Wonderful Wednesday: Dedication Day

                 Our morning started out with a bang. A volcano in the distance rumbled and we saw ash puff out, which was really neat to see. After that, Bill Fennema wrapped up the week by leading us in devotions this morning, while including the other devotions from earlier in the week. Shortly after devotions, we went outside to take pictures of the group in our theme shirts, and went off to the village, La Alemada, for dedications. 

                    12 new homes were dedicated to our new Guatemalan friends. We split into 2 groups, and both dedicated 6 houses. One group was led by Pastor Isabel, the local pastor in the village, along with Kirk, a missionary that works closely with the groups and translator. The other group was led by Pastor Max, a pastor friend of Grace Ministries, and Josh Suruy, the translator that works with most groups. Dedications consist of presenting the family with food, household goods, and Bibles, as well as prayer to bless their new homes. We close dedications by singing the Doxology in Spanish, and lighting firecrackers. The dedications were very powerful and emotional, and it is a very special time for all that came to serve and those that are receiving the home.

                    After getting back from the village, we went to another village very close to the mission house, and did more food distribution. It was bittersweet to complete our last task of loving and serving the people of Guatemala. The smiling faces at the food distribution, along with hugs of gratefulness, was a great way to fill our hearts and minds with precious memories of our time in Guatemala. It was a great week and we all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to come here.

-Joy Petersen, Mary Wells, and Kyle Bennink

Taco Tuesday

     The day started with devotions led by Jan Timmer. They were about trials and sufferings, and were a great way to start the day. Before splitting off into two groups, we went down the hill to the school, and talked with teachers there to help them practice their English. The work that the teachers and leaders are doing is absolutely amazing and inspiring. 

    The majority of the team went to Tava, the village that was made from the refugee center of the displaced families, from the eruption of the volcano Fuego, that happened in 2018. In the 97 degree weather, we painted the inside of the Ark, which is going to be a library for their kids. We helped distribute fresh produce to around 140 families there. and held a Vacation Bible School for the near 100 kids there. 

    The remaining members of the team went back to the village to finish the 12 houses. All fronts are completed, including doors, windows, and hardware. We are looking forward to dedicating the houses tomorrow, and are so happy to have been blessed by these families. 

Scott, Jace, and Becky

p.s. We had lasagna for dinner, not tacos :)

Birthday Monday

     We started off this beautiful Monday with a great devotion from Becky and Kyle about going out of your comfort zone, living in the moment and trusting God's guidance to lead you. With this year being different than any other, we felt that their message was truly thought provoking and provided a great challenge for us all. After devotions, we split into 3 groups, one group going to VBS at Lazaro's church, one group going to the market to purchase gifts for dedications and another group going to the village to finish building the remainder of the houses.  We have completed 6 homes with just a few final touches on the remaining 6. We only had one losing battle to the sheet metal resulting in just a few minor stiches. No need to worry, the victim is doing just fine!

    The story for VBS was the feeding of the thousands which tied in perfectly with the food distribution we did later in the day. We handed out 150 bags of staples ranging anywhere from food to blankets to soap. The masks couldn't hide the joy on their faces.

    Upon returning to the mission house from food distributions, we all had to get our COVID tests in order to be able to return home. Lots of prayers were being said, and we are so blessed that God answered those prayers and provided us all with NEGATIVE test results. We will get the official paperwork tomorrow morning, but there is a huge weight that has been lifted off our shoulders. To celebrate, we all had cake and ice cream for Scott Eisel's 50th birthday and Joe Hendriksma's 14th birthday! What a very happy ending to a wonderful day. We cannot wait to see what great adventures tomorrow will bring with the light of Christ leading us along the way. 

- Abby Eisel, Steve Petersen and Kris Gortsema

Sunday Funday

     Today we experienced Antigua and what God is doing in Guatemala which tied in nicely with Tico's devotional. He discussed how in Hebrews 12:1 that we need to fix our eyes on the LORD and persevere. We saw this firsthand in the market where many Guatemalans had to battle over the last year with the pandemic, Tico also discussed our verses this year in Galatians 3 and how we're all united in faith as children of God. Overall today was a restful and relaxing day.   

     Challenge: Matthew 11:28, so with all the craziness of COVID-19 we want to remind you to seek out God to guide you through these tough times. Lean on all your brothers and sisters so that together we can all glorify our Father.

By: Jan, Braden, and Ed

Lots of activity today!  

Saturday-  After breakfast and devotions, we went to the El Tejar dump to pass out food and spend time with the families living there. We were able to see first hand the daily lives of these people.  As we arrived a truck was making a drop into the dump. those who live there all have assigned jobs to go through and sort items or scavenging for anything they can repurpose, eat, or use for daily needs. They also find bottles, glass and metal to return for scrap. These people are on the lowest rung of poverty in Guatemala, only earning about $12 per week, per family!  We were able to gather together and pray with them. Then we passed out meals to everyone. These people are quite amazing. I could not fathom living the life that these people do, but every time I get to experience this it is extremely overwhelming with emotions. To have nothing and to be so grateful but full of life. I will never forget visiting them. I feel blessed being able to be apart of their lives even just for a short period of time. God bless the families of the El Tejar dump.

We then spent the day completing houses we started yesterday and each group began at least another home.  We have nearly completed 9 houses at this point, on track to meet our goal of 12.   Thank you to all the house sponsors, as the families have been so grateful for the support.  

Before dinner, our groups young people were invited to worship with the Grace Youth Group from the nearby town.  When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the area youth and their leaders.  Fortunately some could speak English.  We each paired up with a local student to get to know them and make a connection.   Afterwards we played charades with the group.  After we spent some time together, we were treated to a traditional Guatemalan dish- Chicken Pepian.  It was delicioso!

Before heading off to bed, our team assembled nearly 300 food bags to be provided at food distributions later this week.   Looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow!   Thank you for your continued prayers this week.  

Chris B, Renae & Rob 

February 19, 2021

     We started our day with devotions, led by Scott Eisel. His devotions was really well worded and a great encourager for us all. Later we sang the song "By Faith", which went very well with Scott's devotions and really was a great way to start off the week, reminding us all that no matter the circumstances we need to trust God and have faith. 

    Shortly after at about 8:30 we left for the village, La Alameda, which was around 15 minutes away from the mission house. There we unloaded our tools, met the families and started work on the first houses. We split into 3 groups, each reaching our goals of having one and a half houses done by the end of the day. Vacation Bible School had a great turnout, with at least 100 kids! We did crafts and played games in a large outdoor courtyard/soccer field. The kids had a blast and so did we. We taught the story of Joshua at the battle of Jericho and made trumpets with the kids to help them understand the story. 

    We all saw God in our own ways today, in the children's laughter and smiles, in the beautiful scenery, and the welcoming community! They are so happy we came to Guatemala and we are so grateful for the opportunity to help the people of Guatemala. It is such a blessing to be able to serve, and be able to show God's love to the people. We are constantly reminded of our theme, "One in Christ", and our verse, "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28).

-Eli TeHennepe, Steve Moelker, Beth DeVries

Arrived in Guatemala!

 We arrived!  Flights took off with out a hitch, caught our Grand Rapids to Miami flight this morning, followed by a rushed run to the next concourse over to make our flight to Guatemala City.  If you have ever been to a busy city, imagine one twice as choked with cars, motorcycles and "Chicken Buses" (brightly colored retired school buses used as public transport, that act like they own the road!)  Traffic from the airport to the Mission House took a little longer than average, but we always have interesting things to see on the way.   

Most of us are tired and a bit weary from the long day, so we are off to get a restful nights sleep.  Breakfast early in the morning, followed by devotions and our first day of building in the village.   If you would like to see where we are on a map, search Tehar, Chimaltenango.   Or click the link.   

https://goo.gl/maps/4w24K8Jx7HmzZEYx8

Stay tuned for nightly updates from the team!  

Rob & Ryan