18 people - 10 Days - 1 Mission: Changed lives

As I think back over the days in Guatemala, I can truly say that God was there. For some of the teams members, this trip was their first missions experience of this kind, for others it was a return to a familiar place. For all of us, it was an opportunity to meet with God.

We had a great team that was willing to do whatever it took to finish the tasks that were assigned to us. The women teaching sewing to the children, also had the privilege of teaching some of the moms that came to the school after the students were gone. The moms were learning how to sew the uniform pants to help with some of the expenses. We had a team of electricians that have been working throughout the school and grounds to trace lines and replace those that need to be replaced. Phys Ed and Hygiene were also taught this week. What a need from these students who have very little in this area. There were also construction projects that are always begging for attention.

The majority of the students are from the dump area in Guatemala City. Without Mi Refugio, their hope for anything other than a life of extreme poverty is zero. With school costing about $150 a year and the average income being about $400. Needless to say, school is not a priority and children working in the dump looking for recyclable items is a necessity.

Along with the 150 students attending the school, there are 53 others that have graduated the 6th grade and are now being helped to further their education. Twenty four are in High School (7th - 9th grade). Eight are in career school (which helps them get ready for the next level) our 10th - 12th grades. Nine are in university. Two are studying to be doctors! Twelve are taking special classes after career school. Lives are being changed!

A new venture is the building of housing for the poorest of students' families. Many are living in whatever they can find to erect a shelter. Many times it is old steel and cardboard. Water is collected for drinking and washing in drums that catch run off from the roofs. This year we put up the shell and dug a cistern for a family that was living in a corrugated steel shelter that was about 8x12 feet. When it rained, water would run down the mountain, through the house and drip through the roof. Nine family members lived in this home. Seven children, two parents. Five of the children attend the school. The new house is 12x15ft with a loft for the children to sleep. Lives are being changed!

We had a time of worship and teaching each night after dinner. Our study this year was a focus on “Knowing God not Knowing About God”. Paul said in Phil. 3:10 that he wanted to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Paul, the writer of the majority of the New Testament, wanted to KNOW God not about God. As we studied different passages through the week we were challenged to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. A look into the Word that had an impact on every one of us to grow to know Him better. This level of knowing God transforms our lives into the image of Christ! Lives are being changed!

With each trip that we have the opportunity to take, God uses it to shape each team member and expose areas in their lives that need to be changed and conformed to the image of Christ. This trip was no different as God spoke into our lives and revealed Himself to us in a new and fresh way!

Thank you for your prayers, all the supplies, clothes and the opportunity to lead this great team!