One whose example we are
following, and the One who gives us the strength and power to serve!
Upon arriving in Guatemala, we will be specifically constructing a church meeting place for a group of believers in a neighboring village. What an opportunity to be a part of building something that will be used for Christians to gather in for worship of singing, praying, and preaching of God's Word! We will also be working with the Zacapa Orphanage and assisting in various types of ministry, providing food for impoverished families in a village, and leading church services. And, as we go, we will have the privilege of serving Christ by serving others, sharing Christ with others, worshipping Christ with the greater body of Christ, and being united as a team around the Word of Christ!
As the team prepares to leave, here are some prayer requests to
keep in mind...
1. Pray for the team as we spend consistent time in Scripture and prayer as they continue to prepare their hearts and attitudes in service to the Lord.
2. Pray that the team would become more unified and close before and during the trip, not allowing anything to come between them as they serve together.
3. Pray that God would be glorified in all that we do.
4. Pray for a burden for the lost and boldness to share the gospel without fear in the surrounding villages.
5. Pray that we would have lives that are willing to “deny self” and show a servant’s heart like Jesus did by being others-minded.
6. Pray that the team would be a genuine blessing and encouragement to the body of Christ in Guatemala.
7. Pray that the team would show the love and compassion of Christ to the children in the orphanages and hospitals.
8. Pray that the team will still be living out what God teaches us on this trip upon our return.
Thank you for your prayers! See you on the blog soon!
Proclaiming His Name,
Pastor Stephen
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