Hi everyone!!! We just finished up our time with our first ministry here in Guatemala. The past three weeks we have been working with an organization called One Way Community in Poptun, Peten Guatemala. Poptun is in the north-east part of Guatemala and it is definitely one of the warmer parts of the country. We got to experience 110 degree heat and let me tell you, this Colorado girl is not used to that. The ministry we were working with was started six years ago in Chimaltenango, Guatemala and has since expanded to four different locations in the country. Their mission is to break cycles of poverty and transform lives in Jesus’s name through love, service, and empowerment. It was truly such a privilege to partner with them and see them living out this mission each and every day.
We had the opportunity to work in two different under-resourced communities, Villa Hermosa and Saboneta. We did a lot of children’s ministry in both communities, teaching English, doing arts and crafts, playing fútbol, and teaching worship songs! The kids we worked with were so incredibly precious and thoughtful. Every day we were met with the sweetest hugs and bouquets of flowers that they picked on their way to school. They truly captured our hearts from the start. In one community I had the opportunity to tutor a small group of high school students in English. They were so fun and really eager to learn. My eyes were really opened to the importance of education and the power it has to provide so many opportunities for these kids. It was such an honor to be able to see and take part in this purposeful ministry work. Besides teaching and playing with the kids we also got to go around the communities and do house visits. During these visits we shared many special moments worshiping, trying new foods, reading the Bible, and sharing stories and testimonies of the Lord’s goodness. Time and time again I was blown away by the generosity, faith, and strength of the people we met.
One of the best parts of our time in Poptun was getting to know and do life with our ministry hosts. The One Way team in Poptun is made up of five individuals who have left their homes and family to be obedient to the calling that the Lord has put on their lives. Not only that but all of them are between the ages of 20-30. It was SO encouraging and inspiring to see them pursuing the Lord so wholeheartedly and doing such fruitful work for the kingdom. It was such a gift to be able to walk alongside and build relationships with them. They are some of the most kind, caring, and hard working people I have ever met. They truly exemplified what it looks like to be filled up by the Lord and pour out His love to everyone around them. They welcomed us into their little family with open arms and I will never forget all of the sweet, wild, and funny memories we made with them. What a special gift from the Lord!
We are going to be here in Guatemala for another month and I am so excited to see more of what the Lord is doing in this beautiful country. I have loved every second of getting to experience the vibrant people and culture here. Our squad has some changes coming in the next few days in terms of teams and locations, so we would love prayers over this time of transition and that we would be especially in tune with where the Lord is leading us in this next season!
Thanks for keeping up!
All my love,
B🤍
