Guatemala 2024 Day Ten
Written By: Everyone
I learned that I can trust God in far deeper ways than I ever have, that He will provide no matter the circumstance or location. It may not look like what I picture and it may not happen exactly when I expect it to, but I can be assured that with faith, as Barb and Gerry have, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Throughout this past week I have seen day after day God providing a safe place for vulnerable children and people of Sumpango, through PILAS’s ministry. Cody
It is hard to narrow down just one thing I have learned from this week, so I will be listing a couple. I learned that through God, I am capable of loving so much. My heart has never been as full as it has been after this trip. Part of me knew I had a lot of love to give, but I never knew to what expect. A common one you may see a lot of is Trust. Trust that God is going to be there, to provide in all the ways imaginable. And trust in the team that they can help pray for you, pick up what’s around you, and offer support in whatever ways we can. We all have a unique way of going about things. It’s incredible to see how God used each of our gifts with the kids, Barb and Gerry, and with each other. I saw God at work solely in the relationships. That His love is so big, and that there isn’t anything we can’t do once we put Him first. Adeleecia
I discovered a lot about God, others, and myself during my time in Guatemala. My perspective of God's love and provision has been enhanced by seeing the Guatemalan people's perseverance and trust in the face of daily adversity. My interactions with those I met helped me realize how important service, humility, and empathy are. I discovered the beauty of human connection despite the language barrier. We may have spoken in broken English/Spanish and through translation, but the highlight of our relationship was not the words that were said but rather how we felt when around each other. My relationship with the PILAS students was built on love. Those young teenagers quickly became my family and will always hold such a special grasp on my heart. Through them, and through God I learned more about my strengths and shortcomings. A refreshed feeling of purpose in supporting others and a passion for global missions were sparked by this experience and i’d love nothing more than to go back next year! Olivia
To conclude my week’s experiences and feelings I’ve learned about the need to protect God’s work within me and follow his word faithfully without compromise so that I am not led astray. I found out last year that after being a part of God’s work a counter attack will come from the enemy to test me. My heart and my confidence was weakened and it affected my closeness to Christ and my closeness to everyone else too. I don't still feel the same. Thankfully our trip was still blessed and we shared many good moments. I saw God in the times where we shared our emotions, in both laughter or sorrows. I hope from this we all can embrace our emotions and make stronger connections. Troy
What a pleasure it was to be part of and co-lead the 2024 Guatemala team. Our time there had its ups and downs emotionally and physically. But I would do it all again. Our short time in Guatemala puts into perspective what Jesus and His disciples might have experienced during their ministry which lasted much longer than our time there. It also puts into perspective the lives of missionaries who live and breathe ministry everyday. It’s hard, but it’s filling like nothing else is. I personally learned how to love this week the way God intended me to. God taught me how to do this by taking me out of my comfort zone, doing the behind the scene tasks, and pouring out as much love as I could for the people that needed it most. Jesus said in the Beatitudes “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Jesus really shows up for those groups and it was a pleasure to experience some of that. Thank you for all the prayer and support. Jacob
Well everyone, this concludes the 2024 Guatemala YA trip! Thank you so so much for all of your prayers and support. Our team truly had a blessed week learning about God and His love of the people of Sumpango. We felt so inspired working along side Barb and Gerry at their PILAS ministries. It’s hard to put into words the kind of emotions and connections that are forged on this trip. A big part of it is learning to love, serve, and be available for people in their times of triumph as well as needs. Our team could see God evidently in the morning classes with the PILAS students, in the teachers for the Learning and Fun Club and Club Connection, as well as the many many students we saw during the afternoon activities. Every smile, laugh, and new friendship forged had the Holy Spirit all over it as we were given unique opportunities to demonstrate the love of God by loving each and every person we met. As a co-leader, I was able to witness a new team of young people experience God in one of the simplest and beautiful ways. Whether it was not being the first to let go in a hug, laying hands on a homeless man and nodding along to an impassioned conversation that wasn’t discernible in Spanish, or simply listening to the tearful heartache of a woman who was abandoned by her family but knew she wasn’t abandoned by God. The team rose to the challenges before them and channeled God and His love and mercy in spades to the brokenness around them. I was truly honoured to co-lead this group and my prayer is that they continue to rely on God for their strength and continue to seek Him in all that they do. That their quest to become more Christ-like will mirror the psalm about our souls longing for God (“As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God” Psalm 42:1). Again thank you for coming on this journey with us and please reach out to any member should you have more questions about our incredible experiences. Kathryn
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
For more information about Barb and Gerry their ministries visit their YouTube page or their Instagram. If you felt inclined to support them financially please reach out to myself, Kathryn, or Jacob and we can help you get set up for that. They also have an email update chain we can get anyone involved with to help support them through prayer as well. They are doing hard work everyday and need Christian’s to come along side them to encourage them.
Thanks again and God bless you all!!
