Alaba a Dios: Sunday, July 13, 2014

We began today praising God with Guatemalans at Ministerios Sendero de la Cruz (Way of the Cross) in Guatemala City around the corner from the mission house.  After a warm welcome from local Guatemalans we were invited to stand and sing.  Many of the words in these songs were cognates, words that are similar in English which helped us somewhat keep up with the locals. The music was led by a keyboard musician not unlike Paul Finazzo.  However, the convention here is to stand and sing at least 45-60 minutes before the rest of the service ensues.  This includes "rocking out" while young liturgical dancers perform in unison.  It is a cultural explosion of  prayer, dance, light chatter, song, Mayan/Spanish/Guatemalan culture, and heat.  Good stuff.

The biblical lessons from the sermon today spoke to us directly.  From 2 Corinthians 7:4, "I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you; I am greatly encouraged in all our troubles; my joy knows no bounds," and Juan 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command."  More about our lessons later, but the sermon was a meaningful experience memorable because despite our limited understanding of the language, it spoke directly to us as we continued to prepare for a week of ministry, service, and lessons on obedience.  We never forget that what goes out from us comes back many-fold. Also good stuff.

Developing nation/third world countries seem to worship in natural, unabashed, and perhaps even  primal ways.  One of the many tragedies of the exodus of young Guatemalans  running from the violence and lack of economic opportunity here may the destruction of a culture that seems to value extended family and is rich in faith.  The entire situation is a tragedy for both countries. Although far beyond my pay grade, it is on our are minds as we serve the population most likely to desire immigration to the United States.  Tough Stuff.

This has been a day of honest conversation, joyful planning, and playful exchanges.  We are each so grateful to God, each of you, and Ginny and Kevin Holmes, long-term mama and papa de Groundwork, for the opportunity to grow in faith and expand our understanding of God's world.

Blessings and good night.

Alaba a Dios 

The photos are of each group fine-tuning lessons today.  The first is Val, Erin, Sam, Jim, Kelsey, Emma, and Keely preparing the children's lesson in the main ministry room where we eat; the second is Gloria and Bruce perfecting the adult lesson on the roof ; and the third is Sarah, Ben, and Sally, upgrading the teen lesson in the "upper room".  FYI, the money for the black chairs and couches you see was donated by Trinity about five years ago. It is where every weekday Gutemalan and American missionaries gather for devotions.  It is a place of peace.  The last photo is a volcano from the ministry house roof.  Pretty cool, right?  And as you can see, we are safe and sound.

P.S. Happy 90th Birthday, Dad!