Welcome to Guatemala PART 2! My team, alongside one other team, are in San Antonio Aguas Calientes working with a ministry called Worship Room this month. As I mentioned in my previous blog, our ministry in Guatemala looks very different each day! We have such a variety – from doing farm work to helping facilitate sports camps.
Each day tends to look different. We serve at Eco Farm once per week where we’ve harvested sunflower seeds, pulled weeds, cleaned walkways, put mulch down, etc. In the mornings we take a bus to Antigua and then we spend the day at the farm working.
Harvesting sunflower seeds
Weeding
We are all part of a weekly worship night with a ministry called Worship Room, and this actually takes place at Eco Farms. That is why we serve weekly at the farm; to help cover costs of hosting an incredible ministry on their property.
Our host Emilio also asked for help with photos for social media and marketing. This was a huge blessing to take part in, as I love photography and was hopeful to use it as a ministry this year! I never expected I would get to do that on DAY 1!! (Thanks, God!)
These are some of the photos I took to help with their marketing – this in particular was a spicy pepper that we got to try!
There were many different kinds of fruits, veggies, and spices
Our host also wanted me to take photos of some animals so that he could put them up for adoption! These puppies were so cute, as well as all of the kittens!
Throughout the week we also do home visits. Although most of us are not fluent in Spanish, the visits are still incredible. We have translators that help immensely, and because of them we can share our hearts and vice versa in ways not possible before.
The families are so willing to share their heart and their struggles to strangers. We come in to their homes just wanting to love them and show them Jesus, and in some homes they’ve actually turned it around and prayed for us or given us food and drinks. It has really amazed me how kind and gentle the people of Guatemala are. They have sincerity in their hearts and it has really felt like an honor to serve them and love on them this month.
Sorry the photos won’t rotate! This was a home visit that was so special – this family gave us food and drinks and a place to sit, and ended the visit praying over us!
Another awesome home visit with a local family
VBS is also something we’ve done weekly. It’s an opportunity for the children in the neighborhood to come together and play games, eat some food, learn about the Lord, and interact with us! Personally this has been one of my favorite parts of ministry – I’ve found that it’s less intimidating to speak spanish to the kids because they make it fun and really want to help teach us. I’m really going to miss these kids. Their hearts are pure gold and they are so eager for love and to know more about Jesus. Some of the best conversations I’ve had this month have been with the kiddos.
Worship at VBS
Getting to know the kids
Each VBS day includes a session where we share about Jesus with the kids
My new friend Pamela!
Once per week we also get the opportunity to partake in a Bible study. This has also been one of my favorite pieces of our Guatemalan ministry. Our souls get filled each time as we get to meet and talk with these women who live in Guate. It’s been amazing to have this built into our week because it has been restful and encouraging to get to learn with these women.
A day at Bible study – another photo that won’t rotate, sorry!
Thursdays are the day we help with Worship Room. It is a weekly worship night that brings together people from many churches in the country of Guatemala to come and worship together. Our ministry host told us that a consistent trend in this country is that people who attend church typically stay in that place and do not reach out to associate with other churches or groups. That is why Worship Room is so incredible, because it allows people to branch out and meet other people outside of their own church and help unify Guatemala!
One cool way I was able to serve in this was by videographing the night for their live stream. Aside from that the team will also help with breakdown and set up of furniture and musical equipment, and sing/play instruments for the event.
Setting up lights for the Worship Room night
To wrap it up, we have also gotten to help teach English, do street evangelism, paint a home, and facilitate sport camps for the kids. This month has been awesome because we have had so many different kinds of ministries to be a part of, so every day has been different.
at English Lessons
Scrubbing paint off of stairs
Soccer Camp!
Just hangin’
Staying hydrated at camp!
Each day facilitating camp looked different – some days we did soccer, other days we did baseball, karate, and other fun games 🙂
This month has been incredible! I can’t believe it is already coming to a close. It’s been humbling and beautiful and it has been an incredible country to begin this 11 month journey in.
Waterfall Hike with some new friends 🙂
Jessie, it’s so exciting to see all that you’re involved with and using your talents. I love the pics. Make sure you post lots of pics with you in them as well! May God continue to bless your time and keep you all healthy!
Hi Jess, I am so thrilled to see you in your element. It is exciting to see you out there in the “world” being God’s heart, hands, feet etc to the Guatemalans. Thanks for sharing on this blog. It gives me insight on how to pray. I love ya girl! Can’t wait to see what God does next. Blessings to all.
Yes, thanks for the updates! Please keep the pictures coming!
My goodness, you’ve packed a lot in one month! And your photos are beautiful—I love how you’ve captured the personalities and stories in each shot. It’s so very clear that Lord has been at work through all of you!
Jessie! … These photos are really amazing. (The one of you and Pamela is stunning!) Thanks for sharing. But mostly, thanks for loving so well.
SO GOOD!! You are doing such incredible things for the Kingdom, and I’m not surprised that you’ve already been using your photography and creativity skills to serve your host! You are stewarding the gifts He has given you so well.