Today we started the day off right with worship under the 'pergola' at our hotel. The Scripture passage was Acts 5:12-16, where people came to Peter to be healed; they believed that if only they could pass by and be in his shadow, they would be healed. Pastor Cliff Morgan asked us, "How big is your shadow?" He reminded us that we all cast a shadow of one kind or another--for good or for bad; and then he challenged us as a missions team, to cast our shadow this week by ministering to those we came in contact with.
Even though this was a fun day for the team, it also became a meaningful day for all of us. We started the day at the Filadelphia Coffee Plantation, taking coffee tours and ziplining across the valleys of the mountain. As a mother who is on this team, I was struck by how wonderful a privilege it is to have my family with me on this trip!
As all of us were stepping off the platform today to zipline across a valley, we were filled with fear and wonder and the sense of adventure, but all of us stepped off in faith!
That is how I feel about the joy of serving the Lord alongside my sons this week. We stepped out in faith to be here both financially as well stepping out of our comfort zone...and what a blessing it has been every step of the way. All of us here are thrilled to serve with our families and know that God will bless us as we all have stepped out to serve together and hopefully cast a shadow of grace and love to those we have come to serve. The greatest joy is knowing that whether or not your biological family is here, we are all a part of the family of God!!
Here are just a few of our "family" photos...
The Tromba Tribe
Our West Virginia Family
We even have some families of one!
...and some blended families!
After our great coffee adventures, we headed to town for a tasty meal and an afternoon of bargaining at the local market.
Many team members then took a long trek on the cobblestone roads of Antigua to witness a community Easter processional. The sidewalks were crowded with local families and tourists as the streets were filled with men and boys of all ages dressed in purple robes, walking in formation. Soon a group of men and boys dressed in Roman costumes marched down the street followed by decorated floats. We watched in awe as the heavy wooden floats were carried on the shoulders of the local people. It was a sweet reminder that as Christ carried the cross that led to His crucifixion, Satan was defeated. As His followers, we have received victory over this world.
Many team members then took a long trek on the cobblestone roads of Antigua to witness a community Easter processional. The sidewalks were crowded with local families and tourists as the streets were filled with men and boys of all ages dressed in purple robes, walking in formation. Soon a group of men and boys dressed in Roman costumes marched down the street followed by decorated floats. We watched in awe as the heavy wooden floats were carried on the shoulders of the local people. It was a sweet reminder that as Christ carried the cross that led to His crucifixion, Satan was defeated. As His followers, we have received victory over this world.
Being surrounded by the Guatemalan people participating in a procession that is very holy and special to them, it reminded us of the words in Revelation 7:9 where a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe and people and language were standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Even with all our cultural differences, it was a blessing to know that we worship the same Christ, and what a wondrous day it will be when we will all assemble in heaven praising our Lord together. How blessed we are to be children of God and to be able to call Him, Abba Father. And tomorrow we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus at the Malnutrition Center being instruments of love to the Guatemalan children. What a mighty God we serve!!
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