So here we are at the end of July. In Guatemala the airport is still not open, the number of people infected in certain areas is questionable, different political parties are trying to convince people of different “truths”. What is more, churches are doing the same! As we’re tucked in our little corner of the world, in San Juan, we are seeing the hurt, conflict, and confusion the virus is bringing. While the virus has hurt many physically, it has also managed to wreak havoc spiritually and emotionally. There is a quote that says, “Peace is not the absence of trouble. It is the presence of Christ in the midst of that trouble.” We’re not sure who first said this, as the internet sites different sources. Still this is a quote that speaks volumes during hard times, such as this pandemic. There is so much uncertainty in the world right now, but His peace is something that is certain.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
So, we challenge you to share this peace with those around you. Remember, this too shall pass. | | Last week we incorporated books to the children’s weekly folders (you can learn more about this on our social media). The children are receiving a book weekly and are asked to write a small summary about the book and the younger kids draw a picture.
We posted about this on our social media platforms and a mother in San Juan reached out asking how her kids could borrow some of these books. The next day she came to Happy Tummies and excitedly took home books for her kids, we told her once she returned those she could pick different ones.
Afterwards our staff discussed how we liked her initiative and her wanting to see her children learn more. We reached out to her, told her a little more about Happy Tummies and asked if she’d like to join. Of course, she said yes right away! We now have two new little ones joining our Happy Tummies family! Though the times are different, and they won’t get the full experience just yet, we are grateful that God has given us the opportunity to share the gospel with a new family! | | “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 | | “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
All the verses in the Bible can answer the questions: Who was it written for? How it was written? Why was it written? During what time/situation was it written?
This verse is very ‘famous’ and I’m sure you have heard it at least once in your life. However, the entire chapter is a letter from God, written through Jeremiah, to those in exile in Babylon. And while in exile, God is giving them a purpose. He wanted to make sure they were sharing about God with everyone they came in contact with. His purpose was for them to know that Jesus is God.
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:5-7
They are being ordered to increase in number. What was His purpose? Missions. He wanted them to multiply in other countries so that they could go and share the Word of God and many would come to know Him.
With this in mind we can better understand verse 11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” | | When I was a freshman in high school, I started attending a new church in Laotto, Indiana. I quickly started to hear about the Guatemala mission trips they went on each summer and I began to feel this inexplicable tug on my heart to go. The encouragement I received from a few of the team leaders gave me the confidence to finally sign up. The summer after I graduated high school in 2013, I finally went. It was my first time spending much time with people from my church, my first time on a plane, my first time out of the U.S., and my first mission trip. Little did I know, that trip would change my life. I went the whole week wide-eyed with amazement toward the vibrant culture, the beautiful landscapes, and the ministries we took part in.
I continued serving with my team for the next few summers and in 2016 I decided to intern for the first time. Interning was completely new and outside of my comfort zone, but helped me realize that the tug I was feeling on my heart was a call from God into full time missions. That call was both exciting and terrifying to me. After two more internships, seeking wise counsel, planning, and prayer, I transitioned onto the Impacto staff in October 2018. Like any major life change, it hasn’t always been easy. There have been many struggles and challenges along the way. However, the one true constant is that God has been and always will be faithful. He has provided for all my needs, stretched and refined me, and blessed me beyond what I could ever imagine.
It is a privilege to serve here and play a small part of something much bigger than myself. I am so grateful to be part of a staff that has become family to me. I’m no longer the wide-eyed first timer, but my love for Guatemala has grown and matured through time and commitment to this ministry. I look forward to continue serving with Impacto and see where God leads us in the future. | | When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 | | | WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH? check our website or e-mail us for more information. | | | | SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY Support Impacto by shopping consciously through AmazonSmile. | | | | | | | | |
