Guatemala is country of many cultures. Traveling from east to west, each village has its
Girls in the traditional Guipil
traditions, and sometimes a different language. Pure linguists say that the country has 24-25 languages but others would say as many as 50. Even the dress and “Güipil” that villagers wear let others know where they come from. A knowledgeable person could even tell you which town they live in by their dress.
In many ways the evangelical church is just beginning to spread it’s wings. God has planted the seed into some churches to begin mission work. A new program has begun to train people to do mission work in their own country, and other countries. This is very exciting for me as I am interested in this process of training and raising national leaders.
During my brief stay in Guatemala, I had many incredible and interesting experiences. As a group, we visited 3 churches and held 2 VBS events.
In Arenal, our VBS brought people from all over. Games were interesting as the boys did not
The church building.
play with the girls, and we struggled to explain the rules with my limited language skills. Soccer was a great game for the boys, and “Red Light, Green Light” went well with the girls. I learned a new Spanish word: “Fila” which means to line up – as opposed to “Liña” which didn’t translate. Then we tried “Duck, Duck, Goose”, and figured out a way to play even when some girls were shy about getting up to run. After the games we made the Gospel Bracelets and I was able to share about heaven and read John 14:1-3 in Spanish. An invitation was made and afterward we handed out “Operation Christmas Child” gifts to all but about 10 adults.
Chichimes, located near Agua Dulce, was our second church that we visited. Our group shared
Naomi with the Pastor at Chichimes
songs in English and Spanish and I was one of two testimonies that were shared with the congregation. I shared out of Ephesians 1:1-3 where Paul asked Children to obey and honor their parents. Growing up in a Christian home, I knew of Christ since an early age, and I am honored and blessed to be a part of a Christian family. Their love of Christ and me has brought me to Guatemala, and an understanding of the love of Christ. My hope is that it encouraged new believers to raise their children in the love of Christ, and for the children to listen to their parents.
The next day at Agua Dulce we held a VBS. Here we played the same games as in Arenal, and a different craft. After the craft, the group from North Dakota
Playing Red Light, Green Light - The little girls in the middle are giving instructions
Asking the children to stand in line "Fila", while choosing the next "Leaders" of "Red Light - Green Light"
dramatized the story of David and Goliath. It was amazing to see the children and adults engaged and watching the story. Most of the time the kids get up and move around a lot during the presentation. However, they were watching eagerly! The actors did a great job of keep their interest with their gestures during the story. Once again, we handed out “Operation Christmas Child” gifts to the children as they left. Approximately 150 children and adults were present at this event. Some of them had walked for over a half hour to get there.
Handing out Operation Christmas Child Presents to Children. Each box needed to become smaller to accomidate all the children that showed up.
Xetenam was our final presentation during New Years Eve. We sung many songs while I played guitar or the flute depending on the song. Edwin Martinez, our leader, is becoming a great guitar player and I enjoy playing along. Edwin gave a message, we had a testimony, and afterwards we greeted the congregation. It was the first church I had visited where people “lined up to hug us”. It was good to see friends there from Huehue, and it felt good to have the people respond to the little Spanish we knew.
During my time in Huehue, I was able to meet with the OC Missionaries. It was a wonderful time where I learned about their ministry and they discovered more about me. There is even more excitement from me in realizing that they are serving in an area similar to where I would like to serve. As mentioned earlier, I desire to help churches and leaders grow towards missions. Training, motivating, and mobilizing women is another area I look forward to serving God in.
Thoughts:
My first impression upon arrival in Huehuetenango, was the concrete. In the cities, I noticed that most “plants and trees” were inside homes – with the exception of local parks and undeveloped areas. Sidewalks are not the same and sometimes it is easier to walk in the street than on the sidewalk. People from the village wear colorful and hand woven outfits. However you find a lot of “western dress” in the city.
Traffic is typically Latin: Drive as fast as you can and squeeze into a hole if you fit. Drivers have
Everyone Squeezes into a hole wherever they fit. Driving can be hazardous
the incredible ability of knowing exactly which places they can fit into and those they will not. As a group we also noted that speed limit signs are suggestions, and the only way to slow traffic down is to put in speed bumps. These bumps bring cars to a crawl simply because you can ruin your shocks if you go too fast!
I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve in Guatemala. Translating with the little Spanish I knew for those who knew nothing, being a tour guide, and sharing God’s love with all those around me. Praise God, and may HIS name be spread throughout the heavens.
Amen
PHOTOS:
In the next few days, the following links will take you to pages with photos related to the Link. Just Click on the Word and Enjoy!
