Two weeks!!

   The official Guatemala team, IHC 2013 

      ( I think we are a pretty fun group!!)

I can hardly believe Guatemala is just two weeks away!!! It is an amazing reality to know that a dream you've had for years is coming true in such a short time! Thank you SO much to everyone who has helped, both financially and through prayer! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, there is still time!!! Contact me and I will let you know how :) All donations are welcome and appreciated!! 

As an update, we've spoken with the couple who heads these mission trips in Guatemala. They have assured us that there has never been a health or crime incident in over 200 mission teams. Whew! I feel like I can breathe easy now  for sure!!! 😀

I know that God's will is for His children to give of themselves - take care of the poor, the needy, the least of those by human standards.... For us to offer hope, offer a servant's heart, offer true love that comes only from above. I am so beyond thankful and humbled that I have the opportunity to do just that! 

And trust me when I say that I am nowhere near a good steward of God's grace and love.  I've had lots of gut checks on the way.... There is so much I I  need to grow in. 

Today, my Bible reading included these verses from John chapter 4. 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” (John 6:26, 27 NLT)" 

Wow what a gut check!  

God is not a genie a bottle. 

He is more concerned with my spiritual destiny than He is with my earthly comforts. This "theme" keeps popping up in my life....I don't want to be a part of a body of believers that only bless those who are already blessed. We see this so often - we go to our safe churches, we go to christian concerts, we attend conference like Women of Faith, and bible studies, and small groups. I am the biggest "offender"!!! 

While all of these things are great, and are necessary to offer restoration and replenishment of our souls, I don't want to lose sight of our ultimate goal. 

Of course, we have what most refer to as the Great Commission: 

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 NLT)

I also try to remind myself of Matthew 25:35-40

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

It is my prayer that this trip, full of a team of imperfect people whose hearts are simply after Jesus, will truly touch lives, lift spirits, and bring God all the glory! Only He can do wondrous things with a willing heart.