Day 4 part 2 & Day 5 at VOH

Reflections from the team...

“The second part of yesterday [Tuesday] was spent doing a Bible story, crafts and games with the kids of the local village Chituc. When we started, there were just a handful of children. However, as we were getting started, more and more kids appeared, until there were about 20. As we started with the song “I’ve Got the Joy” in Spanish, Mrs Palarca handed one of the boys a sign with a sun on it to represent joy. Everyone got really confused and started singing “Yo tengo sol, sol, sol” (I’ve got the sun, sun, sun). It was a quite comical scene when we realized that our song wasn't quite right. We all laughed together. Then the Palarcas told the story of the resurrection eggs, and the book of gospel colors. Our craft was bracelets made with leather and colorful beads. Instead of a formal game, we threw around a football (American :-)) and kicked a soccer ball. Soon one of the little girls, Ashley, started a game of hot potato, and literally dragged most of the team into the game. After two hours of time spent in these activities, we drove back to Village of Hope, ate dinner, and got ready to go to Antigua to feed the homeless. -Alle”

“Last night [Tuesday] we experienced an incredible divine appointment. God by His great faithfulness brings about divine appointments for a specific purpose. Before I share our divine appointment I need to share some background information. Last year here at VOH, I met a teenage boy (name purposefully left out), who, like most here, has gone through many hard challenges in his young life. God gave me a wonderful connection with him. He struggled with certain things in his life. This summer he needed to move on to another place where He could receive more help with his struggles. This past year, God caused me to pray fervently for this teenage boy. For this trip, I expressed I would really like to see him again, tell him I'm praying for him. Now for divine appointment.

Last night we pulled up to the dump on our last stop to pass out soup, tortillas and Christ's love. Trash was overflowing from the entrance and I was trying to get over the stench. As I was waiting for my cup of soup to hand out, there he walked right in front of me, the teenage boy that I was longing to see this year. Our divine appointment. I quietly exclaimed to Christine, "Christine, it's ...." and exclaimed it again. We ran over and gave huge hugs. For the next several minutes we all were able to talk about last year, see how he was, point him to Christ, and to pray for him. During the prayer time, he was sobbing. He told us that he was living at the dump now. Our time was over and we needed to get going, we all hugged again and said our goodbyes. Unbelievable divine appointment. God had this appointment as part of his incredible plan. This teenage boy still needs to yield his life fully to God, not by His terms but by God's. He needs to go and get the help he needs.  The great Shepherd is after him. If you are lead, please pray for him. God brought this divine appointment for him and for me. Matthew 18:10-14 ~Shelly”

“As I reflect on the past few days here in Guatemala, two words come to mind…

Amazing

I have come to realize that my qualifications for amazing have been far too weak. Prior to coming to Guatemala, fried chicken was amazing… A really comfortable pair of shoes were amazing… Leaving work a little early felt amazing… Buying a shirt that’s on sale and finding out there’s an extra 50% off when I go to pay for it was amazing… While these are all reasons to smile and be thankful, I can’t help but admit how insignificant they are in the light of God’s idea of amazement.

Seeing a 16-day-old baby girl come home after brain surgery, that is amazing. Hearing children from a tiny village sing songs about the joy of Jesus in their heart, that is amazing. Listening to a young man recall stories of his time spent with some of our team members from a trip that took place last year, that is amazing. Hearing God being praised in a different nation from different people in a different tongue, that is amazing. 

After sharing this with a fellow team member, she submitted, “It’s because we don’t pray enough that God would do amazing things.” - I agree because I know I’m guilty of only asking small things of a big God. I ask for daily strength, patience, and sustenance - again, all good things. I sometimes don’t have enough faith to ask that God would move mountains. I’m too timid to ask God to do something amazing with my life. So unless I start seeing God as something bigger than the prayer requests I’m too scared to lift up, I will always be amazed by mere meals and good deals. 

Tension

There are certain points of tension that God places us in. Places where we know polar opposites exist, but are somehow reconciled in the vastness of God’s wisdom. God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. God’s wrath and God’s love. Christ’s sacrifice for the World and the soundness of predestination. Today I found myself seated in the uncomfortable position between Spiritual Truth and physical reality. 

We arrived at a local dumpster - a square, cinder block structure that stood about 30 feet high and 45 feet wide on all sides. Within these stone walls, covering about half of the floor were piles of trash almost as tall as the walls. Parked outside of the walls, I sat inside a 15-passenger van with my eyes fixed on two boys digging through the abyss of garbage. As I watch them rummage through discarded food, old styrofoam containers and an assortment of rotten fruits and vegetables, I try to remind myself that God has purpose for their sifting. Though it may not be discovered, I have to believe that God’s goodness is underneath the garbage heap. 

I walked through a dark alley with nothing but a cup of soup and a desire to pray for whoever is hungry enough to accept this small meal. I meet Luis - a middle-aged man in a tattered army jacket and jeans full of holes. He lives under a makeshift canopy made up of six, four foot wooden posts and garbage bags. We prayed for his son Adres, the pain he’s been feeling in his stomach, and his desire to rid himself of alcoholism. After our prayer, Luis insists I give it to one of his ‘neighbors.’ As the words coming out of my mouth reflected desperation and a plea for hope, my heart couldn’t help but wonder where Luis fits in God’s perfect plan. 

This trip, so far, hasn’t provided any concrete answers or practical applications on how to live in the tension and that’s ok. I know God holds both ends of the spectrum and every square inch in between. Now, it’s just a matter of becoming comfortable with the mystery. 

Of course, there is the beautiful possibility of these two words and ideas working in perfect harmony. The hope of God’s faithfulness ringing true, so long as I rest in His promises amidst the outworking of his plan. The hope of God’s love being found among the rubble. The hope of God’s mercy healing and saving a homeless alcoholic. And in the grand scheme of His sovereignty, the hope of God doing something utterly amazing in the tension.”

And this is our day in Antigua...

Tomorrow [Thursday] is our last day at Village of Hope. We get to spend the day with the kids and have lunch in San Lucas.

We are thankful for your prayers as always. Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a message at pureundefiledreligionexpressed@gmail.com.

~Christine and team

Day 4 at VOH - Part 1

“We headed into a small village area this morning to visit some families.  First, when we say village, it is hard to define where one ends and the next begins.  Perhaps ‘neighborhood’ is a more appropriate word to explain it in US terms since the area of the village seems rather small.  The Blocks have established relationships with several families who live in this neighborhood about two miles from VOH.  Once a week they visit and bring a bag of groceries to help them get by, though most have parents or siblings who are working.  Small children came running when they heard that everyone was also getting a small candy. Since it is a school holiday, we got to visit with two sisters who were home and they told us about their studies and aspirations for the future.  We were able to find out how the family members were doing and pray with them regarding any needs they had.  

The pictures will have to suffice for the two thousand words I lack to describe the conditions in these neighborhoods.  There are dogs and cats, small fowl up to ducks loose everywhere.  You move from dirt roads that run through the area into 3 foot wide paths that lead to, and sometimes through, the yards to get to each home.  Some have doors; most do not.  Most have outdoor wash and cooking areas.  Many have flower gardens and the home we entered was very clean and neat and tidy, despite the small size. Somehow there is water and electricity.  Most importantly, the families we met know the salvation, joy and the provision of the Lord.”

“So happy that precious little Lizzy got to go home from the hospital today!! To quote Amy Block “her future is still unknown to us, but not to God”.  Thank you Lord for Addisyn - what an amazing advocate she is for little Lizzy  ~Connie”

“Our team shared a short walk out to a small neighboring village called Chituk for lunch today. This was our second excursion out into the community surrounding VOH and gave us a chance to observe more of the Guatemalan countryside. We followed dirt roads lined with the lush and green vegetation, passing clusters of small homesteads built from sheet metal and wood, and colorful lines of dripping laundry on our way to our destination. As I have noticed, VOH seems to have touched lives not only within but outside its walls, and the place we had lunch was no exception. The ladies who served our meal started their small cooking business from their home thanks to the training, investment, and guidance of Amy and Todd. And now, whenever a team of volunteers comes through VOH they make a stop for some of the best fried chicken and rice in Guatemala. It was cool to know that we were eating a meal prepared by hands that initially came looking for work at VOH but who now have their own self-sustaining business thanks to the kind friendship of the Blocks.”

To be continued…

Prayer for Today

This morning we go to deliver food and pray with families in the community that VOH has created relationships with. This afternoon we go to a local village and share the Gospel,  make bracelets and play some games with whoever shows up. Finally, this evening we go into Antigua to serve soup and tortillas to those who are on the street and pray with them.

Would you please pray that we would glorify God through our time and activity today, that we would be Jesus' hands and feet, and that He would give us hearts of discernment and compassion, voices of love and hope.

Day 3 at VOH

Monday

7:30 Breakfast

8:30 Work Project

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Time with kids

5:00 Dinner

6:30 Devotions

Please note flower behind Justin's ear

“Today was a very busy day. We finally started our work project, which was planting flowers around the campus. We had our breakfast and headed off to a nursery to pick out whatever gorgeous, exotic, or stunning flowers we liked. Once we got home, we proceeded to plant the flowers (which involves quite a bit of digging, mixing soil, and hauling water to where the hose won't reach). We then ate lunch. We were supposed to have time with the kids at 1:30, so we spent most of the time between lunch and then preparing crafts. Soon all the kids from the three houses (casas) were eagerly awaiting craft time. Today our craft was painting little houses, weaving potholders, and making headbands and bracelets.The next 2 hours were full of laughter as we tried to explain each craft in Spanish, and helping each kid finish up their projects. Then it was cleanup time while Miss Shelly started a game of sharks and minnows, with a fun twist— everyone had a soccer ball they had to dribble to the end, and if it was kicked out of bounds, they were out! Awhile into the games, the little kids had their Bible story time with Julio, Justin and Chris. This evening, we had devotions and now we are playing games. -Alle”

“So what happens when you start wondering what to do with all the extra crafts supplies that you brought despite all that careful planning time and money spent preparing?  Well, God provides extra time with the families that needs to be filled with activities that will allow parents and siblings to work together.  Yay, God!  Those of you who prayed for flexibility and unity on our ministry team, that prayer has been answered with amazing abundance.  Someone is always nearby and offering to jump in and help, change plans on a dime, or laugh along with our attempts to communicate.  I looked at the translator today while I was trying to explain how to paint little wooden houses and asked if he would help.  He said I was doing fine.  So sweet to have this young man’s vote of confidence, but I did need to know how to say “roof” … again. 

It was great fun to speak to the man, Rolando, who takes care of the grounds here and talk about all the beautiful plants.  His whole family knows the Lord and his wife and daughter also work here.  We are looking forward to God’s stretching us in new ways tomorrow as we minister by delivering food in a nearby village and soup to the homeless in the evening in Antigua.”

“I probably haven’t met most of you reading this, but I’ve certainly heard about your prayers and commitment to making this trip a continuation of sharing the love of God. I find myself smack-dab in the middle of a team of prayer warriors and brother (sorry Justin! glad you came though!) and sisters in Christ, and for this I’m so thankful. I’ve been on several different teams ranging from medical and construction teams from Haiti to Zambia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. This is my first team though where I knew only one person at the start. I guess that’s what’s really great about this trip. I get to meet so many new people. And they talk about you and their love for Christ and how he’s working in lives everywhere. I’m glad to be a tiny part. 

If I could help you picture what I’ve seen in the time since I’ve come I’d describe browned skin and soccer balls of every color. Cement block buildings with rainbows of clean laundry twisted into ropes blowing in the breezes. Cool mornings with good coffee (grown locally) and afternoons where the sun blazes onto the concrete as kids race and roll and tumble in play. Exclamations in a language where I catch a few phrases at a time, but where smiles and laughter and wrinkled brows are universal. Dogs barking (apparently there’s a nearby kennel) at all hours, and sirens waking you from sleep. Rain falling on a tin roof. Beaded bracelets, wrought iron bars, rough but thick blankets. Green-as-can-be guacamole and fresh mango and pineapple in bowls on colorfully woven blankets. 

Describing the good things here doesn’t change the fact that people here are still people. And their struggles day to day may not always be exactly the same as mine, but Satan is still the Enemy. And I pray that as you look at our photographs and read our thoughts and time goes on that you don’t forget to pray for our brothers and sisters here. For their children, for their marriages, for their example to the community here. That lives will be changed and healed and redeemed.  -Audrey”

“Today was encouraging for me. I was honestly feeling a little discouraged last night. I was thinking about the kids before falling asleep. I know they are accepted and loved here. I know they have an abundance of food, a family, shelter, and a chance to hear about Jesus. 

But, I couldn’t help but think, surely there must be times they feel lonely. They must feel the sting of abandonment over and over, and hear the screams of past abuse. I wondered if they felt trapped in this safe shelter? I wondered if they ever felt cabin fever, wanting to leave and search for something more.

But, maybe they know there is no where else but here. They know there is no where else most of their physical needs can be met. They know there is no one else who will care enough…  SO maybe this IS their best; GOD’S best for them. 

My heart still broke for them as I fell asleep. 

But, after today, GOD encouraged my heart and reminded me of his faithfulness in their lives through the ministry at Village of Hope. The activities of today and the motivation the children had to complete the crafts proved the joy they feel from those who come and take time to sit, laugh, listen, and attempt to communicate in broken Spanish. Their simple smiles and laughter comforted my soul knowing that everyone who serves and supports this ministry, allows them to experience something different than the mundane. Each cheerful soul who knows the love of Christ and chooses to spend time here, or even those who consistently pray from a million of miles away, play a part in igniting a light of hope into their hearts… especially on those days where they must struggle to fight through raw and human emotions. -Chris” 

“Watching a former orphan, now team leader and translator's eyes sparkle and face light up as his silly faces and goofy sounds elicit raucous peals of laughter from an otherwise quiet 6 month old, God's immense love is clearly visible and almost palpable here. A 14-year-old teenage boy passes by a stroller and can't help but tickle his baby sister's chubby cheeks, hoping to turn her anxious expression into a smile. They are siblings by God's redemptive purpose, not by birth. A two week old baby, whose mother rejected her because her head was deformed by excess fluid around her brain, received life-saving surgery, has been given constant and tender loving care by a 19 year old saint, and changed the lives of an untold number of people lifting her up before their Father who helps the helpless. It was His design that this precious little one would break hearts and testify to the inestimable value of each life He creates; she is no "mistake". All of this we witnessed in twelve short hours today at Village of Hope; what a mighty and Faithful God we serve!”

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers! I leave you with the following selfie taken on an unattended phone... ~C

Day 2 at VOH

Reflections from the team...

8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Church at Village of Hope
12:00 Lunch
1:30 Crafts and games with kids
5:00 Dinner
6:00 Devotions, Reflections and Prayer
8:30 Playing "Loaded Questions" and other spirited games

“Today I got a good laugh at the group of small children here. The games were all planned out with a ton of soccer balls and dome cones. Of course, the kids had more fun putting the domes on their heads and trying to walk with a soccer ball on top of the dome. Always have to be ready to just go with it. Thanks for your prayers! ~ Shelly”

“Beautiful time of worship this Palm Sunday morning with the families. Dancing, singing, praying, and preaching from God’s Word. Blessed to be able to praise God together! ~Connie”

“This morning in Church, some of the girls danced, and it was really neat to see how joyful they are and how much they love praising God. One of the house dads spoke, and he talked about having faith in Jesus when we come upon hard times. After lunch, we did crafts and games. In crafts, our main project was making stepping stones. our cement was poured, but unfortunately we let it sit to long, and it hardened before we had finished. Eventually, we decided that the best solution was to break them all apart and redo them. The kids were happy to help us and soon we had hands covered in concrete and smiles on our faces from our comical situation. One highlight was when one of the boys decided that instead of a footprint or a handprint, he put his full face in his cement mold. All he got was a nose print however. I think he was a bit disappointed! All in all it was a wonderful day. We still have dinner and devotions, which I am looking forward too. -Alle”

“What a joy it has been to see the growth since last year, both physically and spiritually, of the children here at Village of Hope.  What a testimony to God’s faithfulness!  ~ Marie”

“Today was really an awesome experience. I loved to see the children interacting and playing with each other. You really see how impactful the kids’ experience her at VOH has been in their lives. After hearing their sad stories yesterday, it was truly amazing to see their smiling faces and laughing voices. Playing with the kids was another neat experience. They love to have you hang out with them and you see their desire to be loved. I am so thankful that each one of these kids was brought here by God to become what they were meant to be and to grow up with Christian parents who love them and, most importantly, to learn that God loves them and that they have a purpose.”

“My favorite moments are those when you connect with a child and manage to win them over. Getting them to crack a smile, laugh, or start to share a little more about their lives feels like a small accomplishment for the second day, as some are starting to interact more and try to have conversations despite the language barriers. One boy in particular today and i got a laugh when he put on my sun glasses and proclaimed ‘estoy muy guapo!’ : ‘I a very handsome!’”

“It is such a joy to work with these people, as they are so happy and patient with our attempts to communicate.  A lot of my high school Spanish is helpful, but I often get stuck in the middle of a sentence searching for the next word.  As a former teacher, I am so impressed with the kids’ attention spans as they work on the craft projects we have brought.  They are creative and share supplies and help each other, as well as putting great effort and time into their work.  They follow directions carefully.  However, today as we needed to add more water to the drying cement stepping stones, the activity finally evolved into spraying each other with the water hose and having great fun like kids anywhere. -Suzanne”

As I type there are several spirited games of cards going on in the dining room, much competitiveness and even more laughter. Loaded Question is starting so until tomorrow...

~Christine for the team

BTW - this is what happens if you leave your phone unattended in Guatemala...

Arrival and Day 1 at VOH

Our first day at Village of Hope was full and impactful.

Saturday

7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Quiet Time

8:30 Tour and Prayer Walk

10:30 Unload and Distribute Donations

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Crafts and Games with Kids

5:00 Dinner

6:00 Team devotions, Reflections and Prayer

7:00 Games and Hanging out

Some reflections from the team about our day…

“The founders and directors of VOH have worked hard to be a voice and advocate for these children while holding their hands and helping to heal their past. Through obedience, they have provided a powerful refuge where these children can come and hear about the love of God, and experience God’s blueprint for a “family.”

A 3 yr-old boy excitedly looks through a stack of foam letters and sticks them on to his T-shirt project. As he was working on his craft, his house parents walked in the room, and his eyes lit up. He yelled, “dad, dad look what I’ve made”. He repeated this several times, until his dad finally noticed and validated his work. This simple craving for confirmation, and acceptance of his work was important to him. A simple validation from his dad, mattered. He had someone to call “dad” and he had someone who cared to validate the work he was proud of.

Another one of the kids was working on a project which required decorating popsicle sticks. While all of the children were creating colorful designs and shapes, He had written the words: joy, faith, hope, love, bless you, kind, patient, God loves you, goodness, grace. What amazing proof that God’s word does not return void. God can save a soul that is breaking, and redirect a path that would lead to death. These simple words came from a heart of healing and peace and would not be possible if no one invested in sharing the truth of God’s love.”

Isaiah 61:3 “To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that he may be called trees of righteousness.”

“Between the broken-Spanish phrases, desperate hand gestures, and reliance on translators there is a common language - a love for The Lord. It can be heard in the shared laughter between brothers and sisters in Christ, felt in the songs being sung in Spanish, and seen at string of picnic tables, connected end-to-end where Spanish speakers and English speakers and biological children and orphans and staff and missionaries and babies and teenagers and adults share a meal as The Body of Christ unified. This commonality of Christ is why one full day here has felt like a week - the spiritual bond we share is bigger than our borders and God’s love transcends the time we’ve been here. We have been welcomed as family, treated as family, because in the bigger scheme of God’s great plan, we are family.”

A Prayer Request from Shelly…

“Today we were brought to pray to our Almighty for several hard and weighty situations here at VOH. Here are a few…

13 day old little Elizabeth (Lizzy) was brought to VOH 3 days ago and quickly it was determined that her brain was swelling quickly and needed immediate surgery to drain fluid and implant a shunt to continue to drain the fluid. The surgery happened today and praying that God would allow her brain to heal completely.   

God is at work to bring about complete salvation, healing, and restoration.”

Thank you for your prayers!

~Christine for the team

Village of Hope sells fresh roasted coffee and T-shirts to help support their ministry. If you would like to buy coffee or a T-shirt please send me an email at pureundefiledreligionexpressed@gmail.com.

4 different types of coffee - 12 oz. bag of coffee $15

Med Roasted Ground

Med Roasted Whole Bean

Bold Roasted Ground

Bold Roasted Whole Bean

T-shirts $25, adult and youth sizes

llll