I often get asked this question. The background on my computer at work is a picture of our recent trip to Guatemala, so when people walk by they see it. Some ask about it. Some just look at it. Many people want to know why Guatemala. I don't always have a clear, solid answer. Because I really don't know. All I know is that God provided a way for me to serve there last year and all I can think about is how much longer it is before I get to go back.
I never thought that I would be in a place where missions was such a desire for me.
God did so many things in my life when I was in Guatemala last summer and those things have expanded to even more things. I have gotten the opportunity to share God's love with a land of people who want to know. I've gotten to help families who had nothing. I've gotten to love on children who don't always have a mom or dad to love them.
Every time I go, I come back changed. I come back with an even stronger love for the people and country of Guatemala.
So, what IS the deal?
The deal is this: God commissioned His children to go out and tell the world about Him. That's what I'm doing. Simply following His guiding hand to wherever He leads.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A Closet Full of Clothes
I have a large walk-in closet. Inside it, are three racks of clothes. On top of one of the shelves is a large Rubbermaid with even more clothes. My bedroom has a tall chest that houses even more clothes. There are times when I complain of having nothing to wear. There are times when I just HAVE to have another pair of shoes or another purse.
We all have those times. Times of oblivion to the world around us.
We were able to put on one clothing tienda in an area that was heavily hit by the tropical storms after the volcano erupted. Many people lost their homes, their clothing, and everything they had. Many of the teams that come down to minister alongside Clubhouse Guatemala bring down clothes and shoes that we use to put on the tiendas. At this particular tienda we passed out mounds of clothing and a ton of shoes. Every family member that walked through the clinic got 2 pieces of clothing, a pair of socks, and a pair of shoes. We were able to bless so many people with clothing and shoes.
If you had the chance, would you clean out your closet?
It hit me while I was passing out clothing to these sweet people that I have a closet full of things that I don't wear. Items that I pick over because they aren't the right color or because they don't look good on me. How selfish is that? Pretty darn selfish when I witness people with nothing smiling over some hand-me-down articles of clothing and once worn shoes.
My goal throughout the year is to send Mike and Carla 10 suitcases of clothing. I know what just 2 suitcases weighing 50lbs can do for a ministry. I know, for one, because I lugged them around two airports.
My challenge to you, as readers, is to do something drastic for the cause. You know you have nice clothes that you haven't worn in months. Would you consider donating them to a ministry area? I'm not asking for them, because there are plenty of areas right down the street that need items for people here in our country. People sometimes ask, 'why don't you just do something local?' I do. I donate to my area Salvation Army and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry. If God lays it on your heart to give to Clubhouse Guatemala, by all means, please feel free to contact me. Leave a comment or send me an email.
Right now, our biggest need is shoes. Mike and Carla have come into contact with several people who have been given their very first pair of shoes by Mike and Carla. Some of these people are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. That is not an exaggeration to pull at your heart strings. I wish it was. Because for me to sit here on a comfortable couch, with 3 visible pair of shoes in sight, makes me a little sick to my stomach. Sure, I am blessed. Blessed beyond measure. Now, I want to bless others.
I want to forget about my wants and focus on others needs.
Because let's face it.
Who really needs 20 pairs of shoes...when there are children and elderly people walking dusty, rocky streets in their bare feet?
I had to post this picture. I took it from Mike's pictures on Facebook. The story behind this little man walking home...For 71 years this man did not have shoes. Mike and Carla met him at a tienda that they were doing about a week ago. Before that day, he had not had shoes since he was 7 years old. Can you imagine 71 years of walking the streets barefoot??
We all have those times. Times of oblivion to the world around us.
We were able to put on one clothing tienda in an area that was heavily hit by the tropical storms after the volcano erupted. Many people lost their homes, their clothing, and everything they had. Many of the teams that come down to minister alongside Clubhouse Guatemala bring down clothes and shoes that we use to put on the tiendas. At this particular tienda we passed out mounds of clothing and a ton of shoes. Every family member that walked through the clinic got 2 pieces of clothing, a pair of socks, and a pair of shoes. We were able to bless so many people with clothing and shoes.
If you had the chance, would you clean out your closet?
It hit me while I was passing out clothing to these sweet people that I have a closet full of things that I don't wear. Items that I pick over because they aren't the right color or because they don't look good on me. How selfish is that? Pretty darn selfish when I witness people with nothing smiling over some hand-me-down articles of clothing and once worn shoes.
My goal throughout the year is to send Mike and Carla 10 suitcases of clothing. I know what just 2 suitcases weighing 50lbs can do for a ministry. I know, for one, because I lugged them around two airports.
My challenge to you, as readers, is to do something drastic for the cause. You know you have nice clothes that you haven't worn in months. Would you consider donating them to a ministry area? I'm not asking for them, because there are plenty of areas right down the street that need items for people here in our country. People sometimes ask, 'why don't you just do something local?' I do. I donate to my area Salvation Army and Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry. If God lays it on your heart to give to Clubhouse Guatemala, by all means, please feel free to contact me. Leave a comment or send me an email.
Right now, our biggest need is shoes. Mike and Carla have come into contact with several people who have been given their very first pair of shoes by Mike and Carla. Some of these people are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. That is not an exaggeration to pull at your heart strings. I wish it was. Because for me to sit here on a comfortable couch, with 3 visible pair of shoes in sight, makes me a little sick to my stomach. Sure, I am blessed. Blessed beyond measure. Now, I want to bless others.
I want to forget about my wants and focus on others needs.
Because let's face it.
Who really needs 20 pairs of shoes...when there are children and elderly people walking dusty, rocky streets in their bare feet?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday~June 23
The people here were also hit pretty hard by the volcano and tropical storm aftermath. Many lost their homes and were living at the shelter.
That afternoon we took a little time to rest and get ready for what the nights activities had in store for us. Our team hosted a medical clinic and a block party at one of the churches that Mike is getting involved in. Since we were a little short on hands that night, Carla and I manned the pharmacy. Our doctor team of 1 saw pretty close to 200 people in a little over an hour and a half. Talk about busy. Carla and I passed out dozens and dozens of medicines and every family got enough vitamins to last them almost a month. The people there were so grateful for the medicines and vitamins. When we were finished with the clinic part, Tina, our doctor came out of her little "doctor's office" and announced that she felt like she didn't see hardly anyone. Boy, was that God giving her strength like an ox. I don't think she realized just how many people she saw and helped.
During the block party I made friends with this little beauty, Mariana Guadelupe. She was the sweetest little thing. We chatted about the basics- name, age, where she lived, her brothers- and then she wanted to learn English. So we sat for almost thirty minutes and she would ask me how to say various words in English and then she would practice saying them and teaching me the Spanish words for them. Such a simple little thing but it meant so much to me. God led this little girl to my lap. She had such a sweet spirit and I was so thankful for the time I got to spend with her.
The kids had so much fun bouncing in the bounce house, playing games, and eating cotton candy. One of the girls wanted me to jump rope with her. Let me just say, those kids can jump rope. She beat me fair and square....and laughed the whole time. I am terribly out of shape-and it showed. However, my panting, out of breath, thought I was going to die, body was filled with joy when I saw the glimmer in her eyes from just me playing with her. The block parties used to be our main source of ministry. Through the block parties we have been able to enter villages and towns and put on Vacation Bible Schools, medical clinics, tiendas, and start feeding centers and sponsorship programs. Through the ministry of the block parties, we reach the children of the villages, who in turn go back to their homes and share what they learned. If we can get a child pumped about Jesus, then you know they are going to go back home and share with their families!
The City Dump and God's Grace
Last summer we took a trip to the city dump.
Let me just say...this is a place that uses all 5 of your senses.
You can feel the grime on your skin.
You can hear the workers of the dump.
You can taste the cities trash when you open your mouth to talk.
You can see the mounds of trash and the people digging through it.
You can smell the odor of rotting trash.
We didn't go back to the dump this year.
That doesn't mean that I've forgotten what it's like or the people that live there.
Yes, you read that right. The people that LIVE there.
The city dump is home to at least 6 generations of people. They live there. They work there. They give birth there. Amongst the trash that I throw away when I am there. Little children dig through what I didn't want.
This year, I was sitting outside getting ready to start my day. I was snacking on some strawberry wafers. The garbage truck pulled up and thoughts flooded my mind of last years visit to the dump and what the inside of that truck held for the people working there. Inside the garbage, old food, and things thrown away were someone's lively hood. The only way of life they had ever known...and would probably ever know.
As the garbage truck pulled up and came to a stop outside of our house, I couldn't help but watch the men come collect our trash. I was about to start praying for the men and their families when out jumped a boy, probably not even 13 years old, from the back of the truck. I instantly got a huge knot in my throat. That little boy should be at school. He should be running and laughing and playing with his friends. Not gathering garbage. But he was. This boy, this handsome, precious little child of God, was about to pick up trash that we had spent the last two days collecting. More than likely, he probably dug threw it to find food. Let me rephrase that, to find a MEAL. Scraps of food that had been sitting in the heat were going to be his source of food. Now, if that doesn't get you, then you need to wake up.
My prayer instantly turned to this little boy. With tears literally streaming down my face, I begged and pleaded with God to protect him, to give him a hope for a future outside of the dump, and to prick his heart with the knowledge of a Father that loves him unconditionally. I don't know this little boy. I don't know if I will ever see him again. I don't know his story. But what I do know, is that I haven't stopped thinking about him. I haven't stopped praying for him. When things in my life get a little rocky...I stop and think about him. When I stare at my pantry at the endless amount of food and think that I don't have anything, I think about him. I think about all the people at the city dump, digging through the days uneaten food, hoping to make a meal out of it for themselves.
After that morning, I didn't feel bad for throwing away food at dinner. To be honest, while I was completely thankful for the meals that I was blessed with, a part of me wanted to throw away as much as I could, just so someone- a mother, a father, a child- could eat the next day. Reminders of God's grace were never far from for the rest of the week. By His grace alone am I allowed the meals I eat each day. By His grace am I blessed with a job that provides for me. By His grace do I have a roof over my head and warm blankets each night. By God's grace am I given the chance to share with you all the seeds He is planting in a country foreign to most of you.
God's grace...is a wonderful thing. Wouldn't you agree?
Let me just say...this is a place that uses all 5 of your senses.
You can feel the grime on your skin.
You can hear the workers of the dump.
You can taste the cities trash when you open your mouth to talk.
You can see the mounds of trash and the people digging through it.
You can smell the odor of rotting trash.
We didn't go back to the dump this year.
That doesn't mean that I've forgotten what it's like or the people that live there.
Yes, you read that right. The people that LIVE there.
The city dump is home to at least 6 generations of people. They live there. They work there. They give birth there. Amongst the trash that I throw away when I am there. Little children dig through what I didn't want.
This year, I was sitting outside getting ready to start my day. I was snacking on some strawberry wafers. The garbage truck pulled up and thoughts flooded my mind of last years visit to the dump and what the inside of that truck held for the people working there. Inside the garbage, old food, and things thrown away were someone's lively hood. The only way of life they had ever known...and would probably ever know.
As the garbage truck pulled up and came to a stop outside of our house, I couldn't help but watch the men come collect our trash. I was about to start praying for the men and their families when out jumped a boy, probably not even 13 years old, from the back of the truck. I instantly got a huge knot in my throat. That little boy should be at school. He should be running and laughing and playing with his friends. Not gathering garbage. But he was. This boy, this handsome, precious little child of God, was about to pick up trash that we had spent the last two days collecting. More than likely, he probably dug threw it to find food. Let me rephrase that, to find a MEAL. Scraps of food that had been sitting in the heat were going to be his source of food. Now, if that doesn't get you, then you need to wake up.
My prayer instantly turned to this little boy. With tears literally streaming down my face, I begged and pleaded with God to protect him, to give him a hope for a future outside of the dump, and to prick his heart with the knowledge of a Father that loves him unconditionally. I don't know this little boy. I don't know if I will ever see him again. I don't know his story. But what I do know, is that I haven't stopped thinking about him. I haven't stopped praying for him. When things in my life get a little rocky...I stop and think about him. When I stare at my pantry at the endless amount of food and think that I don't have anything, I think about him. I think about all the people at the city dump, digging through the days uneaten food, hoping to make a meal out of it for themselves.
After that morning, I didn't feel bad for throwing away food at dinner. To be honest, while I was completely thankful for the meals that I was blessed with, a part of me wanted to throw away as much as I could, just so someone- a mother, a father, a child- could eat the next day. Reminders of God's grace were never far from for the rest of the week. By His grace alone am I allowed the meals I eat each day. By His grace am I blessed with a job that provides for me. By His grace do I have a roof over my head and warm blankets each night. By God's grace am I given the chance to share with you all the seeds He is planting in a country foreign to most of you.
God's grace...is a wonderful thing. Wouldn't you agree?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday~June 22
We were in Amatitilan on Tuesday. A team from Shreveport, LA, were with us for the week and they were all medical. Most of our week consisted of medical clinics with them. Here in Amatitilan we held a medical clinic AND a tienda. We arrived early and this is the first picture I took. We were set up at the school there and the courtyard looked like this until we shut the gate late in the afternoon. There were so many people waiting to see a doctor. This was a town that was hit with many rains after the volcano erupted so many people were living in stagnant water. Many of the children were sick with fever and/or infection from this. It was heartbreaking, but those little children were so sweet and just wanted to be held. Many of the mamas there waited for hours to get their little one(s) in to see the doctor. After seeing the doctor, they headed over to our pharmacy to get the medicines and vitamins they needed. Once they finished there they came to the tienda (store). We had tons of clothes for everyone and shoes, shoes, and more shoes. We also had some soaps, shampoos, and toothbrushes to hand out. Each family was allowed two items of clothing, a pair of shoes, a pair of socks, and a pair of underwear for each member of their family and a toy per child. I was in charge of the toiletry items and made each family a bag of everything they would need for each member. It was something I needed to do. I was humbled by it. These kids were so excited to get a toothbrush. A TOOTHBRUSH. Seriously? What kid is excited about a toothbrush? It really is about the little things to the people here. Something as simple as a toothbrush lit up these little children's faces. It was amazing. When we finished with the tienda and were packing up, Carla and I found a bag of pencils. A simple bag of mechanical pencils. We took them over to the teachers room and there were a handful of teachers in there. Carla handed them the pencils and they cheered and clapped for us. One of the teachers said that they really needed pencils and that we had made them so happy by giving them those that we had found. Wow. What a blessing to those teachers that we had just happened to have a huge bag of pencils mixed in with some clothes! God provided, even we had no idea that they were there!
Isn't this little girl a beauty? She was just a precious as she looks. Such a sweet little girl. She came over shyly and just looked at all the toothbrushes I had. When I offered her one, she looked up at me with those deep brown eyes and just smiled and smiled. She took the toothbrush and gave me a hug and came back with some friends.
I am so in love with this area of ministry. Loving on these people, sharing Jesus with them, and blessing them with the things that people here in the States take for granted. I mean really. How many times are you thankful that you were able to take a warm shower EVERY day, brush your teeth with clean water, and wash your hair with good shampoo? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's very rare you think like that. I'm just as guilty. But it doesn't take much for me to be reminded that it is only by God's grace that I have the things that I have. God has blessed me tremendously...and I am thankful that He has called me to spread those blessings among a nation that not many venture to.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, June 21
I set out to the airport early, early. My flight was supposed to leave at 9:50am. Supposed being the keyword there. What time did I finally leave? Closer to 1pm. Why, you ask? We taxi to the runway and the captain comes on the intercom. "This is your Captain...thank you for choosing Delta...blah, blah, blah...generator...blah, blah, blah...engine, blah..blah...not working...we're going to get this checked" Ummm, back up to the NOT WORKING part and he had my full attention. Yep, I'm sitting on a plane, by myself, and something with the engine is not working. Cue full on panic mode starting..NOW. I turned my sweet little cell phone on faster than I ever have before and sent a text to our Student Pastor at church. Who told me not to freak out...HELLO!? Too late for that big guy.
I immediately started praying. I wasn't even off the ground and I was begging for the plane to land safely. Seriously. After God sort of smacked me on the head and assured me that I was going to be fine...I mean, I was still on the ground in Atlanta, not over the ocean going down, I calmed down a little bit.
The problem ended up not being able to be fixed and we were moved to another plane. Needless to say, I did some heavy praying on that new plane. A few hours later I landed in Guatemala safe and sound.
Mike, Carla, and Zach were there waiting on me at the airport. It was so great seeing them! After a quick walk to the car we headed out to the store for some things for the house and for some pizza Guatemala style. I was so hungry by the time I got there. One pack of peanuts on the plane didn't last long.
The team was gone to San Mateo when I got there so I had some chill time at the house before they got home. Boy, was it great to see my church family after the day that I had had!
I immediately started praying. I wasn't even off the ground and I was begging for the plane to land safely. Seriously. After God sort of smacked me on the head and assured me that I was going to be fine...I mean, I was still on the ground in Atlanta, not over the ocean going down, I calmed down a little bit.
The problem ended up not being able to be fixed and we were moved to another plane. Needless to say, I did some heavy praying on that new plane. A few hours later I landed in Guatemala safe and sound.
Mike, Carla, and Zach were there waiting on me at the airport. It was so great seeing them! After a quick walk to the car we headed out to the store for some things for the house and for some pizza Guatemala style. I was so hungry by the time I got there. One pack of peanuts on the plane didn't last long.
The team was gone to San Mateo when I got there so I had some chill time at the house before they got home. Boy, was it great to see my church family after the day that I had had!
There and Back
I'm back! A little late in posting, but it's been a crazy first week back. Thank you all so much for the prayers, the calls, and the emails letting me know you have been praying. God really showed Himself again, not that I was doubting Him, but I mean He REALLY got my attention.
Without further delay...here is my week in Guatemala...divided up in segments...for your reading ease! Feel free to shoot me an email to emilyroach2(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like to get in touch with the Parkers about possibly bringing a group down next year, or if you are interested in the child sponsorship program.
Without further delay...here is my week in Guatemala...divided up in segments...for your reading ease! Feel free to shoot me an email to emilyroach2(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like to get in touch with the Parkers about possibly bringing a group down next year, or if you are interested in the child sponsorship program.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Almost there!
I am so excited!!! I leave in just 5 days! I feel like I can't there soon enough. I have missed Guatemala so much. I am so ready to see the people there again. I can't wait to love on them and tell them about Jesus. I am especially looking forward to seeing my sweet boy again. I can't wait to see how much he has grown! I'm dying for a hug from him!
Friday, June 4, 2010
New Plane Ticket
As of yesterday I have a new ticket to Guatemala. June 21.
I'm so ready to be there.
I've been keeping up with Mike and reading about what they are doing there this week.
They worked in a homeless shelter today.
There are 100,000 people currently homeless because of all the natural disasters that occurred over the weekend.
100,000
That's a big number.
Big to us, anyways.
Small to God.
Pray for the people. Pray for Mike and the team from Oklahoma. Just pray.
I'm so ready to be there.
I've been keeping up with Mike and reading about what they are doing there this week.
They worked in a homeless shelter today.
There are 100,000 people currently homeless because of all the natural disasters that occurred over the weekend.
100,000
That's a big number.
Big to us, anyways.
Small to God.
Pray for the people. Pray for Mike and the team from Oklahoma. Just pray.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Our plans are not always HIS plans
I'm still in the States.
Our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday. The airport in Guatemala remained closed yesterday and is still closed today. Delta was gracious enough to work with us and put us on the next flight they had and that is Wednesday. So now we are praying that the airport re-opens.
Right now, it has been raining for about 6 hours in Guatemala. Mix that with all the ash and it makes for a MESS. These are the types of rains that cause mudslides in the mountains. I think back to La Pinada and remember the stories of the houses that sit on the side of the mountains and how they could easily be washed away in torrential rains.
Please be in prayer for those that are being affected by the volcano and the rains.
While we were not planning on being delayed...my God had plans. We are praying for divine appointments next week and I have no doubts that they will happen. While our plans have changed, His have not. He is still the same.
Our flight was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday. The airport in Guatemala remained closed yesterday and is still closed today. Delta was gracious enough to work with us and put us on the next flight they had and that is Wednesday. So now we are praying that the airport re-opens.
Right now, it has been raining for about 6 hours in Guatemala. Mix that with all the ash and it makes for a MESS. These are the types of rains that cause mudslides in the mountains. I think back to La Pinada and remember the stories of the houses that sit on the side of the mountains and how they could easily be washed away in torrential rains.
Please be in prayer for those that are being affected by the volcano and the rains.
While we were not planning on being delayed...my God had plans. We are praying for divine appointments next week and I have no doubts that they will happen. While our plans have changed, His have not. He is still the same.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Our flights are a GO!!!!
....For now...
You can read in my last post that the volcano, Pacaya, erupted yesterday. Scary! The airport is still closed today. Flights into Guatemala are cancelled for today but right now are at a go for tomorrow. Our team is driving to Atlanta tonight and will find out in the morning or later tonight if our flight is still on. Please be praying that we can get into the country and also for safety next week.
While we have already planned what we are going to do with the tremendous amount of things we are taking down (24 HUGE suitcases packed FULL of clothes and shoes for the people) God may have other plans. Several of the villages around the volcano were evacuated and lost everything. Pray for divine appointments next week. God knows that in our house alone there will be 3 groups there going out and sharing about Him. He knows the people there will be looking for answers...and the only answer is Him.
I'll be able to update here and there, so check back for updates!
You can read in my last post that the volcano, Pacaya, erupted yesterday. Scary! The airport is still closed today. Flights into Guatemala are cancelled for today but right now are at a go for tomorrow. Our team is driving to Atlanta tonight and will find out in the morning or later tonight if our flight is still on. Please be praying that we can get into the country and also for safety next week.
While we have already planned what we are going to do with the tremendous amount of things we are taking down (24 HUGE suitcases packed FULL of clothes and shoes for the people) God may have other plans. Several of the villages around the volcano were evacuated and lost everything. Pray for divine appointments next week. God knows that in our house alone there will be 3 groups there going out and sharing about Him. He knows the people there will be looking for answers...and the only answer is Him.
I'll be able to update here and there, so check back for updates!
Praying
As I type this, it is pouring rock and rain and ash from the skies in Guatemala. The volcano Pacaya had a major eruption today. Roads and schools are shut down. Traffic is at a stand still. Villages surrounding the volcano have been evacuated. The airport is closed.
As many of you know, I, along with a team of about 13 people are packed and ready to head out on Saturday morning. We have 24 HUGE suitcases packed full of items to take with us. When we were collecting these items we had no idea that so many people were about to lose everything that they had.
Please pray for the people that have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their belongings. Pray that God will stop the rain of fire so that we are able to fly in on Saturday. While a closed airport and volcano eruption were not in OUR plans 2 days before we leave, GOD has a bigger plan.
As many of you know, I, along with a team of about 13 people are packed and ready to head out on Saturday morning. We have 24 HUGE suitcases packed full of items to take with us. When we were collecting these items we had no idea that so many people were about to lose everything that they had.
Please pray for the people that have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their belongings. Pray that God will stop the rain of fire so that we are able to fly in on Saturday. While a closed airport and volcano eruption were not in OUR plans 2 days before we leave, GOD has a bigger plan.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2 weeks
I am two weeks away from leaving again to go back to Guatemala. I am so excited. I can't wait. I want to pack my bag right now. I want to sleep through the next two weeks and wake up and be in Guatemala. Words can't describe it. I have such great feelings about this trip. I know that God is going to do so many great things while we are there. I know that He will change lives, bring His children to Him, and will change my heart, mind and life as well.
My prayers this week are simple. To fill my heart and mind with the people there. Being in constant prayer for their hearts. That they will be open and receptive to the things we share with them. I want God to start working now in their hearts, so that when we get there they are excited to hear of a Saviour's love and grace. I can't wait.
Will you join me in praying for those things? Leave a comment to let me know you are praying, so that I in turn, can pray for you.
My prayers this week are simple. To fill my heart and mind with the people there. Being in constant prayer for their hearts. That they will be open and receptive to the things we share with them. I want God to start working now in their hearts, so that when we get there they are excited to hear of a Saviour's love and grace. I can't wait.
Will you join me in praying for those things? Leave a comment to let me know you are praying, so that I in turn, can pray for you.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
2010 Trip
Dear Friends and Family,
Hello! I hope this letter finds you and your family well. It seems as this year is flying by already. As you may know, I am preparing for another mission trip to Guatemala and it is quickly approaching! I am so excited that God is leading me back to a country that I fell so in love with a year ago. This trip is a complete step of faith for me and I'm praying God will provide greatly for it.
I have been actively involved in my church here in Knoxville (Northstar: www.northstarknox.com) for a little over 2 years. Last summer I was given the chance by members of Northstar to go to Guatemala and serve with Clubhouse Guatemala (www.clubhouseguatemala.com). While we were there we put on a VBS for close to 500 children. This was the first time many of these children heard about the love of Jesus and for the first time they were given a glimpse of grace and hope. Many of the teachers let us do our thing the first and second day. By the end of the week, many of the teachers were asking for copies of the songs we were teaching the children, copies of the materials we were using and they were reading the Bibles we provided for them. The principal of the school we were in was non-existent the first day we were there, and by the end of the week had asked God to come into his life and was begging us to come back again soon. The last day we were there we held a block party for the village to minister to the families of the children we had been pouring into during the week. Many men and women came and heard the story of Jesus and many came to receive Christ. It was an amazing experience and to be sharing it with you now is taking me back and I can hardly wait to be back in May. We did a few other ministry projects while we were in the village. Our group started 'Carl's Coops'-you can read all about the name and the meaning behind it on the Clubhouse website. We built a huge chicken coop out of wire and PVC pipe and the night before finishing it we sat at share time and prayed that God would provide us with the money to buy enough chicks and have enough money left over to buy some feed that would last a long time. The next day, our pastor went out to buy the chicks. We were able to buy 20 baby chicks and 100lbs of feed...10 more chicks and about 50lbs more than what we thought we were going to be able to purchase. How great is our God?! There were so many other things that we did and I would love to share them all with you, there just isn't enough paper to write it all out. I started a blog before I left on my last trip and have been recollecting memories. You are more than welcome to check it (www.emilyrguatemala.blogspot.com).
Our team will be doing many of the same things this trip and I can't even begin to tell you how excited we are. We will be leaving May 29th and return on June 6th. We were able to get some great deals for flights there and back and will be able to actually have more time to minister since we have direct flights that are going to allow us to arrive earlier and leave later. The expense of the trip is right at $1,000. A large number, but very small when you take into consideration the lives that will be changed. Right now, I have close to $500 that I have saved to put towards my trip. I know that things are tight for many people, but will you take a leap of faith with me and ask God if this is something He would have you give to? Your gifts will be used to bring people to Christ and to give them a glimpse of love that they may have never seen before. After I have raised and saved the amount of the trip, any left over gifts will then be added to the ministry area. This will allow us to build more chicken coops, buy more chickens, buy supplies for families, and to help purchase food for the feeding centers we will be working with.
Thank you so much for your prayers, for your encouragement, and for your support. I can't even begin to imagine how God will bless this trip. Our team has been diligently praying since January for God to provide and we are overflowing with His blessings daily. Ever since my last trip my prayer has been for God to give me a heart that breaks over the things that break the heart of God, and I truly believe that He has done just that.
-My sweet boy, Edgar. I am so excited about seeing his sweet face again!- Thank you again for taking the time to read about all the things that God is preparing me for and for being willing to pray for our team. If you feel that you are being called to financially support this trip, please email me at emilyroach2@gmail.com No matter the gift, monetary, words, or prayers, please know that it will be used to further His kingdom!
Love in Christ,
Emily
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