tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70066575685735654012024-02-07T16:13:30.984-06:00When Will We Cry?When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-41351184771052245572011-04-03T11:16:00.007-05:002011-04-03T11:38:24.107-05:00We've Moved!<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Join us at our new site: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://whenwillwecry.org/">WhenWillWeCry.org</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Subscribe to receive new updates posted on the new site: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://whenwillwecry.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a9a35c23a06a390e589286aa8&id=6b124b605d">Email Newsletter</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><br /></b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx86WRkowpxwzvyvRjfOhZCVHKcBI8402vzBJIR9vcY1NYxIerv6jNszXqE03kNZ5ogybYZYHhDoN8Y_JAorSkLpOAOOmrQxPQG1InnMmjEIxhwPauiTip96GYuYI-cRVGkjrk4ldajg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.26.04+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591395280983785778" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgba4LKSXS7xotVzZYtMYr3f4hY5U6UYAVQzDVhWcEvvvxgA2oHVa-on4s0NnF84-TB0qJM3HMZums6oKZcfALpfUnTm8ehNP3rpRAO__uiqJ5A6D7ABc5zipxJxAri5aIlfSB8KBarE/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.26.17+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591395287895635474" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQhj-JKDtn4LpV8NWSagcN8Clzjo-SxKoPmumgSmQvc7-Xm3TnrEc8rtYmb9bnR-wCLaQMKsJYNBNVeFLKMexQTh9i3W8YcnXzfJM8DV2gX7nByG1SIXUmBG__ejccjjtj5ra-rBc9nw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.26.38+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591395292818510802" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPYjhdy5JK5cC5YLS4oZhlLVdW6IZtRmS0sxC6vFHNJN5YKelB8Mejuw5ztG1VYjWOm-kFydztkZwpzCgp6TMDLVwBuY2TqSgZL9YzyIRwOEgjKBSxDUj7_SV-nM59wmons1ewUpDHhs/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.27.08+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591395294950798882" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGq1974SjOmt2-FCvsC3MCR04tJYagffLcn87hIvouF1Aor4hXBLfJ-8yAqBbyE0ZHyxLacR8IVlXTVW7hxfQQde9m5pb_QqKI1ei_KgVk41HaRCxGDgGkE8rAl8MeUpgLWmmGVoK_6o/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.26.52+AM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGq1974SjOmt2-FCvsC3MCR04tJYagffLcn87hIvouF1Aor4hXBLfJ-8yAqBbyE0ZHyxLacR8IVlXTVW7hxfQQde9m5pb_QqKI1ei_KgVk41HaRCxGDgGkE8rAl8MeUpgLWmmGVoK_6o/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-03+at+9.26.52+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591395295477524114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-48414629254589824392010-04-25T07:22:00.004-05:002010-04-25T07:55:04.421-05:00It's A Wrap - The Bridge 2010 Guatemala Mission<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXrq1Yimc8eLoCKhy7uOsOCC-oTy4ErYSFPTqYabIA6-KkNOI66l1bP0kgJQkUvxzqbxH26PFELiNYnomlzLgN6W7wLEd9qeiMUpyb_OTDwW4fCVXORD3zwtQuE35iU-lhAJEdCEK2g/s1600/Team+Antigua.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXrq1Yimc8eLoCKhy7uOsOCC-oTy4ErYSFPTqYabIA6-KkNOI66l1bP0kgJQkUvxzqbxH26PFELiNYnomlzLgN6W7wLEd9qeiMUpyb_OTDwW4fCVXORD3zwtQuE35iU-lhAJEdCEK2g/s320/Team+Antigua.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464050250267524034" /></a><br />Being home twelve days in a row has sure been a blessing. I have enjoyed spending time with Donna, having the time to update the web site, and hearing from many of you. I have also had the time, with the help of some friends, to get some things done around the house. I am so grateful for all of you being apart of our lives!<br /><br />Over the next couple of weeks I will be busy with some speaking engagements and preparing to head back to Guatemala on May 8, but before getting into all of that I wanted to say thank you once again to The Bridge Church, Spring Hill, TN for their kindness, generosity and sacrificial love they have for all people. <br /><br />Our relationship with The Bridge began six years ago after John Howard, long time friend and WWWC board member moved to Spring Hill. John called and said we have found this wonderful church, you need to come check it out. Our hearts were blessed with our very first visit to The Bridge and the blessing continues to today.<br /><br />Moving On --Two Books Every Believer Should Read: (In my humble opinion)<br /><br />Recently I have been reading a book called Crazy Love, written by Francis Chan, a pastor in California. In it he said that his church had gotten to the place where they gave fifty percent of their total offerings away. Saying, "we decided that when God said Love your neighbor as yourself, He meant it. Why should I or we have more than our neighbor?" This is extreme thinking for most, but perhaps it should cause us to re-assess lifestyles, reevaluate personal giving and perhaps rethink our next new upgrades. <br /><br />In a new book called Radical, Taking back your faith from the American Dream by David Platt, pastor of The Church of Brook Hills, Birmingham, AL, he says this.....<br /><br />Here we stand amid an American dream dominated by self-advancement, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency, by individualism, materialism, and universalism. Yet I want to show you our desperate need to revisit the words of Jesus, to listen to them, to believe them, and to obey them. We need to return with urgency to a biblical gospel, because the cost of not doing so is great for our lives, our families, our churches, and the world around us. <br /><br />As I mentioned previously, I have more questions than I have answers. And every day I see more disconnects between the Christ of Scripture and the Christianity that characterizes my life and the church God has entrusted me to lead. I have so far to go. We have so far to go.<br /><br />But I want to know him. I want to experience him. I want to be part of a people who delight in him like the brothers and sisters in underground Asia who have nothing but him. And I want to be part of a people who are risking it all for him.<br /><br />For the sake of more than a billion people today who have yet to even hear the gospel, I want to risk it all. For the sake of twenty-six thousand children who will die today of starvation or a preventable disease, I want to risk it all. For the sake of an increasingly marginalized and relatively ineffective church in our culture, I want to risk it all. For the sake of my life, my family, and the people who surround me, I want to risk it all.<br /><br />The verdict's still out......will I risk it all? WIll you?<br /><br />Praying this finds you well but causes discomfort.<br /><br />Lewis and DonnaWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-57664662382976592852010-04-21T19:57:00.005-05:002010-04-22T08:17:46.668-05:00A Shoe Shine Boy Named DavidTen months ago, while attending the annual pastors conference at Piedra Partida, Daniel Brackin, Jay H. and myself had stopped in for some grub at our favorite Mexican Taco stand in Malacatan. We were approached by a young boy who shines shoes for a living. Wearing Flip Flops we passed on the shinne but invited this young lad to eat with us. His name was David. <br /><br />After a few tacos and limited conversation we tried sharing Christ with David but he didn't seem to understand. A little shy perhaps or maybe he was unsure of our kindness. He seemed to be intimidated so we left well enough alone. We invited him back the next night, same time same place. Thanking us, he gathered his small wooden shoe shine box and walked away. Unfortunately, were unable to return the next night as we had promised.<br /> <br />Ever since that night, when I travel through Malacatan, I look for David but I never saw him again.......that is until last week. As we were having dinner at the taco stand, Roderick Carrasco, The Bridge team member, was talking with a little Guatemalan boy. It was David! We invited him in to eat with us and Roderick, fluent in spanish, who has a tender, gentle voice, was able to get David to open up. <br /><br />We found that David lived with and worked for his grandmother. Each day, from eight in the morning until eight at night, David walked the streets, shining shoes, earning around 25Q or $3.00 daily for his labors. He was a little upset because some older boys had robbed him earlier in the day. I found later that this is a way of life for children who work on the streets.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVE_G1xnCmmgdRaBHEmDuaiYMkTwOrWf29wltGSf-jhydQNM0vvFhPCrYNpVhWpoypK_B4TsmVdSEZ4ifWTkZ7vSXqFZXDrjiPF14w-7si0qEngTu2i9Mq_G-sZR8_A147X5XIq7ULq0/s1600/gua10+084.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVE_G1xnCmmgdRaBHEmDuaiYMkTwOrWf29wltGSf-jhydQNM0vvFhPCrYNpVhWpoypK_B4TsmVdSEZ4ifWTkZ7vSXqFZXDrjiPF14w-7si0qEngTu2i9Mq_G-sZR8_A147X5XIq7ULq0/s320/gua10+084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462776514867100514" /></a><br />The Lord provided the opportunity to share Christ once again that night, and this time, with tears in his eyes, David bowed his head and prayed to receive Christ into his life. We sat and talked with him a bit more and blessed him with a few dollars. With a slight grin he thanked as we said our good byes. <br /><br />We watched him cross the busy street, with his little shoe shine box straped over his shoulder. His hand squeezed tightly the pocket he had placed the money that we gave him, and just as quickly as he had appeared he vanished into the crowded streets. <br /><br />Later that night I began praying for David, asking God to keep him safe and perhaps allow us to see him again. Hoping we might learn more about him, get to meet his grandmother, perhaps help him go to school. I began to think about just how insignificant a little boy, who shined shoes for a living, was to those he came in contact with each day. After all, he is only a 12 yr old boy. <br /><br />As I prayed that night the Lord spoke to my heart saying “Lewis, David may be an insignificant little shoe shine boy to many, but let Me remind you of another little boy who lived a long time ago. He too was named David, and there were many who looked at him as only a lowly shepherd boy, but I knew better! ”<br /><br /> "Thank you Lord, for the blessing of meeting a little shoe shine boy named David."<br /><br /> If there's not a "little David" in your life, perhaps there should be. "Through Your Eyes oh Lord, may we each see."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX0C-MlirKMp1ofjrMzx8FZUo6Q0sJieKFheNXKQS2DMeoANNIYYIXk-gVFO6qsZJgcR5G1Ox0ra0B-8EePMsDYdRogzNKJsKi8QRQ1Yp3gZ-XcSLP1q7cjnCNaPyGZBvObMJxAPZNL0/s1600/Lewis.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX0C-MlirKMp1ofjrMzx8FZUo6Q0sJieKFheNXKQS2DMeoANNIYYIXk-gVFO6qsZJgcR5G1Ox0ra0B-8EePMsDYdRogzNKJsKi8QRQ1Yp3gZ-XcSLP1q7cjnCNaPyGZBvObMJxAPZNL0/s320/Lewis.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462777042195535266" /></a><br />Thanks for listening. Lord bless you and keep you. It's a great day to seek the Lord!<br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-34300343752117968752010-04-18T22:47:00.009-05:002010-04-19T07:45:38.066-05:00More Bridge Missions Trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCML4Vc4mDpfNDN6lI1nMgfYC4hgHccjZRD07IyFlemmEg6_caPW87ruf2gQpUFHBqf4xYCOqCWJBX4ZwQnYlfv-eXEyouNde8hOtUT4SmeXIbyWUhqV-4nuNfvaHlOvSWahe0wleMEUA/s1600/Austin+ballons.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCML4Vc4mDpfNDN6lI1nMgfYC4hgHccjZRD07IyFlemmEg6_caPW87ruf2gQpUFHBqf4xYCOqCWJBX4ZwQnYlfv-eXEyouNde8hOtUT4SmeXIbyWUhqV-4nuNfvaHlOvSWahe0wleMEUA/s320/Austin+ballons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461690919287764162" /></a><br />Austin Burger, a 5 year veteran in coming to Guatemala and the youngest team member with The Bridge. He has many talents including making ballon animals for the kids. Austin spent his Spring Break serving in Guatemala.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GHTzUgMbdycOZ70Bok2epAmcg-SEEnrcXkVZEJwqB_DPPnIwr-iKgIIQkdtLUhf-WdKfu8uCd7tryUD1t98RPoz3pJKZ3F8_9IcWCb7-eF3XiWnlbatsAbVcUsuUsiXLcJxoXHn2iRs/s1600/DSC00135.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GHTzUgMbdycOZ70Bok2epAmcg-SEEnrcXkVZEJwqB_DPPnIwr-iKgIIQkdtLUhf-WdKfu8uCd7tryUD1t98RPoz3pJKZ3F8_9IcWCb7-eF3XiWnlbatsAbVcUsuUsiXLcJxoXHn2iRs/s320/DSC00135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461692955998197106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Austin rides in the back of our truck as we maneuver up the mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq5QtZ1PgzO6T47XJmOPvPQP4PMyr2Nwts0Tb8b8Hzc4OpvcfoLzKBXnZPmCq3-qh3QPHm4hPpC7_eyhYCvSZgBhhe_GqkXW8VSQgOW_ysO8i45YDs_FAJRUObXmWY0Xgwi_399KL07M/s1600/DSC00150.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq5QtZ1PgzO6T47XJmOPvPQP4PMyr2Nwts0Tb8b8Hzc4OpvcfoLzKBXnZPmCq3-qh3QPHm4hPpC7_eyhYCvSZgBhhe_GqkXW8VSQgOW_ysO8i45YDs_FAJRUObXmWY0Xgwi_399KL07M/s320/DSC00150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461693963120675762" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Bridge team walks the hill up from Pastor Lopez home in Armenia. At 10,000 feet the air is a bit thinner.When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-89870716193549118432010-04-18T20:58:00.009-05:002010-04-18T21:37:01.565-05:00Noah, the Pig Man<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNyzKDAhutUjRg9SFXY1LTYd3Bcq0HptknEF4fUO9F45qJmwGs4Au3UNfPTluXvvBtKZcqE_DbBAKVrA4SwiHh2tgELI8uKGUno0Y0hXuQAFY8HqaOTLnzDQ_roR-Nt2VvyIfkeuH3b8/s1600/Team+food.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNyzKDAhutUjRg9SFXY1LTYd3Bcq0HptknEF4fUO9F45qJmwGs4Au3UNfPTluXvvBtKZcqE_DbBAKVrA4SwiHh2tgELI8uKGUno0Y0hXuQAFY8HqaOTLnzDQ_roR-Nt2VvyIfkeuH3b8/s320/Team+food.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461662750416998530" /></a><br />On Wednesday, after a breakfast of eggs, black beans, pico, corn tortillas and fresh pina, the team prepared more food to deliver. We loaded everything and got on the road by 9AM.<br /><br /><br />Today we were going to meet Pastor Lopez, of Armenia, in Ixchiguan (Itchy Wan). He is the lead pastor for the region and would guide us to Choanla. A wonderful story unfolds as we wait in Ixchiguan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPAUvlS6eRUaqoy7zRcUKwFuLI-HE42FN-axEYgnLsQ9wRd1FLlmOymdupMdJZKm0stsJ9rvmq_vHSqqd0l7Bt9fxRndL6k1g4jHVoKXJi_CiYhy9bHU-GpX2Ht3GFWwokqm9F7a_9no/s1600/town+1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPAUvlS6eRUaqoy7zRcUKwFuLI-HE42FN-axEYgnLsQ9wRd1FLlmOymdupMdJZKm0stsJ9rvmq_vHSqqd0l7Bt9fxRndL6k1g4jHVoKXJi_CiYhy9bHU-GpX2Ht3GFWwokqm9F7a_9no/s320/town+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461664712300974962" /></a><br />Arriving in this busy little town by 11am we found that Pastor Lopez would be delayed 30 minutes or so because of a flat tire.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tBQsvsjcnL-ccPh3ITNKsQqF8BzFi9MizF0YA1x2bs8xyfNMIxwz3rVhMJfxzUYd1n_2inkNIDoXWOx5ZyUYnpDGQkMgBSetNZokwPNnOKklqGXEM0TGiv5BKdy8Ca4Zwie92gPn-Eo/s1600/town.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tBQsvsjcnL-ccPh3ITNKsQqF8BzFi9MizF0YA1x2bs8xyfNMIxwz3rVhMJfxzUYd1n_2inkNIDoXWOx5ZyUYnpDGQkMgBSetNZokwPNnOKklqGXEM0TGiv5BKdy8Ca4Zwie92gPn-Eo/s320/town.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461665511755213634" /></a><br /> I had pulled over to the side of the road only to find that I was pointed in the wrong direction. Wanting to be ready to leave when Pastor Lopez arrived, I pulled back onto the road, made a loop and parked down and across from where we had been.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1MNM1q7y1Cpu67OIOOAMNF4lUObUQLDD5v3iEM6oavrdDucEaTf5WE0NSDtZKxcsnSClfZ8wiHygPiEtAryLHuz8whta_yGgElPavEWMktmwkjRwGObyLit6MWf_pW2_iLWXyu_nbw/s1600/Market.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1MNM1q7y1Cpu67OIOOAMNF4lUObUQLDD5v3iEM6oavrdDucEaTf5WE0NSDtZKxcsnSClfZ8wiHygPiEtAryLHuz8whta_yGgElPavEWMktmwkjRwGObyLit6MWf_pW2_iLWXyu_nbw/s320/Market.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461666825608431778" /></a><br />It was market day in Ixchiguan and the streets were crowded with people and livestock. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-EcZdVuZ2naQ_r_b9MCX76bOWgCb5-Q86biclNm2N_s0t8sfWsrOKJTPg6pcIhfDWWnpXQVODyFM1Y51VQvxwpzSiWWX9ELIWlciZVVQXtZoEGGOUtZj2BLKLBpxA5osgqWcWe8QbRk/s1600/P1010460.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-EcZdVuZ2naQ_r_b9MCX76bOWgCb5-Q86biclNm2N_s0t8sfWsrOKJTPg6pcIhfDWWnpXQVODyFM1Y51VQvxwpzSiWWX9ELIWlciZVVQXtZoEGGOUtZj2BLKLBpxA5osgqWcWe8QbRk/s320/P1010460.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461667470447703122" /></a><br />Roderick and a couple of others had gotten out of the van and were handing out some Christian tracs while greeting folks walking by.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjJ_TSzzpqkxqg-e4MzmjMGwQ-ONWuB3K2K8c3LOmKOqXsJDMdgGAZL8JMaI0BbsJcIZ2Qn7q_tjjhpymvQzLXNEcsD5dJNxYLcOinFGI6qHaZY_C_jzMPyepLRyrTd3stkD43FFhoDo/s1600/CIMG1343.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjJ_TSzzpqkxqg-e4MzmjMGwQ-ONWuB3K2K8c3LOmKOqXsJDMdgGAZL8JMaI0BbsJcIZ2Qn7q_tjjhpymvQzLXNEcsD5dJNxYLcOinFGI6qHaZY_C_jzMPyepLRyrTd3stkD43FFhoDo/s320/CIMG1343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461668793376761778" /></a><br />The place I found to park was right by some pigs that were tied to a road sign.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M2opNBUK5z6b5PTPhZVhwbIO8kdS05m3IK6FMp5bfDSjcuR16L9yJyYUZMZltYa1vNecETZCNkcrBZQGFBlnSDke59v1SCG89bCJCs2Rw_CV3-T-lNYJ_GAhIZHRB4nCfkxbAe2_l04/s1600/DSC00214.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M2opNBUK5z6b5PTPhZVhwbIO8kdS05m3IK6FMp5bfDSjcuR16L9yJyYUZMZltYa1vNecETZCNkcrBZQGFBlnSDke59v1SCG89bCJCs2Rw_CV3-T-lNYJ_GAhIZHRB4nCfkxbAe2_l04/s320/DSC00214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461669315653421170" /></a><br /><br />Just as we got comfortable, a small truck pulled up with a guy motioning that he needed to back in where we were sitting. Kindly obliging, I yielded him enough room to back in. <br /><br />With Roderick"s help, we found out the guy had just bought these porkers and wanted to load them on his truck. In the midst of squealing pigs and the team's desire to help by trying to coax them on the truck with our snacks, it became apparent that God had set this whole thing up. <br />Roderick gave Noah, the guy in the truck, a couple of PB and crackers and Noah ate the crackers as he continued the process of loading his pigs. This brought laughter and opened up more communication.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-HKyVPV5UozGdeWAvwtafVEksNw5xU01osgKN4I5aeDj3jTfZGTebVeJN7tgLQ-2qSDLf-WOE5Tvh50g5tuP3nGlEqmiiGwWNfz6yzUWFY5vaHu-1u1UakdYAGgZQzJGkosAeU2mhoU/s1600/Noe.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-HKyVPV5UozGdeWAvwtafVEksNw5xU01osgKN4I5aeDj3jTfZGTebVeJN7tgLQ-2qSDLf-WOE5Tvh50g5tuP3nGlEqmiiGwWNfz6yzUWFY5vaHu-1u1UakdYAGgZQzJGkosAeU2mhoU/s320/Noe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461670117094665362" /></a><br />Soon Roderick was talking with Noah about the Lord. For the next few minutes all was quiet as Noe listened intently. Noah's wife, who was helping him load the pigs, began to cry as it was evident that God was at work. As the team prayed silently in the van, Noah surrendered his life to Christ. As the conversation ended Pastor Lopez appeared. As always, God's timing was perfect. The team gave Noah a Bible and we went rejoicing on our way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX-pD0QLLiBYTxMrrIvaZAg_aWLTP1YROTaSiP8jf_KqCc8N_3ORYXBxi_0knY6-Gjk8XVxpE0pgsDjJzYzup67_ZlkiajQjYGX_j2pPsabOpkIQsWwb8G57yzk8kOVdkRGxkOxM_A-s/s1600/truck+ride.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX-pD0QLLiBYTxMrrIvaZAg_aWLTP1YROTaSiP8jf_KqCc8N_3ORYXBxi_0knY6-Gjk8XVxpE0pgsDjJzYzup67_ZlkiajQjYGX_j2pPsabOpkIQsWwb8G57yzk8kOVdkRGxkOxM_A-s/s320/truck+ride.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461671639306515970" /></a><br />We're riding Guatemalan style.....God is good!<br /><br />Thanks for your prayers and support,<br /><br /><br />Lewis and DonnaThomas<br /><br />931-703-0857<br /><br />"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" Ps 126:5<br /><br />When will we cry?When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-35804872095420182762010-04-15T14:41:00.005-05:002010-04-25T07:53:00.811-05:00Chicken Buses and a dense fog called "The Cold"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRUd_VMAdCRoRBNDJnk0Jgw0p7pwSd42b9PKKVeWurYmsF3SINTs2xQGLaZGA0-oq9kOJHn8qXbX4d_91D2OhDjFkDeByJM9GsW6r3fqH-FVQAiZo0n_Ylsz0TrLhH7FkaUBjyWE3XbQ/s1600/P101Bus+and+road0482.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRUd_VMAdCRoRBNDJnk0Jgw0p7pwSd42b9PKKVeWurYmsF3SINTs2xQGLaZGA0-oq9kOJHn8qXbX4d_91D2OhDjFkDeByJM9GsW6r3fqH-FVQAiZo0n_Ylsz0TrLhH7FkaUBjyWE3XbQ/s320/P101Bus+and+road0482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460452657561431426" /></a><br />Multi colored, tricked out, old school busses, with beefy springs and powerful diesel engines rule the roads in much of Guatemala. We call them "Chicken Buses and they are transportation for people in the rural areas. On the roads that they can travel, they tend to make life miserable for smaller vehicles.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXnY_Uq2j9_duS99ZJNaYF1oA4GsBszX237V2t6qZAFrFmQjEsVUJ9VUFXOWbGGOEgWNPRKBi46lTHTVqYUDLEaqxIKR8TfBKqO-Z_VP9zgZBKiabc6Jo3YuxOP3YLCc0IiEKTRhtV0U/s1600/fog.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXnY_Uq2j9_duS99ZJNaYF1oA4GsBszX237V2t6qZAFrFmQjEsVUJ9VUFXOWbGGOEgWNPRKBi46lTHTVqYUDLEaqxIKR8TfBKqO-Z_VP9zgZBKiabc6Jo3YuxOP3YLCc0IiEKTRhtV0U/s320/fog.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460453647076692434" /></a><br />Leaving Choanla a dense fog set in. I had heard Ely speak of it many times before but never had we seen it this bad. With low visibility the mountain roads become even more treacherous - We called - you prayed - God answered. The fog cleared as we continued our journey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILIVCVB7Hn_C_kkh0p-_hgbm6J99lx-R4QnZ0_rWHFNkJ-9n5wfuJjBlCF0vEbFbyrMc4juWZ4U1lRn3MbmSW2uRRucDRTni_iMmyJqCAXTvmAMEzRkxJH2-4B8rsBWXJisd__FrHxkY/s1600/P1010541.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILIVCVB7Hn_C_kkh0p-_hgbm6J99lx-R4QnZ0_rWHFNkJ-9n5wfuJjBlCF0vEbFbyrMc4juWZ4U1lRn3MbmSW2uRRucDRTni_iMmyJqCAXTvmAMEzRkxJH2-4B8rsBWXJisd__FrHxkY/s320/P1010541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460455155838766658" /></a><br />High up in the mountains of Guatemala lies the village of Choanla. Their lives have been touched by the generosity of a small group of believers from Spring Hill, TN and their church family - The Bridge.<br />Our experience at Choanla will be one not soon forgotten. Children, who had never seen Americans, a bit apprehensive at first soon warmed our hearts with their smiles and humble appreciation. I pray that this story in some way has touched your life. We are a blessed people called to go and share the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. To Him be all glory!<br /><br /><br />Thanks for being! Your prayers and support are being used for the on going of His Kingdom.<br /><br />Lewis and Donna ThomasWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-85320629279847479582010-04-15T08:54:00.015-05:002010-04-15T14:41:26.793-05:00A Church with no WallsBuildings seem to be a priority to "church" congregations of every denomination, all across America. There is nothing wrong with these giant structures of concrete and steel, they are used by saints and sinners a like for worship services, prayer services, evangelical outreach services, teaching, preaching and all sorts of activities.I have simply made an analogy, and it is just my humble opinion based on what I see, hear, taste and smell - we really like our buildings.<br /><br />Several years ago I was invited to a church service in Spring Hill, TN. My friends, John and Eva Howard had found this "special place." It was one of the many new church start ups in this ever expanding community. Directions were a bit cumbersome, as they met a few miles off the beaten path, turn at so and so and drive to a school building. <br /><br />An elementary school was their place of worship. Every Sunday many committed members would set up and tear down, stage, lighting, sound, chairs, nursery rooms, etc.... Beginning each and every Sunday by 6am just to be ready for 10 o'clock worship. This process was repeated every week for nearly ten years!<br /><br />Church members prayed for guidance and wisdom in acquiring property but none seemed to be available within the price range that they felt comfortable with. It"s only been in the last year that The Bridge found a place they could call home, a rented commercial building. They worked tirelessly many months cleaning, wiring, building, painting, preparing their new place of worship. At the same time the weekly process continued over at the school - setting up and tearing down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOhrHGKMX_QVXV1UezmW1DEfKsjgzntRlxUOM8u_TWRa_a7IPPUwy7Y1kGwDrHJFMftFSVtOWJfr8p5QQsYKXLmgROiVI2mu8ITp7ovPE7FrBnyHv0flHyjtfjYz5Y28KlBr8E4f1UHk/s1600/hoanla+church.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOhrHGKMX_QVXV1UezmW1DEfKsjgzntRlxUOM8u_TWRa_a7IPPUwy7Y1kGwDrHJFMftFSVtOWJfr8p5QQsYKXLmgROiVI2mu8ITp7ovPE7FrBnyHv0flHyjtfjYz5Y28KlBr8E4f1UHk/s320/hoanla+church.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460366809445905938" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The new church building at Choanla</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6RftLhnBghZk-_zPeCu4iPU-csX-TxT8dJzJ-9J-j-56sQwLELRfiCxo9wFMZz71yT-7_90WDgiPK6TvrzSOsBXGuZ-UVlM91xr0jfJjZTB7LL7NfMCfN2IMm9FAjAk0TiSc0DHOQnU/s1600/choanla+church+and+team.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6RftLhnBghZk-_zPeCu4iPU-csX-TxT8dJzJ-9J-j-56sQwLELRfiCxo9wFMZz71yT-7_90WDgiPK6TvrzSOsBXGuZ-UVlM91xr0jfJjZTB7LL7NfMCfN2IMm9FAjAk0TiSc0DHOQnU/s320/choanla+church+and+team.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460367642378671842" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Bridge, though they had no building of their own, gave of themselves and their finances, so people they had never met would have a church building complete with walls! </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cBkEGTTcimE0-N9GWTNv7gEt6t7kVELJWpDXl1bU-w18pevW3KrlVIFYNuKgOulwqgEK_nWtRwBfokPWQPN0X4MZR3l45qFJH7lUOSU4ZIeM46zjvreqBQ_G9J4QqzjbjhlmlkCnWvs/s1600/Choanla+family.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cBkEGTTcimE0-N9GWTNv7gEt6t7kVELJWpDXl1bU-w18pevW3KrlVIFYNuKgOulwqgEK_nWtRwBfokPWQPN0X4MZR3l45qFJH7lUOSU4ZIeM46zjvreqBQ_G9J4QqzjbjhlmlkCnWvs/s320/Choanla+family.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460368475673581154" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pastor Juan Marroquin and his family of Choanla</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2bf2c5eOew4ci2ZihlvUxV96RULcVpoPPTmMBBPJPy0P65TF6WeU_CTkNzMjlwjtskn-cKMj4gzGSwI7k99Zso5bx5H924NAY7bcC4OjL5xqJISgpjc-pPl-49fS7El3ho6mb24uyso/s1600/Choanla+mt.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2bf2c5eOew4ci2ZihlvUxV96RULcVpoPPTmMBBPJPy0P65TF6WeU_CTkNzMjlwjtskn-cKMj4gzGSwI7k99Zso5bx5H924NAY7bcC4OjL5xqJISgpjc-pPl-49fS7El3ho6mb24uyso/s320/Choanla+mt.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460373717586554930" /></a><br />The village of Choanla sits some 13,000 ft above sea level, in the mountains of Guatemala, near the border of Mexico. The roads, rough and treacherous could only be traveled by 4 wheel drive vehicles and even then, only in the dry season. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItb978h0YDo9CrBnWwRkqOzbhjdgQVxZhL46a4bJ5MJrjGlO1AkJIzobELPL-UNkuJpZ10WcavnU5406l2xyYND-W8W8T0ohP-seZf0lTJApjyBOBhjIFuClfESVsB-BF_vUBbE0sYF8/s1600/Susan+truck.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItb978h0YDo9CrBnWwRkqOzbhjdgQVxZhL46a4bJ5MJrjGlO1AkJIzobELPL-UNkuJpZ10WcavnU5406l2xyYND-W8W8T0ohP-seZf0lTJApjyBOBhjIFuClfESVsB-BF_vUBbE0sYF8/s320/Susan+truck.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460374731221434194" /></a><br />Susan, Missions Pastor at The Bridge shares the back of the truck with some who needed a ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY-LGNF-ZgxxDtAFUocG3CwS-XMxzYm1Bs6T5nP8nesmvBfFZhgZh0ft37TlPZL_EdZEQfZmCVwPTSh0C7FpJ-nYdunL-RQRdfd0nk0OZkNAPpeYFMP_4x6C0cvyTIa8J7xwanIEPYCY/s1600/Choanla+path.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY-LGNF-ZgxxDtAFUocG3CwS-XMxzYm1Bs6T5nP8nesmvBfFZhgZh0ft37TlPZL_EdZEQfZmCVwPTSh0C7FpJ-nYdunL-RQRdfd0nk0OZkNAPpeYFMP_4x6C0cvyTIa8J7xwanIEPYCY/s320/Choanla+path.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460441059673464146" /></a><br />Upon arrival, we found the path down to the church was just as steep and treacherous. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNi-lRjJFj1c0kdZ-GPxQZfsWa9vwBi-lUIDf0oynVog6q22y-uaSKqU7cTRH0e1bVn9rbyqAG6Jf-6XQHgjA-7M7iN_F397Sg0Y9p_JrSdoGYQ-Sz9uSKViRayicdq_tJO5dULDBSFY/s1600/Choanla+girl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNi-lRjJFj1c0kdZ-GPxQZfsWa9vwBi-lUIDf0oynVog6q22y-uaSKqU7cTRH0e1bVn9rbyqAG6Jf-6XQHgjA-7M7iN_F397Sg0Y9p_JrSdoGYQ-Sz9uSKViRayicdq_tJO5dULDBSFY/s320/Choanla+girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460442219360905426" /></a><br />But once inside the small church building the people were warm and friendly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gk5rKj9ngfJqTGCjFYIq9LGPvPuIdUPKylnzJFiyR-9ieWcwt2kOIIg4HQx3AAFJNXHRnIGiHzbACa6RiruARb2jgc7HATVCzu9Yi0SCM-F-iYh80hJyawwcJYKGsVqgGheiVVSsLTo/s1600/Choanla+vbs2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Gk5rKj9ngfJqTGCjFYIq9LGPvPuIdUPKylnzJFiyR-9ieWcwt2kOIIg4HQx3AAFJNXHRnIGiHzbACa6RiruARb2jgc7HATVCzu9Yi0SCM-F-iYh80hJyawwcJYKGsVqgGheiVVSsLTo/s320/Choanla+vbs2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460446606609427762" /></a><br />The children young and old enjoyed coloring and making a craft.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And we complain about our padded pews and heated/air conditioned buildings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz7JNaDFXOEI7KM7CnYemuTqIgDkxiSxpmNmFOoFNOb3nJhcQ4h_bdx9HRp1EKcyVbdFRstP-jQqu02APVlK3TOeFTvsR5bD1w17im0_3v4rzYNy0oZUYYWIFSvvttrTfYIWIyb8iXF4/s1600/Julie.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz7JNaDFXOEI7KM7CnYemuTqIgDkxiSxpmNmFOoFNOb3nJhcQ4h_bdx9HRp1EKcyVbdFRstP-jQqu02APVlK3TOeFTvsR5bD1w17im0_3v4rzYNy0oZUYYWIFSvvttrTfYIWIyb8iXF4/s320/Julie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460450727498311458" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Julie Howerton with pastor Juan's wife at Choanla. Julie and her husband Pastor Rick founded The Bridge and now their son Josh is the Senior Pastor there.When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-90992627892302714752010-04-06T17:28:00.002-05:002010-04-06T17:34:06.352-05:00Monday, April 5, 2010-Day One at 10,000 FtThe truck and trailer were loaded down with more than one ton of food for the three churches we would visit, gringo luggage and supplies and of course, Eduardo, Marissa and a few gringos. The 8000 feet ascension was almost more that our mighty four cylinder could pull. We drove much of the way in first gear only. <br /><br />Arriving at Ojo de Aqua, we unloaded everything and reloaded the Bible school supplies needed for today along with our lunch. <br />The two hour journey to Armenia tested our vehicles once again. Much of the road was very steep with extremely sharp curves. Rough and rutted roads didn't help make things any easier but with the prayers of the Saints, my lucky rabbit's foot and a faith to move mountains, we prevailed. Thank you Lord! <br />The country side is beautiful at 10,000 ft and the weather was pleasant today. This head cold that I am fighting along with the thin air is making me dizzy and weak. I'm glad our labors are not too physical this week. <br />The team did a wonderful job with the 60 children and 30 adults who attended the Bible School. Eduardo lead the children in songs, Roderick did the Bible story and the others kept the children entertained with crafts and games. We enjoyed the time and after many hugs it was time to leave. <br />A dense fog sets in each day and the mountain roads become more dangerous. We wanted to be off the rough roads before dark. <br />The 2 hour journey back to Ojo de Aqua went well, with day one being behind us the team prepared for the next day. <br />Maressa had stayed at Ojo de Aqua to prepare dinner for the team. She also had most of the food ready that the team would give out tomorrow.<br /><br />Water Shortage!<br />As we returned we were informed of the extreme water shortage and showering would not be possible. The gracious team of missionaries took it in stride. Such is life on the mission field, greasy hair and all. <br /><br />Thanks again for your prayers. Please don't stop!<br /><br />God bless you all,<br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-5347693295389381002010-04-05T20:29:00.009-05:002010-04-18T22:47:16.555-05:00Sunday, April 4,2010 Greetings From GuatemalaA mission team from The Bridge, Spring Hill,Tn, of 7 is here this week, plus myself, a camera crew, Hannah and Leslie-Resounding Productions, Nashville, TN, and Marresa, and Eduardo.<br />Sunday:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EOt_aFyLjad0vw3hg384r7ku2GI2K9EuLTumDU5vC-vgVrvUwnTxOk1t4ozIktSu4KN8Hqhu1ffMCHrTeO3gK-kfUYOqnsZwJWVegsYD-0mOXBC2ityPt9-BLEegjfMrxTbnnrAVEck/s1600/IMG00199-20100404-2059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EOt_aFyLjad0vw3hg384r7ku2GI2K9EuLTumDU5vC-vgVrvUwnTxOk1t4ozIktSu4KN8Hqhu1ffMCHrTeO3gK-kfUYOqnsZwJWVegsYD-0mOXBC2ityPt9-BLEegjfMrxTbnnrAVEck/s320/IMG00199-20100404-2059.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456836612344051074" /></a><br />At 930p we are finally settling down for the night at the dorms on the coast at Piedra Partida. The weather at the coast is as usual -hot and humid. <br />This trip began Friday evening as we traveled to Atlanta to be ready to fly out early Saturday morning for Guatemala City. We arrived, around noon at Ely and Rosa's home.They are still in the states for Ely's treatments. The team spent the day preparing their VBS materials and shopping for needed items (aside from the delicious lime fritos, Buenos Bars, coffee, and hot sauce) at Hiper Paiz, the Guatemalan version of Walmart, and Office Depot. <br />The night air was filled with, you guessed it, a rooster crowing, and firecrackers! As Holy Week comes to an end one might say it does so with a big bang, boom, bam, bing and Cock-a-doodle dooooooo! Who needs to sleep anyway. <br /><br />Back up a Day. - Resurrection Morning:<br />We had a very powerful sweet worship time, together as a team, before worshiping with Ely's church. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW-fbR7XDtAR8xtY5I0oZoli8CUvLohY3CMLEoQnbcg3X0pmeRKr3irh14tsbKaZxdVSso0IFu2uiUdU0CzRiYdfevQoIh5GfZpOLBEGxNyry5oJdMgniw7tPUnBeZ3ig3NIzHmB8Sbk/s1600/John+preach.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW-fbR7XDtAR8xtY5I0oZoli8CUvLohY3CMLEoQnbcg3X0pmeRKr3irh14tsbKaZxdVSso0IFu2uiUdU0CzRiYdfevQoIh5GfZpOLBEGxNyry5oJdMgniw7tPUnBeZ3ig3NIzHmB8Sbk/s320/John+preach.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461685125257320482" /></a><br />Two team members did some tag team preaching in worship - John Howard preaching and Roderrick Carrasco interpreting.<br /><br />Worship is a wonderful thing. There are no language barriers where God's Spirit is present. We praised our risen Savior with our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Guatemala. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOYORZR6CNMZgYlmxYANglrLGzmF2MJJ4PIqg4WQIxDlLFd1EvYDAsntc0_Bw17Fpy8zDsDD5ZAMA_ONSNvQ43JueM6hPieAfHzj32frmtzhuvTbS7CGSxmQz3Pp-6p1TCTYifxyH0uA/s1600/IMG00187-20100404-1849.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOYORZR6CNMZgYlmxYANglrLGzmF2MJJ4PIqg4WQIxDlLFd1EvYDAsntc0_Bw17Fpy8zDsDD5ZAMA_ONSNvQ43JueM6hPieAfHzj32frmtzhuvTbS7CGSxmQz3Pp-6p1TCTYifxyH0uA/s320/IMG00187-20100404-1849.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456836594817353618" /></a><br />We left for the coast after the service and traveled 6 hours to the dorms stopping for fresh roadside coconut, pina and Pollo Campero. After unpacking our luggage we promptly began loading up all the food supplies The Bridge purchased for over 10 pastors - more than 1 ton of food (rice,beans,coffee, oil, noodles,salt,sugar,and eggs) -enough to feed their families for 3 months so they can focus on ministering to their people. <br /><br />Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. <br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-65130558689173918772010-04-03T22:21:00.001-05:002010-04-03T22:25:27.500-05:00Friday April 2, 2010-The Bridge, Spring Hill, TN<span style="font-weight:bold;">Deja vu</span><br /><br />The road to Hotlanta is becoming a familiar path. After only 3 short days home we're headed back to Guatemala once again. <br />God has been so very gracious in sending mission teams our way and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve. He provides everything we need including the strength to carry on. <br />A group of seven from The Bridge, a church in Spring Hill,TN, myself and the chief cook and bottle washers of a new company called Resounding Productions, Nashville, TN, are headed south for the week. <br />Lights! Camera! Action....ACTION!!<br />Hannah Harris and Leslie Haney graduated college and set up shop about a year ago. With hearts to serve the Lord, they will be helping us, by producing a video of our work in Guatemala. <br />Now that we've been properly introduced - on with the show. <br />We will be serving high in the mountains of San Marcos. Base camp will be Ojo de Aqua-8000 ft above sea level. Monday and Tuesday we will have Bible Schools and do food distribution in Armenia, a small village - 9000 ft. On Wednesday we will travel to Choanla-a village over 12,000 ft in the mountains. We will have a Bible School there and distribute food to families. <br />As one might imagine neither of these villages receive visitors very often, especially not from the US. <br />Unless I am mistaken, neither area has ever had Americans come and serve before. Ely and myself along with three other Americans did go to Choanla once but only stayed about 30 minutes before heading back down the mountain. <br />The excitement of the team lifts my spirits. As we go we are praying for God's hand to guide our steps. <br />Thanks so much for your prayers. Pray for Donna, my lovely bride, and Lexie, our granddaughter, who fell last week and cracked her skull. She will have an MRI this week at Vanderbilt. She and her mom, Rebecca, are with us as her dad serves in the armed forces in Iraq. <br />Ely may have a tough week after chemo on Wed. <br />God is good and He is able! To Him be all glory.<br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-76538473569240237472010-03-29T22:45:00.007-05:002010-03-29T23:06:57.855-05:00Friday March 26, 2010 - Heartbreak Hotel- Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EB1eUaPTjZfqokDo81vdBd_tA64-y6vDnVgiAYOwnAktGULzs6DX_jhXOpH-ZWk3ZfNMQ7TGrERvhw8T-8JjNLMc1e3EamQYblkaeNVoMWxx4oU20vyxaJUHBzHFXWpk7U8iburk-Bs/s1600/IMG00137-20100325-1803.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EB1eUaPTjZfqokDo81vdBd_tA64-y6vDnVgiAYOwnAktGULzs6DX_jhXOpH-ZWk3ZfNMQ7TGrERvhw8T-8JjNLMc1e3EamQYblkaeNVoMWxx4oU20vyxaJUHBzHFXWpk7U8iburk-Bs/s320/IMG00137-20100325-1803.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454272266884801218" /></a><br />Raul is working hard to build his family a small place to live, on the back side of the church. The terrain there is steep making this <br />more difficult.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ19cp1Gs_flbXnIQc7vFSyNWMR8mJaZgrjd9QYlkCwW8B6DJsLBw6OHKXhO4juD2hqXk5E38qTUthgay4LaUpt9aD06ESeLfoGleCMVBw6jv10XcQcpNlI0_JPC1J2aHUyySwV4RlKOg/s1600/IMG00135-20100325-1758.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ19cp1Gs_flbXnIQc7vFSyNWMR8mJaZgrjd9QYlkCwW8B6DJsLBw6OHKXhO4juD2hqXk5E38qTUthgay4LaUpt9aD06ESeLfoGleCMVBw6jv10XcQcpNlI0_JPC1J2aHUyySwV4RlKOg/s320/IMG00135-20100325-1758.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454272254495263458" /></a><br />Ely, Pastor Raul and Bro. Mickey <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DqaJ6WEHNQygwzxQD4bKi1C3Cg5lRuDZZIlXNYGfjHJbV4Q58q5EhuuxRGNmFdiGp9ufYoY7Rq3w2BsxsyXdicIVV3v959_fXJ_IRfX0c4xfa3XweX_UL-_cwkoV65QeTSHdmwtXE3c/s1600/IMG00132-20100325-1754.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DqaJ6WEHNQygwzxQD4bKi1C3Cg5lRuDZZIlXNYGfjHJbV4Q58q5EhuuxRGNmFdiGp9ufYoY7Rq3w2BsxsyXdicIVV3v959_fXJ_IRfX0c4xfa3XweX_UL-_cwkoV65QeTSHdmwtXE3c/s320/IMG00132-20100325-1754.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454272251346991778" /></a><br />As we arrived the team carried the supplies on foot down a small road that led us to the church. <br /><br /><br /><br />As we journeyed down the mountain road on Thursday March 25, 2010, we were all spent emotionally and physically. Ely had told us earlier that there was one more pastor to bless with food. He was a new pastor to Esfuerzo Cristiano and his name was Raul Lopez. The village where he lived and served was El Naranjo, a small place around 2000 ft in elevation in the jungle. <br /><br /><br /><br />Pastor Raul, a member of another evangelical org, had learned a short time ago that his organization was selling his church building and the property there. They were simply leaving the area and the people he had come to know and love, he would have to leave behind. His Cr's and broken hearted plea's for the church to remain fell on deaf ears.<br /><br />Raul had invested over a year of his life in El Naranjo. He had fallen in love with those he had ministered to and led to Christ. He knew if he were to stay there was only one thing he could do. <br /><br />After much prayer Pastor Raul placed the only possession he had up for sale, his home which brought $5000. This would be enough money to purchase the church property. <br /><br />In two weeks Raul, his wife and two daughters will be homeless. The church family at El Naranjo will keep their place of worship.<br /><br /><br />Raul is working hard to build his family a small place to live, on the back side of the church. The terrain there is steep making this more difficult.<br /><br />Ely, Pastor Raul and Bro. Mickey <br /><br /><br />Jesus told a rich young man, Matthew 19:21, to go sell all he had and follow Him, but I had never met anyone who had really done such as that. <br /><br /><br />We prayed with Pastor Raul and his family, privileged to have met this man of faith. <br /><br />Please understand that we share these stories with you only to let you know of our work and the condition of the people here. These are emotional stories and I pray they have stirred your hearts as they have mine. <br /><br />We appreciate you and your prayers and financial support so very much. However, we feel led of the Lord not to seek financial help in helping Pastor Francisco and Pastor Raul. We believe God is already at work, Mars Hill Baptist will help Pastor Francisco on his housing situation and FBC, Shreveport is looking for a project for June. I feel they will help Pastor Raul build the parsonage at El Naranjo. <br /><br />We will be putting a construction team together in May to go to Pastor Fransisco's. We are discounting this trip to bare bones minimum cost of $300 plus airfare. We want to do what we can to help this pastor. We will need those who are experienced in construction to go. <br /><br />Other teams are also coming this summer and are willing to do what they can. I ask you only to pray. Pray for these men by name. I apologize for not knowing the names of their wives, but please pray for them daily. Pray also that our Lord will raise up laborers to go and help. <br /><br />Pray that God will multiply our resources as we use them wisely. There are so many pressing needs-other pastors living in inhuman conditions.<br /><br />Our God is not weak, nor does He grow weary and He is faithful. <br /><br />" Father forgive me for ever complaining about anything ever again. My Lazy Boy is old and worn but it's so much better than a plastic chair. My house is dry and warm, my pantry is full as is my stomach. My children are safe and healthy and my pets have a better place to live than these men of God. How can I rest oh Lord? How can I sleep at night knowing the condition in which my brothers and sisters, co- laborers in Christ, must live?"<br /><br /><br />"Dubbie" Walter Smith, is on his first mission trip. He shared this morning from Corinthians. With a tearful confession he blessed our hearts, "The Lord is teaching me how to love. Something I needed to learn. How can you come here and not be changed?" <br /><br />Father, teach us how to love. <br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-50433244839711671362010-03-28T20:20:00.007-05:002010-03-28T20:49:46.293-05:00Thursday, March 25, 2010-Heartbreak Hotel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn34Y-KHI0L8OL004h1RiLt8FCpNCqVrmtA_XZd_pllnAvupxndjwUetLMThC6IEBGFlGMWoKONgeXGFCPhz5OjA1ifgfAP1SIay8pI4e9vDzjLYNd-XqrRJ7IJT0J_VExuqmDWlnJ_8/s1600/IMG00121-20100325-1123.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn34Y-KHI0L8OL004h1RiLt8FCpNCqVrmtA_XZd_pllnAvupxndjwUetLMThC6IEBGFlGMWoKONgeXGFCPhz5OjA1ifgfAP1SIay8pI4e9vDzjLYNd-XqrRJ7IJT0J_VExuqmDWlnJ_8/s320/IMG00121-20100325-1123.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453864586113908034" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dubbie giving candy to a child in LLano Grande</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgctBwt-Y6R8PY1Mxi2wB4FSTID-AWdn-M6UKBM1yM_7qQeRYRzE04Hp4uhu_5HrvkUDnkOhZ6YA8PSuWFo_t4cJ4I_PzP_UZ7xk2jhRfsxwKlAjD19i79w8om2xv3-0YKQw5o2ziSqk/s1600/IMG00114-20100325-1051-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgctBwt-Y6R8PY1Mxi2wB4FSTID-AWdn-M6UKBM1yM_7qQeRYRzE04Hp4uhu_5HrvkUDnkOhZ6YA8PSuWFo_t4cJ4I_PzP_UZ7xk2jhRfsxwKlAjD19i79w8om2xv3-0YKQw5o2ziSqk/s320/IMG00114-20100325-1051-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453864575485201794" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Road to LLando Grande where we delivered food to many</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tZHSakl90egx31nWZX8AItfAVMFtnNpnEUSoVcb1igQdK8EP4nCId0eQMq-sb8mBy4a3JBjz3ipixC_ih0PaNc-yZJSSlAPTSqqybC0JfewLTLBXtGKeQWcgYDxzrd1geCd43FPat88/s1600/IMG00123-20100325-1236.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tZHSakl90egx31nWZX8AItfAVMFtnNpnEUSoVcb1igQdK8EP4nCId0eQMq-sb8mBy4a3JBjz3ipixC_ih0PaNc-yZJSSlAPTSqqybC0JfewLTLBXtGKeQWcgYDxzrd1geCd43FPat88/s320/IMG00123-20100325-1236.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453864573052701810" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lunch at Palo Gordo 2 on Thursday</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FPkj0xZX5uNMCHa_qIlifXC0aXWdeQPp8LwGbNquGG2PCNXHmG8XeMppMGqXo4mT5erGzO-eHTMxQveXbbDyaM_LiIPx3JuEIdAFYaP_JD60vuc1Yw7MgSwwV6Rj52x5A4BM74ttY4c/s1600/IMG00130-20100325-1602.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FPkj0xZX5uNMCHa_qIlifXC0aXWdeQPp8LwGbNquGG2PCNXHmG8XeMppMGqXo4mT5erGzO-eHTMxQveXbbDyaM_LiIPx3JuEIdAFYaP_JD60vuc1Yw7MgSwwV6Rj52x5A4BM74ttY4c/s320/IMG00130-20100325-1602.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453864562903460834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pastor Francisco and his wife</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0wdabgpeHl2oPdDgx-8wbEHK5fTmrFl1N8BEXWWbOSI_kNiHFABX9vx1sd9L4k5vFozsbkW-VBwVHhiJamx_EERc57KRGY7ywtYlxinHzGb6Ho0dCl8KM0qLl_hX7AC93F2xUVurNf0/s1600/IMG00131-20100325-1604.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0wdabgpeHl2oPdDgx-8wbEHK5fTmrFl1N8BEXWWbOSI_kNiHFABX9vx1sd9L4k5vFozsbkW-VBwVHhiJamx_EERc57KRGY7ywtYlxinHzGb6Ho0dCl8KM0qLl_hX7AC93F2xUVurNf0/s320/IMG00131-20100325-1604.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453864555900153698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pastor Franciso's 2 daughters and a friend</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are back at the coast it's 86 degrees at 9p, the team is very tired but no one complains. <br /><br />Today, Thursday, March 25, we headed out to bless more pastors with food in the mountains. Praying, with these men of God, is an amazing experience and once again the blessing was ours. <br /><br />They may be poor but they know a much deeper faith than most believers that I know, including myself. They literally live each and every day by faith. <br /><br />In the morning we visited villages El Pariso and Tierra Blanca. Tierra Blanca is another 1200 ft higher in the mountains and our van could not make it. We crowded into the 4x4 and continued on. PRAISE GOD for this truck! Both visits blessed our hearts beyond. <br /><br />Pastor Edilberto, at Palo Gordo and his family cooked chicken on the barbeque for our lunch. It was a wonderful meal and time of fellowship. <br /><br />After lunch we visited three more villages, Las Lagunas, San Andres and El Naranjo.<br /><br />We walked into a dirt floored shack, at San Andres, where Pastor Francisco, his wife and two daughters were. I prayed Dear Lord, please don't let this be their home.<br /><br />Looking down at the floor you could still see the fresh broom marks in the compressed dirt, dampened from the mountain air. The card board walls will do little to provide protection from the cold and the rain. I tried not to imagine what staying here would be like, especially during winter.<br /><br />Two small beds and a few plastic chairs made up the furnishings. There simply was nothing else, my throat became tight and my heart heavy. <br /><br />I tried to keep my emotions intact but holding my composure was proving to be difficult. I saw Ely began to cry. I went outside to give the children some small toys trying to place my thoughts elsewhere. <br /><br />Before leaving I returned back inside. I had to know, was this their home? There was no food except what we had brought and some bags of corn. <br /><br />Finally I posed the question, was this their home? As I heard Pastor Fransisco say yes my composure was gone. The truth was too painful to bare. I walked ahead of the team trying to hide my emotions. Little did I know that tears flowed from all as we walked away. <br /><br />It was a quiet ride down the mountain. In our own private thoughts we were one. We simply can not leave this family living in this condition. <br /> <br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-7647939706379712862010-03-26T19:26:00.006-05:002010-03-26T19:51:00.978-05:00Wednesday, March 24,2010 - We're in the Mountains-7000 Ft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWmH0o88pBr7GawgiwVu5YCLBEpzDe09bSeyakeiNa7K-t6wIfPEo9YA7-6tYskbE27rd8n63OKfcJTpvAtavnWy19CX-nrMAGk17jlqEc1iqBZMWfw81fYBNUQInovswopx0ZUL4ZgM/s1600/IMG00105-20100324-1330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWmH0o88pBr7GawgiwVu5YCLBEpzDe09bSeyakeiNa7K-t6wIfPEo9YA7-6tYskbE27rd8n63OKfcJTpvAtavnWy19CX-nrMAGk17jlqEc1iqBZMWfw81fYBNUQInovswopx0ZUL4ZgM/s320/IMG00105-20100324-1330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453106087679580834" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team having lunch in the new fellowship hall at Ojo de Aqua.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUzGgpBOiwCYcfK3CiFqwRMuRXfqyGQW8PKn2fR4wEJhUDi6DzUQLy7kIvS0dbqX0_ik5It97bLZi41DNhwh0JEa_agPmT2IAaO4WwRstbc_3F_WGrN9V4safmfTa6AnqKFs8fyCAjaA/s1600/IMG00099-20100323-1952.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUzGgpBOiwCYcfK3CiFqwRMuRXfqyGQW8PKn2fR4wEJhUDi6DzUQLy7kIvS0dbqX0_ik5It97bLZi41DNhwh0JEa_agPmT2IAaO4WwRstbc_3F_WGrN9V4safmfTa6AnqKFs8fyCAjaA/s320/IMG00099-20100323-1952.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453106081185319170" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ely and Brother Gary Hughes preaching at La Montonita.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO2NPbUZjtR-8_pCLQA20abugrs7bcdwpf7Z7TjJLZdboTCwx1SomcRZvJwMs3TQl5qDfeVz_YiO9L1rInddUfzEGczV4qeGG5TCNyj52_PDO_C-249IgUDMs930SGc2pL5x_6okt54E/s1600/IMG00103-20100324-1239.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHO2NPbUZjtR-8_pCLQA20abugrs7bcdwpf7Z7TjJLZdboTCwx1SomcRZvJwMs3TQl5qDfeVz_YiO9L1rInddUfzEGczV4qeGG5TCNyj52_PDO_C-249IgUDMs930SGc2pL5x_6okt54E/s320/IMG00103-20100324-1239.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453106073666387554" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Team at Pastor Edilberto's home in Palo Gordo 2 in the mountains.</span><br /><br />There is something special about coming to the mountains, especially this time of year when the weather is so very hot at the coast. <br />Last night the temp cooled only to a humid 85 degrees at the dorm, and it's a cool 60 here in the mountains of San Marcos, Guatemala. An elevation rise of 7000 feet makes a big difference in temps. <br /><br />We arrived at Palo Gordo 2 around 11a to deliver food and pray with Pastor Edilberto. This was the first of many blessings for us. Words can't describe what we experienced but how gracious is our Lord to allow us to be a part of something so wonderful. <br /><br />Ojo de Auga- Eye of Water:<br /><br />A village also high in the mountains is a place we have become very familiar with. We have come here often, and a few years ago the combined efforts of Mars Hill Baptist and Sharon Baptist Churches, through financial help and sending teams, helped build Sunday School class rooms. We are sleeping in these class rooms tonight. <br /><br />The story I wanted you to hear though is when given just a little help, this small church began to flourish.<br /><br />After the first mission team came and worked so very hard, a fire was ignited. When they saw ordinary people, who came from different walks of life, people who they didn't even know, come and help them they knew there was more they could do also.<br /><br />In three years the congregation has nearly doubled. They purchased a small piece of property, increased the size of the sanctuary by 50 percent and built a new fellowship hall! Somebody say Halelluia! God is at work and so are His people. <br /><br />It's been a great trip so far. Brother Gary's spanish is amazing, Bro. Steve brought a good word this morning and Bro. Robin tonight. We're exhausted, lights are out and soon we will be also. <br /><br />Tomorrow we have many more pastors to visit before heading back down the mountain. Thanks for praying. <br /><br />God bless you,<br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-5359030891060249362010-03-25T21:15:00.004-05:002010-03-25T21:29:57.294-05:00Tuesday, March 23,2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikod5Tiw9fdjnWP2mO0l4gZvAhFUyAjjGU8pwRXugdgrpxi9maXnUvq9Jg_IzUTpfTbasoIXnf-ZHxlYQkWc-iXZuM3mPX3C-Edd0V8COEAx1QX7XtrrIdpX0IXLHce-Azy0zYw_MUA2U/s1600/IMG00093-20100323-1854.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikod5Tiw9fdjnWP2mO0l4gZvAhFUyAjjGU8pwRXugdgrpxi9maXnUvq9Jg_IzUTpfTbasoIXnf-ZHxlYQkWc-iXZuM3mPX3C-Edd0V8COEAx1QX7XtrrIdpX0IXLHce-Azy0zYw_MUA2U/s320/IMG00093-20100323-1854.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452763715303710530" /></a><br /><br />Some of the staff with Ely and Pastor Efifonio at La Mountanita<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bus Drivers Strike Closes-Roads, Schools and Businesses</span><br />It actually did happen on Monday, our arrival day.<br /><br />Spirit Air- ***** 5 Star Landing-the absolute best ever in GUA. <br />* 1 star for service. No soda, pretzels or even water unless you wanted to pay $3.00 for a bottle. <br /><br />Traffic was light as we left the airport in GUA City and when I inquired why I was told that the bus drivers parked their buses in protest, blocking many major roads, early that morning-thus closing businesses and schools. The only problem this created for us was that we had to wait and watch the news Tuesday morn, making sure it didn't take place again. <br /><br />All roads were clear and we were on our way by 830a this morning. We opted to load everything on the truck and not bring the trailer in case we ran into trouble. Without the trailer we could take some side roads (paths) if need be.<br /> <br />Ely and Rosa were making their first trip to the coast in over 6 months. Ely really wanted to come out before he heads back to the states for more Chemo. He, Rosa and Jamie rode together in the truck with Eduardo driving and we followed in the van.<br /><br />The Pan American Highway is under construction and when finished should take two hours off the drive time that we have. It's a blessing to have a good road for part of the trip now because once you're back on the old road, driving is like dodge ball. You dodge pot holes, on coming traffic and inpatient drivers. <br /><br />The First Church Staff Team:<br /><br />As I expressed in the earlier email, 8 of our church staff from Mars Hill Baptist are here this week.<br /><br />We arrived at Piedra Partida around 1p, got everything set up and unpacked, had some down time and drove over to La Montonita for a 6p service.<br /><br />Bro. Gary, asscosiate pastor, preached on Abraham's test- challenging us that there is only one correct answer when God gives us a test-Yes Lord! Guess that's why we say "I surrender all."<br />Of course, the problem doesn't lie in saying it but actually living it. <br /><br />Wednesday and Thursday we're in the mountains delivering, much needed, food while ministering to pastors and believers there. <br /><br />The temp has dropped from 93 to 84 degrees tonight inside the dorm making it bearable. <br /><br />April and May are the hottest months here in GUA. I'm thankful that we are going to be in the mountains the next two days. At 7000 ft it will be much cooler. <br /><br />Lord bless you all. Forever grateful for your prayers and support. <br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-65920865901155253182010-03-22T22:27:00.004-05:002010-03-22T22:46:05.070-05:00Mars Hill Baptist Staff Mission Team-Monday, March 22, 2010<span style="font-weight:bold;">Here We Go Again!! Road Trip to Atlanta and on to Guatemala</span><br /><br />I'm not sure it gets any better than this!<br /><br />The End of the Spear:<br /><br />Yesterday, Sunday, our morning service drew our attention to a familiar story where five missionaries paid the ultimate price while sharing the gospel in Ecuador. <br /><br />On January 8, 1956, Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Flemmings, Ed McCauley and Roger Youdrin were killed while trying to bring the gospel to the Auca, later know as the Waodani, a people group that neared extinction because of the warring violence among themselves. This story is depicted in a movie called "The End of the Spear" produced by Steve Saint, Nate's son. <br /><br />When these young men heard of the Auca and how they had never heard the gospel of Christ they were compelled to go and try to reach them. Though it cost these men their very lives, there is an incredible story of how their families went to Ecuador to fulfill the vision of sharing Christ with the Auca, the very savages that took the lives of their loved ones. <br /><br />Why am I telling you this story?<br /><br />Our church was recently blessed with actual artifacts from this incredible event. <br /><br />The Lord brought Jack and Mary Ella Long to Lawrenceburg a few years back. Jack's dad, a pilot, became involved with the Wycliffe ministry in the late 60's, a ministry that translates the Bible into dialects and languages for those who have no Bible in their own language. <br /><br />The Long's who lived in Miami, FL opened their home to mission teams going and coming to South America, thus getting to know Rachel Saint, Nate's sister, and many others connected to these men who gave their lives. Even some of those involved in the brutal killings, who later came Christ through the work of Rachel and others, stayed in the Long's home. <br /><br />On their first visit to the states, as Jack recalls, they had never slept in a bed or seen a TV. It was quite the experience. <br /><br />For 40 years, the artifacts, actual hand carved spears, a blow gun, the hand made darts along with the "poison pots" used for dipping the dart tips, gifts to Jack's parents, remained in their home in FL. It wasn't until Jack's mother passed away four years ago that he actually learned of the historic value of these items. <br /><br />After his dad down-sized in home, the artifacts were placed in Jack and Mary Ella's care. Jack had been talking with a museum in Dallas for several months. When they told him that they wanted the artifacts, but they also wanted the option to sell them if they deemed it in their best interest. At that point Jack and Mary Ella felt uncomfortable with that, and believed there had to be a better place for these important bits of history.<br /><br />Some time later, Jack and Mary Ella dropped by the Church Office to speak to Brother Mickey about something unrelated. When they entered his office, lying on his desk was a book based on the life of Jim Elliot. Mary Ella casually asked Mickey if he was interested in that story and Mickey responded yes. He said he had read the book years ago but had recently pulled it back out to go back through it again. <br /><br />After talking for a while Jack and Mary Ella felt that Mars Hill Baptist Church was where the artifacts needed to be displayed.<br /><br />In our services yesterday morning we enjoyed an incredible time of worship. With the artifacts on display, Jack presented an emotional talk letting the congregation know some of the history and how his family was involved. We listened to a prerecorded interview between Mary Ella and Jack's dad. Brother Mickey brought it all together as he does so very well. We enjoyed the presence of the Lord and many lives were changed.<br /><br />The artifacts will be placed on display, as a memorial, not only for these missionaries who gave their lives for the cause of Christ, but also for those today who continue to go and serve throughout our world today.<br /><br />In Joshua 4 we find the story of twelve stones being taken from the center of the Jordan River and being placed as a memorial. In the future when their descendants asked their fathers and grandfathers - What do these stones mean? Tell them how Israel crossed the Jordan on dry land."<br /> <br />May these artifacts be a reminder to us and many generations to come of the importance of sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors here at home as well as those around the world who have never had the opportunity to hear.<br /><br />Church Staff Mission Team:<br /><br />Eight members of Mars Hill Baptist Church Staff are on our way to Guatemala as we speak. While there we will carry this wonderful gospel, to some remote villages and encourage the pastors and believers who live there. We will also be delivering food to the poor. May God be glorified in this effort. <br /><br />Thank you once again for your prayers and financial support.<br /><br />By our Lord's grace and strength we press on. <br /><br />Lewis<br /><br />"He is no fool that gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can never lose.". Jim Elliot<br /><br />Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-24340567968410136732010-03-13T15:41:00.001-06:002010-03-13T15:42:44.626-06:00Friday, March 12, 2010<span style="font-weight:bold;">Nervous Gringos</span><br />Driving Guatemala Style:<br /><br />We made it back to Guatemala City safe : ) but a few of the team members did get a bit nervous about the driving down here. <br /><br />We only saw one wreck with no injuries-Praise the Lord. Driving in Guatemala-No rules and take no hostages!<br /><br />Your Prayers:<br />Thank you again for praying. Your prayers have touched the lives of so many. Words cannot express our gratitude. <br /><br />Last Posting:<br />I have started a final post but much too tired to finish. Hopefully tomorrow. <br /><br />We fly out at 150p-landing in Atlanta at 630-hoping to be home around mid-night. <br /><br />Thanks again - LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-53855972553049643122010-03-11T17:44:00.007-06:002010-03-11T19:21:31.574-06:00Wednesday, March 10,2010-Day three in Paradise!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFK5XGyN2vXHcd6ZvYNKotlOGm-JR3fGFsaM_9hXnN0OLpW6rZjNwvJSS7xGfBj5WYL3iUsg051rHd5CQ41JOgui_r3D3S8LWZYmpQqOFyoDicEbanMpag3PYPFsMNUp1G1yOMbdSQk0/s1600-h/vbs.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFK5XGyN2vXHcd6ZvYNKotlOGm-JR3fGFsaM_9hXnN0OLpW6rZjNwvJSS7xGfBj5WYL3iUsg051rHd5CQ41JOgui_r3D3S8LWZYmpQqOFyoDicEbanMpag3PYPFsMNUp1G1yOMbdSQk0/s200/vbs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447550931329063602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrev3oor7Zlt86wjt5OAevKEFsYWRMfhPkc0XCi3a_kzFUK4aa-dZfGTboxpq7Mpy5sP62PjM1DfUrvZpRpcic_p3vMYYdvG51orn4P9UgxZ9ul-OkC5whX9XfUZCzy9pDNV_emdVOuvI/s1600-h/IMG00064-20100310-1537.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrev3oor7Zlt86wjt5OAevKEFsYWRMfhPkc0XCi3a_kzFUK4aa-dZfGTboxpq7Mpy5sP62PjM1DfUrvZpRpcic_p3vMYYdvG51orn4P9UgxZ9ul-OkC5whX9XfUZCzy9pDNV_emdVOuvI/s200/IMG00064-20100310-1537.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447550665254201570" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">VBS at Santa Teressa</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Break of Day:<br /><br />Five AM must be my biological alarm clock when I'm in Guatemala. It is a good time to pray and collect some thoughts for the day. <br /><br />Roofing Crew/TV Stars:<br /><br />The guys left early to finish the roof in Coatepeque. I have heard that TV crews were also back again today. The rest of us loaded food and drove out to Las Mercedes, a poor village that borders Mexico. <br /><br />A Bumpy One Hour Ride:<br /><br />Las Mercedes is a place near to my heart but it's tough getting there. Our first visit, back in 2004, almost cost Ely and me our lives. <br />Now that's water under the bridge, a church has been planted there for five years and some 22 families are now members.<br />We had a wonderful time of fellowship and were blessed to share the food provided by Oakland Baptist with these humble people. <br /><br />Bumpy Ride-Part 2;<br /><br />We returned to Piedra Partida in time for lunch, some work, a few errands and VBS prep. <br /><br />Final VBS Day:<br /><br />Around 100 in attendance. It was wild but good-lots of rough and rowdy boys. <br />Traci did a wonderful job sharing a story and the gospel as all have done each day. Many responded and we trust all to the Lord. <br /><br />Special Folks: <br /><br />As you know, since Ely's cancer, his and Rosa's children have stepped up in a big way. Edson handles the construction while Eduardo and Maresa take care of the team. All three are doing a wonderful job. <br />Ya'll know I love Maresa's cooking, and she and Eduardo are a such a blessing. They are wonderful servants of the Lord. <br /><br />Weather Report:<br /><br />Clear to partly cloudy and at 6p the temp is still 90 and humid. Wiping sweat, clearing fogged glasses and thumb typing can prove to be challenging at times. <br /><br />News Flash:<br /><br />I just spoke with Edson and they will finish the roof today but need to return tomorrow to collect the tools and such.<br /><br />Night Cap: <br /><br />It's peaceful here as I sit and swing in the hanging hammock chair. The Lord has given us another wonderful day. Oh how He loves you and me. <br /><br />God bless you all-LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-20215662162234146202010-03-10T21:44:00.001-06:002010-03-10T21:47:11.409-06:00Widow's House behind the Dorm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sKUF_lvyXYz3GxsPP534zl5hW_YfJa6pXgVDl4IXIfSYsUr6zm1xhqh4TKOsoXE00UZq8wnKmT4AAjBbrYqRRgv9YJ9nJBEZYNNs8jtnrxHPpp9yoy9fpgBmY2BTQcKSLBUGumtCdqQ/s1600-h/IMG00059-20100310-0631.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sKUF_lvyXYz3GxsPP534zl5hW_YfJa6pXgVDl4IXIfSYsUr6zm1xhqh4TKOsoXE00UZq8wnKmT4AAjBbrYqRRgv9YJ9nJBEZYNNs8jtnrxHPpp9yoy9fpgBmY2BTQcKSLBUGumtCdqQ/s200/IMG00059-20100310-0631.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447217614524674114" /></a><br /><br />This is the house we repaired and painted.When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-18770873274675208922010-03-10T21:27:00.003-06:002010-03-10T21:49:14.857-06:00Tuesday, March 9, 2010-PM-Day two at the coastCoffee and Oswald Chambers:<br /><br />Mornings are so peaceful here in Piedra Partida. Just before daylight a cup of coffee and Oswald Chambers, both are stimulating. <br /><br />Before Breakfast:<br /><br />We loaded all the tools and the 24 ft. steel costaneras onto a truck belonging to one of Edson's cousins, then sat down for breakfast at 7a. Maresa's eggs, black beans and fresh pico are wonderful. The ladies are graciously helping her prepare our meals. <br /><br />Good Job George! <br /><br />George Cameron, another new believer and first time missionary, shared his testimony afterward. Once again we were touched by God's presence and power. What a great time of fellowship we had. <br /><br />Roofing Crew:<br /><br />Edson, David Hodges and seven other men were on their way for Coatepeque by 8:00AM loaded down with everything that was needed, we hoped, to began placing the steel for the new roof. <br /><br />Have Paint, Concrete and Tamales-We'll Travel!<br /><br />Four guys along with me and the ladies stayed to prepare food bags and VBS, paint and anything else we could find to do. <br /><br />Gee Wizzzz Amigo!<br /><br />I drove all the way to Malacatan for two, five gallon buckets of a special paint sealer. Both said blanco but when I opened the first it was pale green. Perhaps it dries white. Nope! Dried green. Oh well, green looks good. <br /><br />The guys finished off the first bucket by 10a. They had one and a half coats on the wall when I opened the second bucket. Now we have white!<br />Called the paint store and they said sometimes the factory makes mistakes, but they had no more green. Go figure. <br /><br />Unplanned Projects-Seek and ye shall find!<br /><br />Pablo, a special needs guy who lives behind the dorm was helping with a hand dug well they were lining with concrete blocks. We fell in, no pun intended, and helped them finish and were rewarded with fresh off the tree bananas.<br /><br />An old woman lives in a shanty shack behind the dorm also. Some of the wood was destroyed by termites, and she was missing plastic that provided protection. In speaking with her we asked if we could paint her house, her tears said yes. "What color would you like," I asked. She wanted an aqua green used a lot in the area. Not my pick but this ain't "Design on a Dime, Curb Appeal" or any of the other buy, sale or fix your home, either.<br />Family and friends gathered as the team painted. Transformation took place right before our very eyes. Sort of looks like an aquarium with all the vegetation around it. <br /><br />Hillbilly's and Hollywood: No offense guys but it has a catchy ring to it. <br /><br />The roofing crew made great progress, was interviewed by local TV and a Christian Magazine, photos and all. I praise God for these multi-talented, high tech red necks! <br /><br />VBS Rocked!<br /><br />This team has brought wonderful crafts and ideas. Seventy in attendance today. Had a wonderful time. <br /><br />Aren't you glad that Jesus loved you enough to die for you?<br /><br />Thanks for being -- LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-22619047884420968852010-03-09T19:03:00.011-06:002010-03-09T19:26:35.238-06:00Tuesday, March 9, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnGyOsHQkiBFf3SAg5aLMu5yWGZYmjjDRmza1SAcGG7BDrIvbVlsekiQEDq1pILzXO4k7Jke7HleXZ7deaBAZsBZBLUxN8syWgEuRqOLETSyCBTM0QDRFq_r-3VvwGkXI3ZtB9YJtw6Q/s1600-h/IMG00052-20100309-0817.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnGyOsHQkiBFf3SAg5aLMu5yWGZYmjjDRmza1SAcGG7BDrIvbVlsekiQEDq1pILzXO4k7Jke7HleXZ7deaBAZsBZBLUxN8syWgEuRqOLETSyCBTM0QDRFq_r-3VvwGkXI3ZtB9YJtw6Q/s200/IMG00052-20100309-0817.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446809434831459442" /></a><br /><br /><br />Edson and Oakland men, loaded with scaffolding and welders back out of dormitory. They are headed to Coatepeque<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV1nYqEumOaGoRidirqvFbBOrx8ualpcFyQBbiNKbgRdIHhgy6A8QfPiaY0FNT81Ykc512_j4B3UxMD-UrFHpiLmGlvHMZNgkbzgbIX5sFgnKEm9iwfHqpjFeItaCDbDm9TFVsCUqcvg/s1600-h/IMG00050-20100309-0816.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV1nYqEumOaGoRidirqvFbBOrx8ualpcFyQBbiNKbgRdIHhgy6A8QfPiaY0FNT81Ykc512_j4B3UxMD-UrFHpiLmGlvHMZNgkbzgbIX5sFgnKEm9iwfHqpjFeItaCDbDm9TFVsCUqcvg/s200/IMG00050-20100309-0816.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446805821998112130" /></a><br /><br />Tools and steel costanera loaded and also headed to the widows house at Coatapeque<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"<br />href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLWpfOJ7D9ZwwGNP5CVWdJQcxYyonLtrBgssxV4amlci1TpOGdbT4tpTbu2UZ0T7lsFMIcUQcV9UGsPJGLsfenMS724oY8_wHKv0mdSrnxPZLYk-dIfPGSIJWd-LjaY9MKbCm36cwonw/s1600-h/IMG00048-20100309-0617.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLWpfOJ7D9ZwwGNP5CVWdJQcxYyonLtrBgssxV4amlci1TpOGdbT4tpTbu2UZ0T7lsFMIcUQcV9UGsPJGLsfenMS724oY8_wHKv0mdSrnxPZLYk-dIfPGSIJWd-LjaY9MKbCm36cwonw/s200/IMG00048-20100309-0617.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446804994046468386" /></a><br /><br /><br />Early morning - In ParadiseWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-17578454431653649162010-03-09T18:49:00.006-06:002010-03-10T21:49:52.942-06:00Monday , March 8,2010-PM-Day one at the Coast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N6lUi0onWVlhlfn_d1xW2pUp5ROXioYF5IAYhQuqIbasL5jW-rvulrJSYLVPTg9RhVFXvuhmDqivwsjIFHaJm_FFg_hifGfCIKTpvBU1s8zyxLJdYmspujfVN7RGsi9s1HKuqLhX4oc/s1600-h/IMG00045-20100308-1700.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N6lUi0onWVlhlfn_d1xW2pUp5ROXioYF5IAYhQuqIbasL5jW-rvulrJSYLVPTg9RhVFXvuhmDqivwsjIFHaJm_FFg_hifGfCIKTpvBU1s8zyxLJdYmspujfVN7RGsi9s1HKuqLhX4oc/s200/IMG00045-20100308-1700.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447216554646295122" /></a><br /><br />Guatemalan Cashew Factory<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday in Paradise!</span><br />Ok--it's hot, the roosters crowed most of the night, some are already showing signs of exhaustion, one is down with an apparent stomach virus--a co-worker had it last week, and my left Trapezius muscle feels like someone has a knife digging around in it.<br />But God-------enough said. <br /><br />Basking in His Presence:<br /><br />God is doing something special in our lives this week. His presence is so strong. I can't speak for everyone but for me it started during the Pastor Stacey's message Sunday morning--Eph. 1:15-23; faith, victory, power, refuge, strength, comfort all found in Christ. Good stuff! And it's true : ). <br />In my Quiet Time the Lord's love and presence overwhelmed me-Nothing can separate us from the love of God! He loves us! We don't deserve it, can't earn it or unearn it. He loves us regardless of our deeds or blemishes! Somebody say HALLELUIA! Praise Him! He is worthy. <br />If you don't know His love--you can. Just call out His name right now--tell Him just how much you need Him. Whether you realize it or not---we all need Jesus in our lives. <br /><br />Ok---Preaching's Over:<br /><br />After breakfast, Rich, a believer of only 3 years shared of how God has changed his life in a powerful way. Tears flowed as God showed His presence. We are blessed beyond. <br />The Heat index tripled--nothing new. The team worked extremely hard and well-- much accomplished--all steel is welded, cut, painted--ready to go first thing in the morn. <br /><br />Fresh Cashews:<br /><br />The kids next door had a fire going with something cooking so I went to check it out. They roasted the Cashews-in hull until charred. Dumped them on the ground to cool then broke them open with two rocks. I must admit they were really tasty. <br />Don is much better--thanks for praying --LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-23981048228724411452010-03-08T21:21:00.002-06:002010-03-08T21:25:27.923-06:00Monday , March 8,2010-AM<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz5COyE4RXUBHObd1IDx8Hcqpw1_6Cxiu0DDDqD0MtaZzbmhYZ3K6KQHVK4IG0HOO1NwkNnc8-TzDvs_-KLnd6rGn5bu27ZjK7W5noaxd6Nng0sDscvJ6BAh4sWAmddBYj__wr9Y4yoU/s1600-h/IMG00043-20100308-1218-2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz5COyE4RXUBHObd1IDx8Hcqpw1_6Cxiu0DDDqD0MtaZzbmhYZ3K6KQHVK4IG0HOO1NwkNnc8-TzDvs_-KLnd6rGn5bu27ZjK7W5noaxd6Nng0sDscvJ6BAh4sWAmddBYj__wr9Y4yoU/s200/IMG00043-20100308-1218-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446470015950718322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCd0TbiNU-65ft9sUV5NXyLEjwwxxQ37semO0NIvy3XfJXkf90f2gY_WNeFeZ_vLwRv5ayYcku5ZBm_r1QcnQ63XT-rrkJwvKLV3cokKitwCaj9H4Pno7up9k1tgkVT7mYhKuFUE0-1E/s1600-h/IMG00054-20100307-1519.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCd0TbiNU-65ft9sUV5NXyLEjwwxxQ37semO0NIvy3XfJXkf90f2gY_WNeFeZ_vLwRv5ayYcku5ZBm_r1QcnQ63XT-rrkJwvKLV3cokKitwCaj9H4Pno7up9k1tgkVT7mYhKuFUE0-1E/s200/IMG00054-20100307-1519.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446469587466662850" /></a><br />The men looking at the roofing job for a widowed lady in Coatapeque. <br />David Hodges and Edson work together on the steel costanera to support the long and narrow roof.When Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-65949695674231816932010-03-08T18:40:00.002-06:002010-03-08T18:54:04.957-06:00Sunday, March 7, 2010The Landing--If I may expound. I bet the captain wishes he could have that one over. <br />After my near death experience last week in CO-notice how that story is growing - the landing in GUA wasn't all that bad. My friend Keith Mattox compares it to hitting a large unexpected pot hole at a high rate of speed. Today it was all of that plus some. For an instant we thought a Nascar 360 was in order.<br /><br />Do You Have Any Money? <br /><br />If you are going to have dollars to spend while in GUA one must either send a wire or carry it on their person. Normally we wire but this time circumstances didn't allow so the latter was in order. Carrying a small fortune, at least to a poor Guatemalan, for construction material, team ground fee, food, pastor support, etc., made me a bit nervous. <br />Exiting the plane I thought to myself--self, just get through customs, collect the luggage and walk out the door, be greeted by Edson and Edurardo,-load the trailer and leave- all safe and secure. <br />With this large team I had rented an extra van and knew I would need go and do paper work and collect the van. What I didn't know is that I would be walking 5 blocks to get there. All ended well but I must admit I was way out of even my comfort zone. <br /><br />Ely and Rosa:<br /><br />The first week after chemo is the hardest. My heart breaks to watch my brother and friend suffer. Rosa stays by his side and she watches and prays. I ask you to continue to remember them. <br /><br />It's Sunday!<br /><br />Oh how we experienced the power and presence of our Lord today. Pastor Stacey preach the Word and God moved in many hearts including mine. The Lord is so very good. <br />We arrived at the coast by dark and worked until 10p. The team, very diverse talent wise, will start work around day break. We have a challenging week ahead and appreciate your prayers. <br /><br />Thanks for listening-All glory and honor to the Lord. Jesus loves me this I know- that's enough for me. <br /><br />In His service--LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-87749284886065723122010-03-06T21:05:00.002-06:002010-03-06T21:09:37.197-06:00Oakland Baptist Church-Rutledge,TNMarch 6, 2010-Saturday<br />I met up with the team just south of Chattanooga, TN, in north GA at 3:30 AM. They allowed me to hitch a ride on down to Atlanta, thus saving me some drive time and hopefully-swollen legs again. <br />There are nineteen from Oakland Baptist Church, Rutledge, TN. A diverse bunch headed up by David Hodges--farmers, an engineer, school teachers, students, sales reps, truck driver, contractor, stay at home moms, electrician, mechanic, insurance salesman, etc. All willing to come and serve among the poor in Guatemala. <br />We left Atlanta at 10a eastern and should touch down any minute now making our flight time only 3 hrs and 15 minutes. So far an uneventful trip. All is well. Please continue to pray that all we are, do and say bring glory and honor to our Lord. <br />And like being dropped from the sky we just landed hard and a bit squirmy but we're safe and partially sound. <br /><br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7006657568573565401.post-27801956664671348402010-02-20T11:37:00.006-06:002010-02-23T20:49:07.858-06:00Friday,February 19,2010-Transition Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_lm1gad7A9lLp0rb-uwdFSGwDkF1qqnBMKhpUmzD0B34MYPvt7t5T-MQEb3QmLCSZ2LzSCbNZ6ThMEpvmtMjZg-oqKbLiFnst1uu-DBBbDoro8N59_rreGvutiI-Th_oTQyyMVS2qU8/s1600-h/IMG_0930.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_lm1gad7A9lLp0rb-uwdFSGwDkF1qqnBMKhpUmzD0B34MYPvt7t5T-MQEb3QmLCSZ2LzSCbNZ6ThMEpvmtMjZg-oqKbLiFnst1uu-DBBbDoro8N59_rreGvutiI-Th_oTQyyMVS2qU8/s200/IMG_0930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441634889585116338" /></a><br /><br />We loaded up and got on the road by 6a. The morning air was cool and felt good once we were going. <br />Driving is always a challenge, we saw three wrecks involving big trucks and a few near mishaps where Chicken Buses were the issue. I sit and watch in total amazement as the Three Ring Circus unveils act after act for the entire 6 hour journey back. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHpXOAmguwzm7-hMWnBY-ymMnIltRvoLdrEO4Y6_Idsv8eWxpa2exMlkxszHsO9tVOQDKwH9KePRHLbPqGnzcfA5u5vovCxwmonK5ukaC72VzTvWox0FSuW_3lSjZPDubllOKjMS6wmk/s1600-h/100_3510.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHpXOAmguwzm7-hMWnBY-ymMnIltRvoLdrEO4Y6_Idsv8eWxpa2exMlkxszHsO9tVOQDKwH9KePRHLbPqGnzcfA5u5vovCxwmonK5ukaC72VzTvWox0FSuW_3lSjZPDubllOKjMS6wmk/s200/100_3510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441635676189278642" /></a><br /><br />We spent a few hours in Antigua before heading back to Ely and Rosa's casa. We were all relieved to see Ely feeling and looking better. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHeR48IZX7Eg8JtNz_ABVfvLkzlv2bBZG3cHQXJ1bpmSiwZl4lTqlEIRsVCafX-dEP_G3EVi6Ihs7J6bW04qhSwrtmQDf_1igo4kTevbN_hOJWpefyxrafHt9sIHFJJ23DLSh6YDWKbk/s1600-h/100_3472.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHeR48IZX7Eg8JtNz_ABVfvLkzlv2bBZG3cHQXJ1bpmSiwZl4lTqlEIRsVCafX-dEP_G3EVi6Ihs7J6bW04qhSwrtmQDf_1igo4kTevbN_hOJWpefyxrafHt9sIHFJJ23DLSh6YDWKbk/s200/100_3472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441536876929523970" /></a><br />The transition day helps with the river of emotions that floods your soul after serving in a poor village for a week. <br /><br />The team is weary so after supper we called it a night. The ladies stayed at the house and the guys in the church. After many stories and laughs we turned out the lights. <br />The sound of the city traffic helps buffer the chainsaw running in the bed next to me. It's time to dig out the ear plugs and turn in. <br />We've had a great week and we know this has happened partly because of your prayers. Once again---Thank You!<br />Should make it home by midnight tomorrow. <br />LewisWhen Will We Cry?http://www.blogger.com/profile/01479276223112977024noreply@blogger.com0