Reflection #4 - What now?

Romans 12:13

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

It became quite obvious how rich our family is. We don't drive $100,000 vehicles, my kids don't have the newest Air Jordans, we don't have memberships to the local ski hill.

BUT, we are so so rich compared to so many others in the US, and especially around the world.

That means we have more to give. Our family is looking at ways to make changes in order to be more generous with our financial blessings.

Matthew 25: 35

"...I was a stranger and you invited me in."

If you know me, you know that I have a huge heart for people in our country who speak English as a second language, especially new arrivals and those who have come under horrible circumstances.

I have been aware for several years now that our county does not have an ESL program for adults. No, we don't have a huge population or a glaring need for it, but we do have "strangers" who live among us who need to be shown the love of Christ. EVERYONE should have the opportunity to be in community with Him and others. The church is not reaching everyone. We need to do a better job.

By my count from the state of Michigan school data website, there are nearly 200 ESL students enrolled in the public schools in our county. And all of those students have at least one parent, aunt, uncle, neighbor, and/or friend that may also be a "stranger."

I am hoping and praying and discerning if God is calling me to help launch or facilitate an ESL program through our church (or any church in the county). Next week I will be meeting with our Pastor of Outreach and Community to share my heart and this possible opportunity to "invite them in" as Jesus says in Matthew 25:35.

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Day 1 - Surprise!

We are deeply saddened that one of our teammates became very ill and her and her husband can no longer join us on the mission trip. They have spent countless hours in meetings and preparations and our hearts are broken. A few hours after we found out this news, Caleb said, “Maybe Timmy and I should go?” An hour after that we were changing names on the airline tickets and doing laundry and they joined the team! God is full of surprises. I would never in a million years imagine this would have happened. I’m so excited to have our whole family serving together again! We have landed in Miami and are waiting for our connecting flight. Praise God for travel mercies!

Day 2

We were able to get started on projects today. Some of the team worked on building some reinforcement walls for the canal/water system which involved mixing lots of concrete by hand. The mixer was broken but one of our handy team members was able to get it fixed after a few hours. It’s so cool to see how the gifts of different people become highlighted on trips like these. Our family worked on painting some of the classrooms. They needed it!!! After lunch, we were invited by some house parents to their home because they wanted to pray for us before they leave. Their family’s last day will be December 31st and we have grown to be dear friends. Casa Bernabe will not be the same without them, but that’s how life goes, right? The ministry will continue and a new couple will carry on loving the boys in that house. Please pray for the transition for boys in the house and our friends who are starting a new chapter. We were so touched that THEY wanted to pray for US. This is just one shining e...

Day 3

These children are “Jesus with skin on.” They don’t care if you are tall, short, American, Guatemalan, fat, skinny, young, or old. They will walk right up to you, give you a hug, and take you by the hand as if you’ve been friends forever. We were able to attend church with the community here and it is always an uplifting time of hearing God’s Word. After church we had lunch and the team split into two groups - one to continue painting the school and the other to sort donations. I joined the donations group and the rest of my family was painting. The missionary liaison has a list of the needs for specific houses so we laid the clothing out in order and fulfilled their “orders.” Most of what YOU donated is going directly to a child and we will probably see them wearing the items tomorrow. It’s kinda cool. Our team raised some extra funds this year so we will be able to purchase the remaining needs at Walmart before we leave. I didn’t take a single picture today, but that’s a good thing b...

Guatemala 2024/25

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