What Truly Matters?

On Friday, we traveled to another aldea (town) to do VBS at a church that does not currently have a sister church in the US. When we arrived, the children were somewhat hesitant because 1) they were not used to going to the church for any type of activity, and 2) they were not used to seeing “gringos” (white people). It was amazing to see how God could break down barriers in a matter of minutes.
Our group devotion last night dealt with being a reflection of God’s love while on this trip. By simply loving the children and being open to allowing God to use us, the children began to smile and welcomed us openly. We began to make animals and hats out of balloons, and the children flocked. It is amazing how God can use something as simple as a balloon to draw children unto Him.
Throughout the day at this church, many seeds were planted. The children played in the cow pasture for rec time, and they made folding crosses in a room with a dirt floor. By the end of the time together, 130+ children heard the gospel presented and many adults, as well.
As we were preparing to leave, the pastor of the church, along with the elders of the church, presented the team with a beautiful Guatemalan weaving as a thank you gift. They also expressed to us their desire to build a church that draws in the children. Many of the churches here do not focus on the children and simply send them out to play in the yard during the preaching and teaching. Our sister church in Tuizicaja and the church we were at on Friday have a sincere desire to develop and disciple their children. They have built areas to teach the children, and they value their children as important in the eyes of God. What a blessing!

Yesterday was a tough day for us from the start. Dear friends of mine lost their 7 year old daughter in an accident. Claire was like a member of my family, and my girls grew up with her and spent lots of time together. As I processed the news yesterday, God reminded me of the importance and urgency to share the great news of salvation with every child, whether at home or here in Guatemala. We never know when He will call us or our loved ones home, and we must be sure that we know Christ as our Lord and Savior. I am comforted to know that Claire is in heaven with Jesus, and I can see her smiling face as she clogs for her Heavenly Father and does he cartwheels in the middle of her routine. Please continue to pray for Claire’s family.

Please continue to pray as we travel to one more church to plant seeds for a future harvest.

See you soon,
Mr. Bill