Keep Up With Our Team

 Please remember to pray for the team as they travel, work and minister.

Keep up with our short term mission team in Guatemala by logging on to their website. Just follow this link: 

http://www.encounterpoint.net/

6-25-09 Update on Rick R.: Rick was bitten by some type of yellow fly and developed swelling on parts of both hands. He went to the clinic and received treatment. He decided to take it easy and did not return to the job site yesterday. Please pray that the medicine continues to work and that there will be no long-term effects because of the bite(s).
Thank you for praying!

6-24-09 PRAYER REQUEST:Rick R. one of the members of our team believes he was bit by something yesterday and has experienced swelling. He may have to go to a clinic today for treatment. Please pray for Rick's health and for the health and safety of the other team members over the next couple days. They will be returning to the States on Saturday.
Thank you.

 1ST UPDATE FROM THE TEAM - Via Emily McGrath 6-23-09

Hello from Guatemala!

Things have been running fairly smoothly so far on this trip and we've seen God's hand in EVERYTHING! 

Today was the first day that we spent in the village! We left at 7 A.M. from El Faro and took our hour long boat ride to our destination. The sight we took in was BEAUTIFUL and we were in awe of the majesty of God's creation. 

When we arrived in the village it was very humbling and quite an adventurous experience. We were greeted by some men from the community and they helped us carry our things to the school and the church. The men headed straight over to the church to work on the roof and the women took over the school. 

Lee took MANY pictures to show you all of what we did there. Rachel and Dawn assisted the dentists. I tried, but nearly passed out due to the heat (Though I think that the main reason was being a little too close helping a dentist working on people's teeth who hadn't ever seen a dentist!). There were many patients that showed up. The women did a fantastic job and were very helpful to the dentists as they worked. Tomorrow we expect the same of them, working for the glory of Christ.

Meanwhile, Az'a, Jayne, Jill, Cheryl, and I entertained the kids. There were over 40 (We lost count)! When we entered the school building with the kids, we crossed paths with a scorpion! The kids directed us away and one of the boys PICKED IT UP and took it outside. It was very exciting! We started off coloring with them and they LOVED that. When we began face painting, the kids were hesitant, but after a few bold children got theirs painted, Az'a and I got the opportunity to paint ALL the kid's faces and hands. They proudly showed them off to their friends. At this point, they had really opened up to us. Cheryl told them a bible story-the story of creation. It was well received and the kids retold it after learning it. We played games with them (Duck, duck, goose and hot potato) and then made some bracelets before they left. We are excited to see them again tomorrow.

The guys had a learning/growing experience working side by side with the Guatemalan's. They tore down ant infested walls and worked on the roof in the super humid, hot weather. They did an awesome job and completed half of the roof!

Now, here is the news you have all been waiting for. The bathrooms. They were...the most difficult thing we dealt with today. They were very humbling and made us miss our bathrooms at home. We were extremely thankful for what God has blessed us with once we saw the community's bathrooms. Most of us tried to avoid them as much as possible. But now we know better. After our hour long boat ride in the middle of the ocean, waves choppy, water everywhere...we will always be thankful for WHATEVER bathrooms we are given to use.

After coming back from the village we had a restful few hours, catching up on sleep and getting re hydrated. Then we ate some VERY good food, provided by El Faro. We pray that we have been a blessing to those we've come in contact with us. We know well now that we are very blessed people. God has been so faithful and loving to us-He is merciful.

We miss you all SO much and are excited to return, but also excited for the rest of our time here, to share God's love with the people in Guatemala. It's an awesome experience to be here and to have God work in us in a foreign land and serve His people who could not help themselves.

We ask you to continue to pray for us, for strength as we work, that we will not tire so quickly and be able to serve Christ with all our energy.

We also pray that the dentists will be given wisdom as they take care of patients and that those who are helping the dentists will not worry, but trust God in all that goes on.

Pray that as the men work that they will be united -that they may be filled with love and joy as they work.

Also, pray for energy for the women working with the children, that they will be able to keep up with the kids, showing Christ's love for them in the way that we love.

Physically, pray that we will stay hydrated so we will not grow weak.

Finally, pray that through all that we do, that Christ will be glorified in what we do and that we will continue to do it for HIM is is worthy, not our own pride.

We love you all dearly and trust that God is doing beautiful things through you at home.

Grace and Peace be with you,

Emily McGrath