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Reflection #3 - Prayer


Before heading to Guatemala, I felt that God had a plan for me to minister to the house parents at Casa Bernabé.  I pictured watching the children to give the moms a break, possibly doing dishes, sweeping, etc.  While I did in fact get to help in this way...help with physical needs, I soon discovered the spiritual needs were much greater and God was calling me to something deeper.

My friend, Alicia, who also had a growing heart for the house parents, had a strong conviction to pray with and for them.  She would feel God calling her to pray with someone and she'd pull me along to translate.  At times I felt so inadequate.  Was my Spanish proficiency sufficient?  What if I said something wrong?  What if I translate the meaning wrong?  Doubts and fears swirled in my head. Why me?  A rich gringa from the US?

As the first day passed on, I started seeing the power of the Holy Spirit with my own eyes.  People were brought to their knees in tears and humility.  Sometimes they received confirmation of God's calling, sometimes they received healing, and sometimes they received encouragement.  I was brought to MY knees in tears and humility.  What I realized was that God loves each one of us so much.  These families know this more than anyone I've ever met.  They've had many times in their lives when they haven't been able to rely on anyone else (or themselves) to provide for them.  Their faith was deeper than I had ever imagined possible. I wanted to experience this reliance and trust in our Provider as well.

Throughout the week, my faith increased as I heard people with trauma and struggles praising God for what He had given them and sustaining them physically and spiritually through very difficult times.  When they had every right to be angry or give up, they did not. It was all about HIS goodness and mercy.

It was all about giving GOD the GLORY for all he has done for us.  He is so powerful.  He is so generous.  He is so loving.  We are so undeserving, yet he loves us unconditionally.  How great is our God!!!!

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