Mission Team-Jimmy Martin, Charles Pharr, Dale Stauffer, Yale Moore, Mike Beard, Richard Hunt, Babe Campbell, David Waldrip, Mark Thomas, David Dillard, Tom Bryant, James Tipton, Anna Maria Tipton, and Robert Puckett
Hey Lakewood, we are back at it and on another adventure to build houses and
support Pastor Saul and his church. Iglesia El Camino. Getting to the airport was very smooth thanks to great volunteers. We arrived got the team through security, got to the gate, and boarded on time. I thought to myself this is going to easy, where is the stretch in this. Then it occurred, the pilot came on while taxing out of the gate, and stated the word you hate to hear, DELAY! I thought ok how long. Well needless to say 2 hours later and after replacing an engine computer we were back at it.
The flight was smooth and we would be there soon. We connected quickly with several of our friends at the airport, got checked in at Seteca Seminary and made our way to our favorite neighborhood in Guatemala, Rayitos de Esperanza (Rays of Hope) school. We walked from the school to around the corner, where the new school will be built and were greeted from several families and friends we have connected with over the years that Lakewood has been serving in Guatemala. We had a short service and time of prayer. Pastor Saul welcomed us in the meeting and told the families how we would be serving this week in the landfill, the families and people were so excited that we had arrived, their faces were filled with so many smiles. We then were able to pass out shoes to 20 or more children, new shoes for caldron who have so little. I bet you could guess their response, smiles, thanks and joy. I was so blown away from their gratitude and expressions of thanksgiving. The children didn't care about the color, the brand, or even if it was a perfect fit. I have some thoughts on this shoe experience in the landfill neighborhood of Guatemala
First, the reality of why do we take so much for granted. We have so much to be thankful for, and we miss giving thanks a good bit of the time. I want to be more thankful! In a recent Bible study I did on the word blessed and blessing it meant to be totally content in God and His provisions. It means you were satisfied in Him alone. I desire to be more satisfied in Him. I want to be blessed in that since of the word, not hobbies, possessions, or stuff.
Matthew 6:33-"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Secondly, thanking about the shoes and the children's experience of possibly having new shoes for the first time. I thought of our salvation and how Christ greets us and clothes us in Him. A far better gift then our temporary needs, as important as that is. I want to be more appreciative for the great gift God has given to us in Christ...we have been clothed in His righteousness.
We start construction today in the landfill. Please keep our team in your prayers, more later.
Thanks,
No comments:
Post a Comment