Last week Saturday, I received one of the best phone calls I have ever received in my entire life! The call came from Marcos in St. Louis, Missouri. As soon as I picked up, I knew something big was going on because I have never heard that 17-young-man sound so excited about anything else before! He could barely contain himself, and less than a 30 seconds into the conversation, he blurted out the great news - Guess what?! NO MORE CRUTCHES! He had just been in to see the doctor the day before, and he was officially cleared to put full weight on his leg. What an answer to prayer! That was the final piece of that puzzle that we all had been waiting for! However, that wasn't the only great news he had to share. Along with that news came the notice that Marcos could return home to Guatemala in 5 WEEKS! Now that he is walking on his own and only taking oral antibiotics instead of IV antibiotics, Marcos will be re-united with his family, Lord-willing, at the end of June/beginning of July, pending one final "okay" from the doctor.
As I wrapped up the conversation with Marcos, I asked him if it would be okay if I shared the great news with my friends, family, church family, and other supporters. His response, first of all, was "Of course! Share it with everyone - share it with the whole world!" That comment was quickly followed by "...but when you do, please PLEASE tell them thank you and let them know how truly grateful I am for all of their support and prayers." So here is a huge thank you from the bottom of Marcos' heart - and mine. Thank you for all of your support and prayers through this whole process - we could not have made it without you!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
it's that time again!
Thanks to the wonderful limits that Guatemala places on a tourist VISA, I will be heading back to Michigan for a short visit beginning tomorrow, Friday, April 29! I will only be home for a month or so, but I am looking foward to seeing my friends and family before jumping head first into another full summer of ministry. Although a large part of it, the VISA is not the only reason why I'll be making the trip home for the month of May. During this time, I will have the privilege to take part in numerous activities and opportunities that the Lord has blessed the ministries of Paradise Bound with. On May 6, Tim Hawkins, a Christian comedian, will be putting on a benefit concert for PBM at Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI, and at the end of the month, I will be traveling to North Carolina to take part in a two-week long medical missionary intensive training course. Please join me in praying not only for safe travels tomorrow, but for the Lord's name to be glorified at the Tim Hawkins event, in my studies at the medical missonary course, and in all other aspects of Paradise Bound Ministries!
Friday, April 22, 2011
...faith like a child...
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18: 2-4).
Faith like a child. For a while now, this concept has been bouncing around in my head on a frequent basis, as a reminder of always seeking after God with a fervent and unwavering passion. What does it mean to have faith like a child? What does that look like?
Well, a few months ago, I had the most beautiful image of what it indeed looks like to have faith like a child. On the last night of devotions, with the last team of the winter, we were all gathered together in the great room of the mission base. I had the pleasure of sitting in between Emanuel and Debora, the two children of our Guatemalan staff members, who had also been asking ALL day when devotions would take place. =)
As we wrapped up a time of singing and studying the Scriptures, we entered into a time of reflection where the team members could also give their lives to Christ for the first time or re-dedicate their lives to Him if they felt so led. After some time, I heard a whimpering cry coming from my left, and I realized that Debora was crying as she was praying and raising her hands in praise to God. Soon thereafter, she made her way to the cross and nailed a piece of paper deep into the wood. I asked her later what she wrote on that piece of paper, and through her sobs, I was able to understand that she had asked God for forgiveness from all her sins. She remained in her seat for only a little while before returning to the cross, this time falling on her knees in prayer. I stayed in my seat for a little while longer, holding her brother who I realized had begun to cry on my right. After a while, however, I returned to the cross with Debora. Dan Smith was there as well, and he led her to writing her name on another piece of paper before nailing it to the cross, signifying that she was giving her life to Christ for the first time. Praise God!
Looking back towards Emanuel, I noticed that he was peering at the cross through red and swollen eyes. I invited him to join us down and the cross, which he did so without hesitation. After holding him and letting him cry for a while longer, I asked him if he too wanted to accept Christ into his heart for the first time. He nodded yes, and as we gathered together a pen, paper, nail, and hammer, he wrote his name on that paper and drove it deep into the cross.
By this point, tears of joy were flowing all around. Both kids returned to the cross numerous times, letting go of numerous confessions and sins. What a privilege it was to bear witness to that event and to be a part of their commitment to Christ, both in that moment and in the weeks and months to come! They shared their experience with their parents, and since that day, it seems like the kids have been running around here with a new passion and joy for life. They even willingly offer to pray before meals, and they both have read through their new children’s Bibles in less than a week.
I don’t know about you, but that is the kind of passion I want to have. I want to have a faith that is always growing, always seeking, and always excited to discover God at work in new ways every single day.
Faith like a child. For a while now, this concept has been bouncing around in my head on a frequent basis, as a reminder of always seeking after God with a fervent and unwavering passion. What does it mean to have faith like a child? What does that look like?
Well, a few months ago, I had the most beautiful image of what it indeed looks like to have faith like a child. On the last night of devotions, with the last team of the winter, we were all gathered together in the great room of the mission base. I had the pleasure of sitting in between Emanuel and Debora, the two children of our Guatemalan staff members, who had also been asking ALL day when devotions would take place. =)
As we wrapped up a time of singing and studying the Scriptures, we entered into a time of reflection where the team members could also give their lives to Christ for the first time or re-dedicate their lives to Him if they felt so led. After some time, I heard a whimpering cry coming from my left, and I realized that Debora was crying as she was praying and raising her hands in praise to God. Soon thereafter, she made her way to the cross and nailed a piece of paper deep into the wood. I asked her later what she wrote on that piece of paper, and through her sobs, I was able to understand that she had asked God for forgiveness from all her sins. She remained in her seat for only a little while before returning to the cross, this time falling on her knees in prayer. I stayed in my seat for a little while longer, holding her brother who I realized had begun to cry on my right. After a while, however, I returned to the cross with Debora. Dan Smith was there as well, and he led her to writing her name on another piece of paper before nailing it to the cross, signifying that she was giving her life to Christ for the first time. Praise God!
Looking back towards Emanuel, I noticed that he was peering at the cross through red and swollen eyes. I invited him to join us down and the cross, which he did so without hesitation. After holding him and letting him cry for a while longer, I asked him if he too wanted to accept Christ into his heart for the first time. He nodded yes, and as we gathered together a pen, paper, nail, and hammer, he wrote his name on that paper and drove it deep into the cross.
By this point, tears of joy were flowing all around. Both kids returned to the cross numerous times, letting go of numerous confessions and sins. What a privilege it was to bear witness to that event and to be a part of their commitment to Christ, both in that moment and in the weeks and months to come! They shared their experience with their parents, and since that day, it seems like the kids have been running around here with a new passion and joy for life. They even willingly offer to pray before meals, and they both have read through their new children’s Bibles in less than a week.
I don’t know about you, but that is the kind of passion I want to have. I want to have a faith that is always growing, always seeking, and always excited to discover God at work in new ways every single day.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
el mundo de Marcos (MARCOS' WORLD!)
For those of you who don't receive the Intercessor email updates through Paradise Bound Ministries, I thought that it was about time I fill you in on what's been happening with Marcos! Here is your long overdue update:
On April 6, Marcos went in for his operation at Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. After waiting for roughly 4 hours, he was ushered into the operating room at roughly 12:10pm. Roughly two and a half hours later, he was escorted to recovery, and roughly four hours later, he was resting comfortably in his own room (with the help of some Morphine, of course)! The surgery went well – just as the doctors expected, and with no additional surprises. Praise God! They had to remove quite a bit of dead tissue, but were then able to close the wound, leaving only two drains in place. Right now, he has a PICC line through which he is receiving general IV antibiotics, but once they receive the lab results of the tissue specimen (which should be anyday now), they will transition him to a more specific antibiotic that will target the exact type of infection he has.
I have had the privilege of talking to Marcos a couple times now after the surgery. The first time, he was exhausted, hardly able to talk, and needing lots of pain medication, but doing well! The second time, he was alert, happy, and joking around while eating popcorn, drinking orange pop, and contemplating when his next came of Mario Cart on the Wii would take place! The pain has subsided tremendously, and he is now turning his focus towards getting better...and getting out of the hospital! Tomorrow, April 13, they will take another x-ray to see how the bone is recovering.
On top of all of this, I am very grateful for his host parents, who have not left his side through this whole process. They are also allowing me to stay with them for a weekend so that I can go and visit Marcos in May. By this time, we also hope that Marcos will be out of the hospital, and recovering at his host home!
Please continue to join us in giving thanks for the miracle that has already taken place, and in praying for continued healing, strength and a speedy recovery. Marcos still has a long road ahead of him, with weeks of antibiotic therapy, rehab, and a possible follow-up surgery. But we serve a Mighty Savior…an Awesome God, and with Him, all things are possible! He is the Ultimate Healer and Provider – our Rock and our Strength - and He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Until a further update is available….
On April 6, Marcos went in for his operation at Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. After waiting for roughly 4 hours, he was ushered into the operating room at roughly 12:10pm. Roughly two and a half hours later, he was escorted to recovery, and roughly four hours later, he was resting comfortably in his own room (with the help of some Morphine, of course)! The surgery went well – just as the doctors expected, and with no additional surprises. Praise God! They had to remove quite a bit of dead tissue, but were then able to close the wound, leaving only two drains in place. Right now, he has a PICC line through which he is receiving general IV antibiotics, but once they receive the lab results of the tissue specimen (which should be anyday now), they will transition him to a more specific antibiotic that will target the exact type of infection he has.
I have had the privilege of talking to Marcos a couple times now after the surgery. The first time, he was exhausted, hardly able to talk, and needing lots of pain medication, but doing well! The second time, he was alert, happy, and joking around while eating popcorn, drinking orange pop, and contemplating when his next came of Mario Cart on the Wii would take place! The pain has subsided tremendously, and he is now turning his focus towards getting better...and getting out of the hospital! Tomorrow, April 13, they will take another x-ray to see how the bone is recovering.
On top of all of this, I am very grateful for his host parents, who have not left his side through this whole process. They are also allowing me to stay with them for a weekend so that I can go and visit Marcos in May. By this time, we also hope that Marcos will be out of the hospital, and recovering at his host home!
Please continue to join us in giving thanks for the miracle that has already taken place, and in praying for continued healing, strength and a speedy recovery. Marcos still has a long road ahead of him, with weeks of antibiotic therapy, rehab, and a possible follow-up surgery. But we serve a Mighty Savior…an Awesome God, and with Him, all things are possible! He is the Ultimate Healer and Provider – our Rock and our Strength - and He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Until a further update is available….
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
our GOD is greater!
Sooooo, as some of you may or may not know, I have two children here in Guatemala - adopted children that is! =) Their names are Banner, age 7, and Henry, age 5. Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of assisting Team Res Life Rockford in building a house for them and their family, who is one of the poorest in the semi-coastal village of La Reina, a village of 152 families located at the foot of the most active volcano in Central America - Fuego (Fire). The following is the story of mis hijos - my sons.
The journey begins a year ago when we first began building homes in La Reina. To be honest, I was a little nervous because I didn't know anyone in this village and I was worried about meeting friends and getting to know the people when I was already quite attached to another village called La Bendicion. Little did I know that all of that was about to change - and rapidly! 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 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 hears 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 verdict is what we thought and feared the whole time - that Henry was born this way and that no operation or device could help him hear again. However, the family is surprisingly okay with this diagnosis! We talked about the option of teaching Henry sign language, and they expressed interest and excitement in pursuing this opportunity right away. So far, they have a few Spanish sign language materials in their possession, and I am looking forward to having the chance to work with them further on this new endeavor.
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 apart of leading Henry's mom, Elvia, forward to accept Christ. Banner 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 awhile, 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 that it was the only the power of the Holy Spirit that caused Henry to look at Hermano Jesus with those big brown eyes and heartbreaking grin, shaking his head yes in full understandment! 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, Banner and Henry become more and more like family to me - not just because they refer to me as "mamita gringa" (white mother), 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.
The journey begins a year ago when we first began building homes in La Reina. To be honest, I was a little nervous because I didn't know anyone in this village and I was worried about meeting friends and getting to know the people when I was already quite attached to another village called La Bendicion. Little did I know that all of that was about to change - and rapidly! 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 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 hears 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 verdict is what we thought and feared the whole time - that Henry was born this way and that no operation or device could help him hear again. However, the family is surprisingly okay with this diagnosis! We talked about the option of teaching Henry sign language, and they expressed interest and excitement in pursuing this opportunity right away. So far, they have a few Spanish sign language materials in their possession, and I am looking forward to having the chance to work with them further on this new endeavor.
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 apart of leading Henry's mom, Elvia, forward to accept Christ. Banner 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 awhile, 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 that it was the only the power of the Holy Spirit that caused Henry to look at Hermano Jesus with those big brown eyes and heartbreaking grin, shaking his head yes in full understandment! 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, Banner and Henry become more and more like family to me - not just because they refer to me as "mamita gringa" (white mother), 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.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Answered Prayers and Dreams Come True!
“All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!” – Jude 1:25.
On Tuesday, March 15, at 6am, we said our goodbyes to precious Marcos as he entered the La Aurora International Airport en route to St. Louis, Missouri! It was an emotional time for the eleven family members who gathered to see him off as this past weekend was filled with the threat of a natural disaster and the loss of a family member. However, despite these trials, the peace of God that transcends all understanding enabled the love of a family, wanting simply the best for their brother and son, to overcome all circumstances. We watched expectantly as the beaming, excited, and surprisingly calm Marcos entered the airport, passed through the ticket counter line, paid his exit tax, and was whisked down through security and out of sight by his travel escort. Feelings of sadness soon became replaced by JOY – joy in the knowledge that prayers were answered and that the long-awaited day had arrived when Marcos would receive the medical treatment he so desperately needed. It was hard to believe that this dream was actually coming true, but the reality was solidified that evening when we received the good news that Marcos had arrived safe and sound!
Tomorrow, Friday, March 18, Marcos has his first appointment with the doctors of Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Please join us in praying for wisdom and discernment for the doctor’s, as well as peace and comfort for Marcos and his family. Also, keep Marcos’ host family and the staff of Healing the Children in your prayers as they support him through this time. In the meantime, I will do my very best to keep you updated on Marcos’ treatment and progress as I receive more information.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"oh ye of little faith!"
The humility that this statement brought with it struck to the very core of my being. As I continued to think about what was said, a slow smile began to creep across my face. It was at that moment that God gave me the grace to realize that none of what took place had anything to do with my humanity and brokenness – but EVERYTHING to do with my all-powerful and all-knowing Savior. What an awesome God we serve!
This past Friday, Marcos attended his VISA appointment, which is anything short of a miracle in and of itself! With the goal of receiving his VISA the first week of March still in mind, the earliest that we could schedule his VISA appointment was March 29. However, with lots of prayer…and a few emails, too…we were able to move the appointment up to March 4 at 8am!
From there, God orchestrated everything in accordance with His good and perfect will! I had forgotten to remind Marcos to have pictures taken for the VISA – but there just happened to be a photo shop around the corner from the Embassy that was not only open at 7am but that also had the photos ready to go in less than 5 minutes! The man at the photo shop told me that I wouldn’t be able to enter the Embassy with Marcos because I was an American – but with a quick show of my passport, the security guard let me walk right in! Once in the Embassy, I was worried that we had missed the appointment since 8am had already come and gone and Marcos’ name had not been called yet – but within a half hour, Marcos’ name was called, and within 2 hours, everything was finished and we were walking out the door! The VISA was not in hand, but everything is set in place to receive it TODAY! And as I returned back to the mission base that afternoon, I received an email explaining that a host family (with three, bilingual, adopted children from Guatemala) had been found for Marcos and that a Spanish-speaking escort was available to accompany Marcos to the United States. Marcos will now be flying from Guatemala City to St. Louis, Missouri on March 15, 2011 to receive much needed and long-awaited medical treatment at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Thanks to each and every one of you for the prayers you have POURED out and LIFTED up on Marcos’ behalf! The VICTORY is already ours through Jesus Christ, but the battle is far from over. Please continue to keep Marcos in your prayers as he travels to the States and undergoes a major operation. Pray for safety, healing, discernment for the medical staff, and most importantly - that Marcos may enter into a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through this experience!
This past Friday, Marcos attended his VISA appointment, which is anything short of a miracle in and of itself! With the goal of receiving his VISA the first week of March still in mind, the earliest that we could schedule his VISA appointment was March 29. However, with lots of prayer…and a few emails, too…we were able to move the appointment up to March 4 at 8am!
From there, God orchestrated everything in accordance with His good and perfect will! I had forgotten to remind Marcos to have pictures taken for the VISA – but there just happened to be a photo shop around the corner from the Embassy that was not only open at 7am but that also had the photos ready to go in less than 5 minutes! The man at the photo shop told me that I wouldn’t be able to enter the Embassy with Marcos because I was an American – but with a quick show of my passport, the security guard let me walk right in! Once in the Embassy, I was worried that we had missed the appointment since 8am had already come and gone and Marcos’ name had not been called yet – but within a half hour, Marcos’ name was called, and within 2 hours, everything was finished and we were walking out the door! The VISA was not in hand, but everything is set in place to receive it TODAY! And as I returned back to the mission base that afternoon, I received an email explaining that a host family (with three, bilingual, adopted children from Guatemala) had been found for Marcos and that a Spanish-speaking escort was available to accompany Marcos to the United States. Marcos will now be flying from Guatemala City to St. Louis, Missouri on March 15, 2011 to receive much needed and long-awaited medical treatment at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Thanks to each and every one of you for the prayers you have POURED out and LIFTED up on Marcos’ behalf! The VICTORY is already ours through Jesus Christ, but the battle is far from over. Please continue to keep Marcos in your prayers as he travels to the States and undergoes a major operation. Pray for safety, healing, discernment for the medical staff, and most importantly - that Marcos may enter into a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through this experience!
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