We ended our evening tonight with a debrief time where each of us shared a memory that will be forever etched in our minds. Many of the students shared a moment with one of the children at our children's ministry site at Chicholom. So many were touched by the happy spirit that these children demonstate in spite of living with so little. They are happy to just be played with. We were able to share the love that Jesus has for each of us with them and tomorrow we will be inviting them to make a commitment to the Lord. The pastor shared his testimony and ministry with us. He started the church 4 years ago by praying and singing with his wife and 2 children and it is now a church of 38 people in this little village. We had approximatly 140 cildren again today.
Other team members shared something about our visit to the Church of Chixim where they saw people in spiritual bondage worshipping to "the Black Christ", a carved image that is believed to have the power to heal and answer prayer. (Not Jesus but the image itself has this power). They saw people leave offerings at the smoke blackened crosses in front of the church. They saw the blending of the sacrifice to the corn god Chixim with witchcraft and "christianity". Our group was able to spend time in the church of Chixim exalting our living and one true God by speaking His names and glorifying Him.
We next travelled to a new property a few km west of town that Impact was able to purchase a couple of years ago. They have started construction on a bridge to cross a creek (3 m wide). A very interesting way to build a bridge. Make two concrete abutments then drop two trailer flatbeds on it. And presto a bridge. Guatemalans are very resourceful. They have started the well by hand digging it. It will eventually be 12 m deep. By next year they hope to have new guest accomodations ready for the visiting teams so they will not have to rent the current guest house anymore. Their vision for this property is far reaching and would take a lot of space in this blog.
We again were able to travel to Chicholom in the afternoon where the children were waiting for us this time. It seems the shyness has worn off quickly.
What a wonderful time of telling stories and sharing the truth about Jesus.
Tomorrow we will do a market activity, then spend our last afternoon with the children before playing a soccer game (should be interesting) with the youth i the evening. Please pray for us as we will be asking for a life commitment from the children. For most of our team this will be the first time directly asking for someone to turn their life over to Christ.
We thank you for your prayers and support, keep praying as so much more can be accomplished here and in the hearts of our team.
Our prayers are with you! Praying that each team member will experience God in a life-changing way!!
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