A Summary of Our Two Groups

Group Gathered Together Singing with the Children

The time has come and gone and the groups are no more. We have been living here for two months and have spent a majority of that time preparing for our groups. Now we are looking back and evaluating the time that we have spent here ministering to the people of Guatemala. The groups were amazing and I am proud to call each person that came my friends, my family, and my co-laborers in Christ.

I believe that the groups have made a greater impact this year than any other trip I have ever been a part. We were extremely busy and extremely tired but the trip to Guatemala was amazing. I think that the difference was that we focused all of our time and energy in one place, Santa Rosa el Rodeo. In past years, we were as busy, but our time was divided in multiple areas around Guatemala. This year we focused on one community and the difference was evident.

Our Group Throwing Blocks

This year, our groups poured out their lives like servants. I watched people love on children like they were their biological kids. I saw men and women remember names and minister to men, women, and children no matter how difficult or different someone acted. The amazing part was that each person had a certain group of kids that they ministered with. I was afraid that the loveable kids like Kevin, Freddie, Brenda, and Thelma’s kids would be the only kids ministered to because of their active personalities. Thankfully, I was wrong because it seemed like each kid was loved and ministered to by someone.

Building Planning Committee with Bro. Stan and Mr. Randy

Amazingly, God orchestrated the group like a conductor of a symphony. Each person entered into each week with a certain skill set physically and spiritually. Then God organized his servants and used them in harmony to minister to the village of Santa Rosa el Rodeo. Collectively, God used us to begin a work in this dark community in order to bring salvation and transformation. This village is known for its immorality and wickedness. A dark place filled with men without jobs that fill their time with drugs, alcohol, and abusive actions. I am excited to see how God will transform the people of this village.

Feeding the Village

The greatest highlight was to spend time with each person from our two groups. I appreciate how each of them supported us and loved on our baby. I know that God brought each person together in order to proclaim his glory in this dark village. This was confirmed one night when a new and dear friend joined us for supper.

After supper, Jennifer led us into worship as the group was joined together. While we were singing praise songs, my friend Vivian said that she heard God speak a message into her heart. She said that God told her, “The group does not need to worry about anything. I am the Lord and I am in control of everything. I know everything that they need and I will watch over the church in Santa Rosa el Rodeo. I have brought together different people with various skills to reach out and minister to my people, and I will use them to continue to grow this church.” After she heard that message, the groups began to share about the week. Vivian was overwhelmed when each person concluded that God brought together different people for the trip. She knew that she had accurately heard from God because Bro. Stan reminded us that we are the body and Jesus is the head. She told me later that she was weeping because of the message God gave her.

Dedicating Juan's House

I want to end this report by proclaiming, “How Great is Our God!” I will never forget the message that God shared with Vivian. I will cherish those words as a promise that God is not only in control, but also going to take care of this church. I will also cherish the memories that were created with so many people while we were serving the Lord. Let us continue to serve the Lord in families, jobs, schools, communities, and places in each of our lives. We need to strive to serve the Lord everyday with every breath! Go. Live. Love.

Ministering to the Children

Mrs. LizAnne Reading the Daily Bible Verse.

Melvin Reading the Bible Story

An obvious switch of authors now….you can always tell when it’s me, Jennifer, writing! It has been amazing to see the children of Rodeo open up, and learn. I remember the first day I pulled out my guitar, and sang “I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy”, and “ Jesus Loves Me”. Most just sat, stared, and listened. Then to hear them while the groups were here, especially the last day all the gringos were in the village, was a huge change! Now the children sing loud, clap, and just praise Jesus. It’s almost as though the whole world stops to hear them sing for those 10-15 minutes. The men working on the church, and people passing by just stop what they are doing to listen. It’s a beautiful sound.

The Children in Line for the Daily Cooked Meal

We also read a few stories daily from the children’s bible story book. I started off trying to read the stories to the children, but they would gather around me, correcting every word I messed up! So we usually choose 1 or 2 children to read the story. Last Sunday during church, Pastor Max asked for ladies to volunteer to help with teaching children after we are gone. There were about 7 ladies that stepped forward. The next day, at least ½ of them attended bible school, and assisted with reading the stories. Please pray for these ladies: that they will first teach their own children, then other children in Rodeo about God, His love, and salvation. A most precious sight that we witness almost daily, is that after we read the bible story, and move onto the craft for the day, there is always 1 or 2 children that would rather continue reading the bible story book. May we all thirst for God’s word as these children do.

Craft Time for the Children

While the groups were here, thanks to a few dedicated people on both teams, we were able to feed the children and men working on the church a hot lunch everyday we were in the village! It ranged from mashed potatoes, black beans and rice, to beef stew and chicken & dumplings. Even some of the village dogs lapped up the leftover juices in the bowls. This was a vision that Marvin and Pastor Irvin of Toxey Baptist had while preparing a few months ago.

And  let me tell you, as much candy that was passed out the past 2 weeks….we will need a dental clinic trip planned soon for Rodeo!

An Exciting Day of Worship

Group Gathered With the Children.

One of the greatest experiences in another country is worshiping the Lord among a different culture. This past Sunday marked our sixth worship service in Santa Rosa el Rodeo and it was another memorable day. Due to some extremely hard work on Saturday, we were able to have church inside the walls. The service was amazing and extremely hot without a roof.

There was a huge response from the village and the people filled up the service for the second straight week. I know that numbers don’t matter, but I think that the seventy plus people represented the way that the group ministered in the name of Jesus Christ. There were people that attended worship  directly because of our group loving on them during the week.

Personally, my favorite part of the service is singing and hearing others lift praises up to the Lord. Jennifer invited the children from the village to sing during the service. One of my favorite times each day is to here these precious children shout and sing praises to Jesus. I will usually stop if I am working and just listen to the sweet praises being lifted to our King.

View of Worship Within the Walls.

The service included Brother Tony and Brother Stan encouraging and preaching to those gathered. Max asked me to preach the longer Sermon. Once again, I had the privilege to prepare to proclaim God’s word in another language. I spoke from John 17:20-26. The message was intended to build upon the last three Sermons that I preached. The prior messages have been about the gospel, true salvation, and discipleship. The message that I preached on Sunday was about focusing on our lives in Jesus Christ. We looked at the prayer that Jesus lifted up for the future believers and the call to be unified, display his glory (message of the Gospel) and have his love in us.

Reuben and Others Gathered for Lunch After Service.

Many exciting things took place during this Sunday. For starters, six women volunteered to work with the children in the church in the future. Also, Reuben was being used to translate English into Spanish for Bro. Tony. Before he translated, he proclaimed to the people gathered that he was not a special man and struggled with four main things in his past. However, he declared that in that place, God changed him by grace. It was exciting to hear this man proclaim that God has changed him. After the service we provide lunch for everyone gathered. It was amazing to see them have full bowls of food after hearing the word of God. Thankfully, the exciting part of the worship was individuals being reconciled to God. There were four people that were saved during the service. Max’s daughter showed me a list after service, and nine people have become Christians since the first week of worship. Seeing people reconciled is the reason that this church is being planted and built in Santa Rosa el Rodeo. A building is being built in this village, but more importantly a church body is being established among these people. 

Santa Rosa el Rodeo Building Update

Front View of The Church Completed With Block.

The most visible sign of progress in the village is the construction of the church building. Many things have been accomplished on the building over the past two weeks while the groups were here. The various stages of the construction process have coincided with the discipleship and church planting in the village.

I recall when the footings had to be dug in order to give the building a solid foundation. The same seemed to be true about the people and children in Santa Rosa el Rodeo. We built relationships with people and began introducing them to the gospel of Jesus Christ. All of our time and that of others were used to build a foundation. Since that time, we have seen people grow stronger and flourish in their relationships with Jesus Christ.

The building process has reminded me of a rubix cube. There seems to be many moving parts that must be coordinated together, much like the different ideas for this building. We represented a mindset of desires from the United States concerning the building process. Bro. Max also had certain desires and plans that were the same and different. Then, we had a group of Guatemalan workers that work a certain way. All of these components had to come together so we could function properly. If not, we would continue to spin around and never finish the project much like an uncompleted rubix cube. However, when every component functions properly then everything aligns together. Thankfully, God has been in control and led the entire process. We are confident that every decision has been used to allow this building to be a tool for making disciples in Santa Rosa el Rodeo.

While the groups were here, all four walls were erected and all the columns were poured with concrete. The building was originally designed in preparation for another level in the future. The workers erected extra columns in order to strengthen the structure. However, we did not feel like we should prepare the building for another level. When the groups arrived, we cut half the columns out of the building and redesigned the block laying process. The workers wanted to lay six blocks and then pour a solid eight-inch bean of concrete for the next layer. That process would have taken twice as long and unnecessary for a single-story building.  

View of the Steel Rafters Upright.

The groups have been so willing to help on the building in any form or fashion. Together, we have allowed the hired workers to complete their task quicker and more efficient. During the two weeks, we have seen more than just the walls standing. The bathroom building was excavated for the footings, and the footings were poured. The walls for the bathroom building and the plumbing have been completed. The most daunting task for the past week was exhuming the dirt from within the church walls. The entire dirt had to be leveled and required strong-backs, many shovels, and wheelbarrows. It was unreal how much dirt had to be removed. Another job required a couple of our guys to help Max’s son Danny with the rafters. The steel for the rafters were cut, wielded and painted for the roof. Also, we ran electricity to the church building and installed a 12-circuit box inside. These were the most visible changes wile the groups were here in Guatemala.

Today, we returned to the property to minister in the village. We were astounded by how much work was completed since Tuesday afternoon. I don’t know if the workers were extremely tired this week or just trying to make the job last. However, they worked exceedingly slow Monday and Tuesday. Evidently, they put everything in high gear over the last two days. We were flabbergasted when we arrived and saw the entire rafters upright in position and the rest of the blocks finished. The men also blocked up part of the floor for the stage and leveled the rest of the dirt. As I was marveling at all of the work, Nick called out to me and told me that the electricity was connected to the power pole. We were all very excited at everything that we saw.  It was overwhelming to see how close the building is to being completed.

Bathroom Building

I am thankful to be here and be apart of this building process. My only desire was for our groups to see the building with a roof and a floor. However, God is in control and used the willingness of our group members to enable the building to be where it is now. Also, our group accomplished things this week that have a greater impact than a building. 

First Week of Loco Gringos

OK, No we haven’t all fallen off the face of the earth. And we are so sorry for not keeping a better day-by-day account for those who are keeping up with Bethel’s mission team. Week 1 is complete, and we are amazed by how God used us in this village. The team ministered in one village the entire week. We saw God pour out his blessings by focusing our energy and attention to one oppressed village. Bethel’s team worked in perfect harmony alongside each other. Not just in construction of houses, mixing of mortar, tossing of cinder blocks but also in passing out crayons, candy, and food.

The primary focus was the building of the church. `The church is well on its way, and hopefully the structure will have a roof and floor by the end of the second week. All together we had 34 and ½(Cadence isn’t quit tall enough to be counted as one yet, though she eats as much as another person!) gringos invading el Rodeo daily with the love of Christ. The first day is always a little crazy and hectic because new comers don’t really know what to do, the old timers have to figure out how to square up a 12x12 building again, and we had the added element of some just jumping in and working alongside a Guatemalan brick mason. It was interesting to say the least. Marvin was the man of the hour…”Donde esta Marvin?” everyone had questions for Marvin here, there, and everywhere. He was awesome, and in his niche. Everyday he has handled problems or complications that has come up, has been an excellent translator, and has bridged the gap between the Americans and the Guatemalans.

One exciting way that we ministered in the village was cooking the people a hot meal. A few weeks ago, we purchased a gas stove for the church with money raised by Toxey Baptist Church. We are Baptists….we like to meet and eat. So we fed people. We fed around 80 people 3 of the 5 days we were in the village. One sweet boy, Freddy, received his bowl of beef stew and rice on Saturday and just held it for awhile, staring. Finally, a lady from the team walked over to him, smiled, and motioned for him to eat. Once he tasted, the bowl was licked clean just a few minutes later, and he was so grateful for having a full stomach for once. Watching those children eat those hot meals were beautiful and a picture of God’s providence.

Another form of ministry in the village was Vacation Bible School. The V.B.S. in the village was filled with lots of games, singing, coloring, reading Bible stories, and of course snacks and candy. I foresee us really needing a dental mission trip to this village in the next few years due to all the candy we’ve passed out in the last week! We averaged about 60-80 kids daily with one day hitting the 100 mark. It is always amazing to invest in children, and plant seeds early in life. We poured the love of Christ into the future church of el Rodeo, and we know that God will see the harvest even if we don’t.

The highlight of the week was the worship service Sunday on the church property. The work we are doing is to provide a structure, the people gathered on Sunday was the church. Sunday’s church service deserves an entire blog entry alone. Satan did NOT want us making it to church. That morning we ran late due to a marathon that had traffic slowed to a crawl for several miles, then we found ourselves in a political party parade. When we finally made it to el Rodeo, we all saw one the most beautiful sights. We saw a church family praising and worshiping the one true God despite the construction hazards all around. The people of Santa Rosa el Rodeo sat on benches borrowed from another church. There were over 75 people gathered from the village to worship that morning. As soon as we arrived, it was pretty much time for the kids and the group to sing some of the songs that were sung during V.B.S. The kids did great, and the gringos tried their best to hang in there and sing all the songs in Spanish. Marvin preached in Spanish and spoke about being a disciple. He told a little about the disciples who followed Jesus, and read the great commission for Christians to “go into all the earth.” Marvin also laid out the plan of salvation, and explained why exactly we were in the village building a church. Pastor Max then summed up what Marvin had preached, and had an invitation. Do you recall Reuben that was mentioned a couple articles ago? Well, he and his significant other accepted the gift of salvation! Many others came forward, asking for prayer, and many of the people seemed genuinely broken and just cried out to God. It was probably one the most powerful church services I’ve ever attended. One teenager described the service by saying, “I didn’t understand a lick of what was said, but I felt the power and spirit of God in that place.” The stunning element of the service was that the community gathered for church was the exact people that were ministered to during the week by our group. We saw a direct correlation between the love of Christ we shared, and the people overwhelmed to search for that love from the Lord.

Monday and Tuesday we were all back at it again; building houses, mixing mortar, cooking lunch, singing songs, kicking balls, blowing bubbles, and throwing blocks. The village was buzzing with joyful people all around. Tuesday we dedicated five houses, giving those families a Spanish Bible, bed, blanket, and groceries. All were very grateful, and broken that people would help them out so much. The group also built two more houses that will get concrete floors, fronts, and doors this week before we dedicate Then the gringos had to tell the kids they wouldn’t be back tomorrow because they were returning home in America. Not good. We had a lot of crying children in need of plenty of hugs and candy this afternoon from the handful that stayed back to finish out the day in el Rodeo. I think for my emotional sanity, I may not tell the kids when our last day in the village will be this summer.

And so we end week one with sad goodbyes, but with a promise of more progress and seeds planted during week two. Adios Bethel, it was a blast! We love our church family in Citronelle, AL and we are excited to see where God will lead us next to continue to fulfill the Great Commission. We all need to be reminded to disciple those around us and continue to have compassion for the nations around the world.

           

Arrived and Tired

The vehicles are parked and the group is here safely.

We are thankful that our group from Bethel Baptist Church and Bro. Tony Meinhardt arrived safely in Guatemala today. It is unreal how quick the time has faded since we have been in Guatemala. However, we are extremely excited and exuberant that our group is here in Guatemala. The group is excited to get in the bed and get some sleep. The group left last night 8:30 and traveled to Atlanta (thanks to Mr. Robby DeVore). Then it was a full day of flights. Pray that God will grant them energizing rest tonight.

Tomorrow, we begin work on the church and ministry in Santa Rosa el Rodeo. Our desire is to seek the will and heart of the Lord during this trip. We want to be sensitive to his leading and guidance. We can not do anything on our own! Our best efforts are merely worthless without the blessing and direction of the Lord. We are excited to build houses and the church building. However, the people in this country is our main focus. We want to follow the Great Commission and share the gospel with them. May the Lord grant us the compassion that Jesus had when he looked upon the crowds.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." 

Matthew 28:19,20

A Man Named Reuben

Men Working on the Footings

A week that was supposed to be so full of expectations and joy was promptly squeezed-out, or let me say rained upon. There were many parts of the church building that we had hoped would be ready when the groups arrived. Unfortunately, the work was not completed at the rate that would have accomplished those aspirations. I’ll be honest, as each minute has passed over the past few days, I have become more stressed, irritated, frustrated, and mad. However, a shower of rain and a divine moment can change everything.

One of the most time consuming and tedious jobs is the concrete footings for the church. The footings will ensure that the building is sat upon a solid foundation. It is a very important task and one that needed to be accomplished before the groups arrive on Wednesday. The property in the village is not level, so the trenches for the footings are deeper than normal. The footings in Guatemala are usually around three feet deep. However, the trenches in the back are almost five foot due to the nature of the slope. The job has taken almost twice as long as first anticipated for a variety of reasons (two greatest reasons being rain and the workers). Yesterday, the work came to a sudden halt and the job looked like it would not be complete before our group arrived in Guatemala.

The men yesterday morning were more or less working at their normal ho-hum pace. Some of the workers are great men with integrity. Others seem to be milking the job for more time and money. The plan was for the rest of the rebar columns to be erected for the front, back and left wall. Then pour concrete around the columns. That would ensure that the entire trench could then be leveled with concrete on Wednesday, and ultimately be prepared for the group to begin laying block. After a brief conversation with one of the men and a horrendous rainstorm, everything changed. The man explained to me that they might erect the columns for the right side, but they will not pour concrete at their base. Also, he said that they were going to concrete only the left wall. Suddenly, the rain began to pour and all the men quit working. As I sat in the vehicle, I continued to get madder and madder. I began fuming about the words that he had spoken and the men relaxing in the building. I was determined that I was going to get out in the rain and erect those columns and concrete them even if I done it differently.

Children Gathered for Backyard Bible Club

I got out of the car and began moving columns to the excavated slots specifically carved for each column. I noticed one of the men watching me after the second one I carried. Before long, every man was watching me move the columns and working in the rain. Then I grabbed the two wrenches and started angling the steel so the columns could be erected in the ground. When I was bending the second before the last, one of the men came to me and said, “Your bends are not angled enough.” “Here, do it like this.” I am glad that I didn’t know how to express the thoughts in my head in Spanish. I was irritated. I was mad. I was fuming. I was about to say something…and then I experienced a defining moment.

My defining moment was a divine appointment with a man named Reuben. I first noticed him in my peripheral vision, and then I heard a voice proclaim, “Hey big brother!” I was caught off-guard due to the situation and his Latino-styled, Californian accented English. I started speaking to him in Spanish and he said, “English please, my Spanish is bad.” As the conversation continued, I knew that God had allowed us to meet together. The man proceeded to tell me his testimony, information about the village, and encouragement.

Reuben was originally from Belize and went to Sunday School as a child. Later in life, he got caught up in drugs and became a shame to his family. He spent time in prison and time in rehabs. He told me that Jesus became his ultimate rehabilitation. He knew the Bible and continued to quote verses. Every verse seemed to be relevant with either situations that my family is facing or questions about the future. The most powerful statement that he made was, “Marvin, don’t give up. What you are doing to serve God is beautiful. Continue to push and walk forward. Currently, it might feel like you are stepping in the thorns, but one day the soil of the people in this village and project will be like planting your feet in fertile soil.”

Guatemalan Birthday Party for Max's Grandson

I learned many lessons yesterday. I also had other lessons reinforced in my life. I was reminded yesterday that people are led by example. In the past, I have been taught that the best form of leadership is servant leadership. Usually, we all enter our vehicle when it begins to rain. However, yesterday I was determined to work and finish the footings. When I began working and striving in the rain, the other men began to leave the comforts of the shelter. The men rolled up their sleeves and joined me working in the rain. I was also reminded that we serve an amazing God that knows each of us individually. He knew that I needed that divine encounter, the defining moment yesterday. I am in love with God and I pray that each day he will mold my family and me. How great is our God!

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the mane of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to 

God the Father through him.” 

Colossians 3:17

Gotta Go, Go, Go, Go, Go

Yes, it’s been awhile. Time seems to slip by fast when you’re really busy. Most of you probably know that we made an unexpected trip back to the states for a few days to attend the funeral of Jennifer’s grandmother, Dora Lee Stewart. She was an amazing woman who loved God, and her family. She struggled with Alzheimer’s disease the last two years of her life, but no more. She is dancing and singing with Jesus now, with her memory intact and not a care in the world. We are thankful for the life of love she gave us as an example to live by.

            

We were able to see God’s divine plan by working out all of our flight plans on our return trip Friday. We had someone new to worry about as well. We welcomed Nick Meinhardt into our family, as he joined us on our return to Guatemala. Nick is an awesome young man, who has decided to spend the rest of his summer serving the people in Santa Rosa el Rodeo. It’s also great to have an extra pair of hands helping out with Cadence and work on the property. Anyway, Nick was loaded down with plenty awesome goodies such as Peter Pan peanut butter, beef jerky, tuna fish, and more than enough puffs for Cadence to last awhile. Unfortunately, someone also thought that tuna fish was priceless, and decided to use their “five-finger” discount and take every can of tuna that was in Nick’s bag. Maybe they will choke on it. Just kidding.

           

On Saturday, we arrived in Santa Rosa Rodeo for a long day of work….concrete. If you’ve ever had the privilege to work with a concrete crew in Guatemala, you know it is no easy task. All of the mixing is done by hand; well, with hoes, shovels, and a wheelbarrow. Concrete is now in the “kitchen” building, the “hombres” house, and the material building.

            

On Sunday, we attended the 2^nd worship service with the people of el Rodeo. Pastor Max has a wonderful extended family, and his brother and some members from his brother’s church attended, and provided worship leadership. As with all church planting, you really never know how many people to exactly expect, and we are still in the very early stages.

            

So far this week, we now have 4 men working on the foundation. They are also living on the church property during construction. Jennifer has nicknamed them the “ninja turtles”. Crazy, we know. Starting Wednesday, we had an additional 3 men working on the property Jennifer may possibly have to invent a new name since it will be 8 men now.

            

Please pray that these men will hear the gospel and encounter salvation. Also, pray for the integrity of all the men who pick up a shovel, axe, or wheelbarrow. Also pray for our patience. As Americans, we want everything our way and done yesterday. Everywhere else in the world, things happen when they happen, and no one really gets in a rush for anything. We are working, on a deadline now, as we are trying to get to a certain point with the church building before groups begin coming in next week. WOW. Next week. We have so, so, so much to do!           

            

Also, please to continue to pray for Cadence, as she now has 2 teeth coming in, and is trying to be more & more independent with walking. It’s not easy keeping her clean, so please continue to pray for health and safety. We have also discovered what we call “baby crack” for Cadence…Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, which kept her happy on the plane rides, and always calms her down if she seems to be pitching a fit. She has picked up the words “go, go, go, go, go ” from one of the songs on the episode we downloaded.  Those words are really fitting to describe our family right now. Between traveling to the United States, gathering supplies in Guatemala, and traveling to the village we seem to go, go, go, go, go!

            

Pray for us as we continue to “speak in tongues” as God allows us to speak and understand Spanish beyond our knowledge at times. And pray Satan away! He always chooses to kick us when we are down, and undertaking a project like this requires Satan to stay away and things to go as smoothly as possible.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO AND ALL YOUR PRAYERS!! 

(Jennifer wrote this blog, as I am sure you can tell)