Hola amigos!
Let the World Race begin!
On Wednesday, October 18th our squad landed in Guatemala City. We then took an hour bus ride to the base where we will be staying for the next month and a half. Guatemala is absolutely beautiful! There are 33 volcanoes, 3 of which are active. The landscape is extremely lush and green, and the weather is comparable to that of Coastal California. It is so good to finally be on the field.
Ministry for Our time in Guatemala
On Thursday (10/19) we were introduced to our ministry host, and on Friday, we began ministry. Over the next month and a half, we will be working with Reindom. This ministry was started during the covid lockdown by an amazing guy named Ivan Solloy who loves the Lord here in Guatemala. It started as an online community to allow kids to stay connected through zoom calls where they would pour into the kids through worship and teaching the Bible. As covid restrictions went away, Reindom started running a school in Santa Martha, Guatemala where they teach the kids, play sports, and feed the children. It has now been 3 years since the start, and they have branched out to 4 other remote villages where the name of Jesus is scarcely known.
The Kings Table-
Another awesome ministry that Reindom is doing is called the Kings Table. Every Wednesday in Sumpango, we set up a large table and cook a large meal. We then go around the village and gather homeless people, drunks, and anyone who wants to share a meal. During this time, we are able to share testimonies, talk about Jesus and ultimately love on those who Jesus calls to the kingdom.
Luke 14:15-24 – Parable of the Great Banquet
“When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
What has happened so far
The past week and half here in Guatemala have been absolutely incredible. The people here are extremely easy to love. Since day one of ministry, it has been so clear that the Lord is present and working throughout this country. On Tuesdays and Fridays, we work all day at a school in Santa Martha, where we cook, clean, teach, and ultimately hang out with the kids. (Ages 4-15ish) One of my favorites is when we get to teach either Bible or sports. It is so inspiring to see the faith that some of these 10-year-old kids have. Almost all of these kids live in poverty, but they have more joy than a lot of people I have met who are materially better off. It has been such a privilege to be around them. During one of the worship sessions in bible class, one of the older kids started crying. I honestly don’t know how to explain it, but I also started crying. After worship I hugged the kid and felt the Holy Spirit in a crazy awesome way. Neither one of us said any words to each other due to the language barrier, but it was still such an awesome and truly moving experience. Despite our arms being tired from throwing the kids up and down all day, our team loves working with Reindom and the kids of Santa Marta.
On Wednesdays we do the Kings Table. This is also a special opportunity that our team serves at. I kind of explained what it was above and honestly that’s what happened this past Wednesday. After we had cooked the meal, set up tables and cleaned, we went out and gathered anyone on the streets that wanted to eat. Me and Doug then got assigned to greet people at the door. Something really cool that we got to do after it had started was we got to go and get the people outside the door or around the corner who were cautiously checking it out and bring them in. Me and Doug then got placed at the rowdy table! A few of these guys were absolutely wasted on this Wednesday morning. A couple of the drunk guys knew a few English words and so we traded what little we knew back and forth and joked around quite a bit. I don’t know how much of it they will remember but they heard a message in Spanish, and we were able to lay hands and pray over them. Overall, it was cool just to love on them and be with them despite them not being in a great place.
On Thursday all of W squad gathers to hear a message and then in the afternoon we go to different towns and do some evangelism. Me and Ben Got paired with Gabe. Gabe is an awesome dude from Miami who has lived in Guatemala for the past 12 years. He has played a huge role in founding the Adventures in Missions base here. During our ATL (Ask the Lord) we talked to a guy at a stand selling chicken and fries for about an hour. We were able to hear a bit of the man’s life story. He knew about Christians and had been around the church before but never really had a faith of his own. We then told him about the hope that we have found in Jesus throughout our own lives and how true peace can only come through relationship with him. He was a little skeptical, but I could definitely tell that the gears in his head were turning. We prayed for him and said goodbye, but I truly think it had an impact on him and I know the Lord will continue to chase after him.
On Saturdays we run VBS’s in Santa Marta along with 4 other remote villages. Once again, these kids are awesome and it’s so fun to hang out with them, do silly dances and perform entertaining skits. It is so cool to see the life and joy that Reindom is bringing to these villages.
Sundays are a much-needed day of rest and time in the Word.
Monday is our adventure day. Guatemala is such a cool country with so much culture and good food. Also, the coffee here is amazing!
Looking Forward
For the next month Our team will have the privilege to continue working with Reindom. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Guatemala. It is crazy to see how the Lord chases after us and desires a true and intimate relationship with Him. He has saved me, and I pray you know that He has done the same for you. If you made it to the end of this Blog, I am honored. Until next time…
Here are some pics from the past week and half.
As always thank you for the constant support through prayers and financially. None of this would be possible with out you all.
Support me link. Almost 70% of funds are raised. Thank you and praying for you all.
Love all of this
Hey JM!
Not only are you a man after God’s own heart, but, I believe you have been given the gift of writing. Your words really bring what you are doing there to life!👍
May God Bless all you do❣️
John Michael- It’s so wonderful to see and hear how you are blessing others through this mission, and how much you are blessed in return. We love you and pray for you!
Great to hear that God continues to build His Kingdom! Great hearing from you! Love you!
I’m so excited to hear how God is blessing your team’s work in Guatemala and of your faith and spiritual growth. We pray for God’s continued blessing on you all.
I could ‘see’ all of this as I read your words. I especially loved The King’s Table! Like Jesus, y’all invited everyone in. You’re just getting started.
Love the update and the pics! Thinking of you often and praying for you. -The Hails
John Michael, estoy agradecido por lo que estás haciendo por el pueblo de Guatemala. Tu blog es increíble y conmovedor. Orar para que los corazones estén preparados para el mensaje de esperanza de Dios y para que los que reciben abran la puerta de sus corazones al Señor Jesús.
Dana and Gretchen Miller
Loved the story about you and the older kids crying together. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit moves! Praying for you and your teammates often! Aunt Jen