Our first full day!

Here we are at the end of our first full day in Guatemala. It has been a pretty low-key day after we returned from church this morning.  We went to Sendro de la Cruz, a church only a short distance from the Groundwork Guatemala House.  The name means "the path or way of the cross." This is Manuel's church (Manuel and his family live here at the ministry house and work with Kevin and Ginny Holmes, the Americans who oversee this ministry.) Ginny explained to us that they want this organization to be a ministry where Guatemalans are helping Guatemalans.

Worshipping at this church was a really beautiful experience. The idea of the universal Body of Christ is something with which we are familiar, but to actually experience this world-wide community of Christ-followers is a whole other story.  It is truly humbling and inspiring to worship the very same God with people who live in a culture so very different from our own. We also were able to take communion with them, as one body, one people who worship the same Lord. While it may seem like there are so many differences between them and us, we were able to experience our common belief in Christ. And really, that is the most important thing we could ever have in common.

These people worshipped with their whole hearts. They sang with such sincerity and heartfelt praise.  While I, and many others, didn't understand many of the words being sung, it was evident these people were praising their Savior with all they had.  Liturgical dance was another aspect of the service through which they praised God. Watching the young girls dance to the music with such energy and joy was so very beautiful.

It was a blessing to be so warmly welcomed by these people. We were greeted with many smiles, hugs, and kisses from the people of the congregation.  They received us with open arms.

This afternoon, we spent our time here at the ministry house. Ginny introduced us to the week ahead, explaining a little about what we will experience.  We learned that we will be visiting a ministry tomorrow morning called "Only a Child." This ministry works with street boys who live near the city dump.  We will also have the opportunity to do some house visits tomorrow afternoon. This will give us an opportunity to share God's word with families on a more intimate, one-on-one level.  I am excited for this chance to share Jesus' love with people in this way.  At the same time, I am somewhat apprehensive about knowing what to say.  But as Ginny reminded us this afternoon, God will speak through us and will lead us to share what these people need to hear.  

We also continued our planning for the faith lessons we will teach on Tuesday through Friday.  We will be teaching groups of adults and children throughout these few days, so we spent some time figuring out how to best apply the story to their lives. Please pray that God would guide us as we continue to plan and prepare for  the teaching we will do later this week!

We also ask for your prayers for God to work through us tomorrow and that we would be free from any fears or uncertainties that may hold us back.  May He use us for His purposes!!  Thank you for all your love and prayers!!

In Christ,
Ellen