This team gave so richly- to those we went to serve, but also to one another. It was a privilege to experience. Pickleball, VBS, and Art Therapy were so special as our team expressed great love and received joy in return. This diverse team displayed every talent and gift imaginable.
Our group showed up to the airport Monday with great expectations to begin our journey to Guatemala. Twenty of us stood together in the corner of the airport with over 18 suitcases filled with supplies and our personal bags. The anticipation was through the roof and everyone was so excited to get on the plane.
This Valentine's Day, we reflect on God's heart for little children. We are blessed to connect to the hearts of people who are so close to the heart of God. Our prayer is that this will make us a little more lowly, like children, as we serve these special kids.
It was a wonderful day to be able to minister and bless the children and staff We came back to our hotel exhausted, but grateful for the day of ministry we had with the children and staff!
“It was amazing to see the team come together and use their unique gifts and talents to fill in wherever was needed. We are so grateful for your support of our team and ask that you continue to pray for the team members, the children at the home, and the adults that serve them in country regularly. We don’t know how exactly God will move in and through our team this week, but we trust that he brought each member of this team to Guatemala for a specific purpose.”
Our team is in flight and should arrive in Guatemala City within a few hours. I may have shared this team is a first. We have family members making up our team. Our youngest team member is 6 and the oldest 68! I am grateful to God that He has pulled this team, the finances and our hearts together to serve “the least of these”.
Our team returned from Guatemala this weekend with hearts full from a special time of ministry with the beautiful homes of Manos de Compasion. A few of the highlights included playing with and sharing a skit with the little ones at Love and Hope House, attending a local church service in Spanish, digging holes and cleaning out garages, helping with cooking, a game night at the Reichard House, and a special devotion time with the girls at Esther House.
Thank you to everyone who is praying for and who has supported our Guatemala team! Hear from the team in this update as they serve on the pickleball court and in the community in rural Guatemala.
Check out this video to see how he is honoring the Lord and blessing the children he works with through teaching music. We are so blessed to have him as a part of our ministry!
This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full. Hear from our Next Steps students on why they are thankful and don't forget to count your blessings as you reflect on this special time.
“I am soaking up my last days in Guatemala. It has been more than I could have ever expected, and God has been more present than I could have ever hoped for. I am thankful that there is hope for each kid to step into what God placed in their heart, and how they all have the desire to help and serve the Kingdom. It is reassuring to know that the ministry is able to support them in God’s plan for their lives!”
“my heart is open and ready for you to show up, Lord. Show me what you have for me.” I think it was in that moment I knew I wouldn’t be coming home from this trip the same…
“It never ceases to amaze me how God works and what an incredible plan he has for us all near and far, well off or with nearly nothing. Warning- you cannot go on a trip like this without it breaking your heart and changing your life!”
God has blessed our group with a wonderful time of fellowship with the students and missionaries that we support here in this beautiful country. This team is full of energy and connects so well with everyone. It’s beautiful to see our common bond in Christ shine through and remove all barriers.
“God has bright futures for each child here, and I am confident in how Saving Susan can assist each one to reach their God given potential. I am blessed to be here, blessed to get to have the opportunity to be at a children’s home that is covered in Jesus, and a ministry that supports them so well. Thank you for all the support and prayers!”
In March co-founder, Tracy Arntzen and Emily Westbrook, Ministry Coordinator, were able to see these kids face to face for a few hours. That short visit paved the way for our team to come in this week and further strengthen these bonds through worship, crafts, and faith sharing.
