Henry's Story

As part of our patient follow-up program, Yojana and I bring patients to a local hospital in Antigua every Friday for further exams and operations. One of the patients who often joins us for these visits, and who has entered into our critical care long-term patient program, is Henry. His journey began about a year ago when we first began building homes in La Reina. I had first heard of Henry when Dan Smith and the people of the village began telling me about a young, special needs boy who hadn't been able to hear nor talk since he was born. This boy was five-year-old Henry, and as soon as I met him, his huge smile and large brown eyes melted my heart. I was blown away by the joy he had for life, the friendship we built almost immediately, the love his older brother and family had for him, and our ability to communicate perfectly - without sound. It didn't matter to me if he was disabled or if the village looked down on him because of it or not. I began talking to the family and discovered that Henry's ears had never been examined. After asking for their permission, I cleaned out his ears and took a good look inside of them - nothing. Whatever he had going on was far more extensive than my little otoscope could detect, so we brought him to an ear specialist...and another...and another. Right now, the plan of action is to conduct an MRI and have Henry fitted for hearing aids. Although the hearing aids will only begin to stimulate the auditory nerves and allow Henry to hear extremely loud sounds, a 6-month trial period with the devices in combination with the results of the MRI will determine if Henry is a candidate for cochlear implants. While the operation can only be conducted in the United States or Mexico, cochlear implants remain Henry’s only option for ever receiving the gift of sound. He is currently undergoing language therapy and beginning to learn Spanish sign language with the hopes of one day acquiring the gift of speech as well. Although watching Henry's progress and assisting him in finding a way to communicate with those around him has truly been a blessing, the greatest blessing has come from watching the entire family grow spiritually. Last fall, we conducted a medical clinic at La Reina. Once the clinic was done, the village settled in to watch the Jesus Film and hear the songs and testimonies of the group, as well as the message of our Pastor, Hermano Jesus. That night, I was able to be a part of leading Henry's mom, Elvia, forward to accept Christ. Banner, Henry’s brother, came with us, and as he finished repeating the Salvation Prayer and accepting his first Bible, he stuck around to help me pray for other children who were accepting Christ!Then, on March 2, 2011, we had finished building Henry's house and were preparing to dedicate it to them. Since the team was a little behind schedule, we decided that we would only dedicate 3 of that houses that day - and Henry's house was elected to go first. However, God had a better plan! Henry's Dad was called into work last minute, so he was no longer present and unable to be there for the dedication, thus moving them to the fifth and final dedication that would take place the next day. As we entered the house, I had the privilege of doing something I've never done in a house before - presenting the family with a few gifts that would turn the conversation spiritual. Hermano Jesus then presented the family with the Gospel and the opportunity to accept Christ into their hearts. The invitation was extended to each individual, beginning with the father. He contemplated the decision for a while, to the point of making me think he'd refuse, but at last gave a heartfelt and confident "yes!" His wife followed, handing her life fully over to Christ, and so did Banner - with the biggest smile I've ever seen on the little boy's adorable face! Then, it was Henry's turn. Hermano Jesus politely said, "I know that Henry can't hear or understand me, but we are going to extend the invitation to him as well." Pointing to Henry, then to heaven, and finally to Henry's heart, the invitation was made. At that moment, we all experienced a miracle as I truly believe it was only by the power of the Holy Spirit that Henry looked at Hermano Jesus with those big brown eyes and heartbreaking grin, shaking his head yes in full understanding! From that point on, the rest is a beautiful history that is now recorded in the book of life. Tears of joy were shed all around, even by the father as the prayers that Hermano Jesus poured out for him after the dedication left him broken before his Lord and Savior.With every day that passes, the whole family, especially Banner and Henry, become more and more like family to me - not just because they refer to me as "mamita gringa" (white mother) and I call them mis hijos (my sons), but because they are now members of my spiritual family...for eternity! You know, I think Henry described it best when he went over to his deck of spanish flashcards, picked out the heart card, placed it against his chest, and then gave it to one of the team members. That, my friends, is a love that transcends all time, place and language - and that is the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for each and every one of us.

Fifty chairs should be enough...

Although our summer ministry teams may have wrapped up again for the year, our Lord’s work in the remote villages of Guatemala certainly has not! Our discipleship follow-up programs
are in full swing now and growing in leaps and bounds! On Thursdays, Hermano Jesus and I still
journey out to La Reina, a village located at the foot of Volcano Fuego in which we are currently building houses for the 105 families that call this beautiful, semi-coastal area their home. In the mornings, we spend time visiting with four or five families individually before eating lunch and holding a community-wide service in the afternoon. We have been blessed with the privilege to
utilize the Bodega for the services, a warehouse in the village that provides a large gathering space and protection from the daily rains. Roughly 15-20 people attend on a regular basis, and although this may not be an astronomical number, it is encouraging to see those new believers who are hungry and searching for the Word among those in attendance! Due to the spiritual need, we have also started a Sunday afternoon service that meets every two weeks and allows the working men of the village to attend. The inaugural service was held on August 21, 2011. Fifty chairs were purchased for the villagers to sit in, thinking that would be more than enough, but the chairs were filled up so quickly that we had to scrounge up 10 more...and that still
left myself and a couple of the kids to sit on the floor. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces and many new ones as well. Praise God! The actual service went extremely well, and we are hopeful that as the weeks and months go on, we will continue to see consistent or even increasing attendance, forcing us to add a time of children’s worship for the kids…or even to hold the services every week! Saturdays still find us in La Bendición, a government refugee project located 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. On September 10, 2011, we held a special service to jump start the discipleship program again after not being able to hold services for a few months. The musical guest and guest pastor assisted in leading a beautiful service for over 50 adults. As they engaged in themessage, asking wonderful questions of the pastor, I had the privilege to lead
over 65 children in a time of singing, prayer, Bible stories, crafts and games. However, the Evil One can see what is taking place in this village, and He is not happy, therefore causing many battles in the lives of God’s chosen people. Please join us in praying for the Victory that is already ours through our Lord Jesus Christ!

BLESSED.

Jose (1 year and 5 months) and Juan (16 days) were the first two children to be welcomed through the doors of Paradise Bound/Open Doors Orphanage on Thursday, December 1! As these children are now safely tucked in, receiving warmth and love like they have never felt before, please continue to pray for these little ones - our Lord's precious children!

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." ~Jeremiah 1:5

MILAGRO = MIRACLE, literally!

Her name is Milagro! Milagro was found in Guatemala in a cardboard box thrown into the street. Her little body, limp and still connected to the placenta, was picked up by a volunteer firemen...everything instantly changed for them and for Milagro when they felt her faint pulse! Two months later (today), she remains in the national hospital in Chimaltenango AND if God allows may soon become the first child in our Paradise Bound Ministries Orphanage! The court system cannot promise us yet, but feel we are a perfect match for this precious child named Milagro! We should hear if she is ours (and I mean ALL of ours) this week or next! Regardless if she comes to live with us or if she is gifted to another orphanage, Pray for this child of God whose name is Milago ("Miracle" in English)!

"ALL IN"

From October 16-24, we had the privilege of hosting 12 individuals at our mission base as part of our Fall 2011 construction team. As the week went on, the motto "ALL IN" was quickly adopted by the group members. This phrase not only applied to the 12+ hour work days that they often put in, but also to their personal relationships with Christ. Through personal devotion time, group devotions, and village evangelism, all of the team members experienced God in big ways and were strengthened in their faith! What an amazing week it was!

On behalf of all of us at PBM, I want to say THANK YOU! It is safe to say that all of us were blessed - not only by the fruits of your labor but by the example of your daily walk with Christ!

Open Doors Orphanage Update!

This email was sent out by Dan Smith earlier this evening. What an amazing and awesome God we serve! Thank you so much for all of the prayers.

"Our Lord once again has answered the thousands of you who were praying today at noon for our PBM/Open Doors Orphanage certification! The meeting did NOT go as we expected with the C N A and there were times that I cried out to our Lord in my heart to raise up more of you to pray in that specific moment...HE heard all of our cries of this I am sure. Before our eyes we watched hearts melt away and we were soon 100% approved by the C N A!!! The actual C N A certificate, which we need to open our doors, is still a couple of weeks away due to processing, but we are approved!!!!

Thank you for your continued prayers in this raging battle for souls we are in!

HIS servants,

dan & heidi"

the piano man!

As our discipleship follow-up program continues to grow and expand in the village of La Reina, yet one more aspect has been added to the program...MUSIC LESSONS! For the past few months, we have been bringing our own equipment and musicians for the praise and worship portion of the services we hold on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Although it works, it has become quite the task to coordinate the transportation of a keyboard, speaker, guitars, microphones, drums, up to 9 individuals, etc. In addition, many young people in La Reina have expressed the desire to learn how to play some type of muscial instrument. Therefore, the dream was formed within Dan Smith's heart to begin a musical group within the village so that they can participate more fully in their own services.


This past Thursday, September 29, marked the first day of these music lessons. Darwin, Hermano Jesus' son-in-law, leads worship at their church and also works as a music teacher. He brought his keyboard and willingly began to teach the first two eager students some basic music theory. Raul and Jorge, the two young men shown in the picture, seemed to pick up on the material quite quickly! Please continue to pray for these two brothers, as well as the other students, who will soon come to learn how to not only play a variety of musical instruments but how to glorify our Lord and Savior with their new-found talents!

QUINCE

Today, September 15, is Guatemalan Independence Day, a special holiday often referred to as QUINCE (or "fifteen" in Spanish). Even though it has been raining here quite steadily over the past few days, it hasn't stopped the Guatemalan people from carrying out their traditions of parades, fireworks, and carrying torches through the streets like it's the Olympics. This country seriously knows how to celebrate! Here are a couple of pictures from Emanuel and Debora's school program last week. Felicidades!

Becoming Fools

Hey everyone!
The following is an email passed on to all Paradise Bound Ministry supporters, but I thought it was worthy of being posted here as well. Check it out!

"Dear Intercessors,
We are called upon to touch the lives of the least, and often the least will never be seen by any of us in our chaotic and busy lives. There are 6,000 to 10,000 street children living in Guatemala alone, with little or no voice to the outside world. Though our Lord has taken us to the remote and abandoned villages in Guatemala, our hearts are also with the children "living" without our Lord and thus without hope within the big cities. The makers of Reparando are venturing out once again to tell the story of a street clown and the "lives" of children in the streets of Guatemala City. Please follow the link http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/306542054/becoming-fools-a-documentary to understand a little more about "Becoming Fools" and if our Lord leads to help support this project. This is not a Paradise Bound venture, but our hearts are with the children that we pray this film will touch.
HIS servant,
dan & heid"

the DUMP

last week tuesday, i had the opportunity to visit Colonia Manuel Colon Argueta with some friends from Michigan who were down here serving on a missions trip with Hope Renewed. this squatters town consists of 140 families who have settled into the largest of three dumps that are present in the capital of Guatemala City. most families here make a living by scrounging for plastic, cardboard, and other products that they can sell to local buyers for a small penny. the necessities are few and far between: dirty water is shipped in via truck by the government and electricity was only added recently. a sewage system is also non-existent, but the presence of 4-foot-deep trenches throughout the town imply that that should soon become a reality. i cannot begin to put into words the smells i smelt and the sights i saw, but i am hoping that the photos i have included below will give you a little taste of the DUMP.

La REINA

This past Sunday, August 21, we held our first inaugural Sunday service at the village of La Reina. The Sunday services will be held every other Sunday with the hope of reaching out to some of the working men in the village who are not able to join us for the discipleship program on Thursdays. In preparation for the service, we got permission to use a large building that belongs to the community. The shelter was much needed as it rained for most of the afternoon! We also purchased 50 chairs for the villagers to sit in, thinking that would be more than enough. However, the 50 chairs were filled up so quickly that we had to scrounge up 10 more...and that still left myself and a couple of the kids to sit on the floor. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces, and many new ones as well. Praise God!










The actual service went extremely well. Our pastor, Hermano Jesus, brought a few individuals from his church congregation to assist in leading worship and ministering to the people during times of prayer. Hermano himself also gave a powerful message that touched many lives within the village. We are hopeful that as the weeks and months go on, we will continue to see consistent or even increasing attendance, forcing us to hold the services every week! The children of La Reina have always had a special place in my heart, so we will prayerfully see where God leads in the direction of establishing a children's and/or youth program for them as well. Please join us in praying for the people of La Reina. I know many of them have touched your hearts in a special way, and this is a great opportunity for you to continue to come alongside of them as they eagerly pursue more of God's word and His love.

Filling the VOID

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
For me, this passage hits close to home.
The very first time I came to Guatemala with Paradise Bound Ministries was in 2006, on a week-long mission trip with Hager Park Church. Together, we conducted two remote medical clinics and built various homes in the village of San Jose Cajagualten. As dedication day drew near, I became very excited and nervous, for reasons I was soon aware of. The family who I had assisted to build for included a father, mother, and three young children. The family gifts soon brought us into the spiritual gifts, and the spiritual gifts into the presentation of the Gospel. The mother and the kids old enough to understand eagerly accepted Jesus into their heart, but the father refused…three separate times. I was crushed and could not even begin to comprehend why someone would want to reject the greatest gift of love one could ever know. The father was an alcoholic, however, and we were able to convince him and his brother to enter into a rehab facility that very day. The brother stayed in rehab, but the father checked himself out shortly after he was admitted. He passed away a few months later due to alcoholism, and to this day, I still hope and pray that he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior before his time came. It still hurts, though, to see his children in that village every Wednesday during our discipleship programs, not having answers…
To this day, I flashback to that family every time an individual says “no” to Christ inside one of the homes we built. This past summer, that seemed to happen at least once a week…and almost always in the home I had helped lead. Two individuals that stick out to me specifically are Patti, the mother of the home we built the very first week of the summer, and Gloria, the single mom we built for with the fourth team of the summer. Although upset and discouraged at first, Dan Smith would always remind me of Isaiah 55. God’s word will never return to Him void, and He has indeed shown this to be faithful and true over the past few weeks and months. Even as we continued building homes throughout the summer, Hermano Jesus would hold a service in the village of La Reina during the second building afternoon in order to keep the discipleship program going that we established out there last fall. I remember the extreme joy I felt as I saw Patti walk into the service that second week of the summer, and I remember feeling the huge smile spread across my face as Gloria did the same a few weeks ago. They both have been attending regularly ever since.
God promises us that His word will never return unto Him void, and He will never fail to fulfill one of his promises. We have gone out and planted the seed, and now God will continue to water them until they begin filling that void in their hearts and lives with HIM.

...widows and orphans...

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy."
~Psalm 68:5

MARCOS IS BACK IN GUATEMALA!!!!!

After a successful surgery and recovery period in St. Louis, Missouri, Marcos returned back to Guatemala on June 29, 2011! Although he misses the luxuries of the United States, he is very happy to be reunited with his family.
What a blessing to bear witness to all that God has been doing in this young man’s life! Not only is Marcos able to walk without crutches for the first time in two years, but he is also anxious to throw aside the anger and confusion that has filled his heart for the past few years in order to follow the call that God has placed on his heart. With only a 6th grade education, Marcos would like to return back to school to become a doctor and help others just as he was assisted. He has also talked to us about pursuing a position with the ministry someday. Praise God!
Until then, Marcos will continue to take oral antibiotics to reassure that the bone infection will not return. In September, he will be brought in for one final x-ray, just to confirm that the bone has indeed returned to full health and strength.


Thanks again for all of your continuous support and prayers for this young man and his family! None of this would have been possible without each and every one of YOU walking alongside of us through this entire process!