Our group of men made it to Guatemala. Bill and Garry arrived from Florida, and David and I arrived from Kentucky. I want to start by thanking each one of them for saying yes to traveling to Guatemala this year. I know time at home is precious. But, being willing to come serve Jesus this week is HUGE!
You never know how long the immigration lines will be or how dealing with customs and our luggage will go. There were no lines and they waved us through customs. For the first time, Guatemala used all electronic documentation. Very efficient. We walked out of the terminal and Ben was pulling up in the Bethel vehicle…easy!!! Ben really surprised me this year. Almost every year I have been here, Ben or his dad have taken us to Burger King as our first stop. We passed it up this year. He took us to a Guatemalan Mexican food restaurant. That’s right…Mexican food. I loved it. Ben, thanks for mixing things up and keeping it fresh!
We then made the drive to Tecpan. It should probably take a little more than an hour. It took us almost two. But, we made the most of the time. We enjoyed the view of all the volcanoes and had a great conversation about Jesus and the differences in world religions. We discussed what keeps people from accepting Christ as both their Lord and Savior. That’s what we will spend this week doing. We will show them the love that God has for them through helping meet their physical needs such as a wheelchair, home, clothing, education and stoves. We will also share the love that Christ has for them through His sacrifice on the cross. Read Romans 10:5-15. This will show you the passion and purpose behind all we will do this week. None of this comes from us. It all comes from God!
After making it to the hotel, we spent some time relaxing and getting unpacked. For the first time, I’m actually staying in a room on the second floor. I kind of got used to my little corner room on the first floor. But, it’s actually warmer up here. David is my next door neighbor. Garry is on the third floor. I don’t know if I’ve actually ever been up there. I look forward to hearing how it was to sleep up there.
We then met for dinner. Juanito, Ana, Danny, Ruth and Esdres all came to spend time with us. I love that family so much. Everyone is doing well. Danny is the youngest son of Juanito. Danny is now 21. I started coming here when he was 7 years old. I’m so proud of each of the kids (not kids anymore). Danny has learned a lot of English because of Noah. They message back and forth and have become good friends. It has meant a lot to Danny to have that friendship.
Ben and Emily will be working with us this week. We will unfortunately miss Nick and Izzey as they are helping another team near the coast. Ben and Emily’s daughters will be with us. Such cuties. I love their sweet family. Seeing them serve Jesus together makes my heart so happy. They truly have become such good friends. God has blessed this ministry. I’m thankful to be a part of what is happening here.
I’m also so thankful to Bill for helping lead this team. He has been so amazing to serve and work with. His faithful commitment to the people of Guatemala has encouraged me so much. He and Maureen packed amazing bags full of donations that we will bless people with this week. I cannot thank you enough for your hard work!
Well, off to sleep. I am praying roosters don’t wake me up too early. Please pray for Garry, Bill, David, me and the entire Bethel team. Pray for our health. Pray for our hearts. I pray God gives us the strength and endurance to carry out His mission. Pray for all the people we will me and work with. I pray their hearts will be open to God’s call on their lives.
Dios te Bendiga (May God Bless You),
Brad