Monday, August 19, 2013

Eleven Lizards Later...

... And it's our anniversary! August 20th marks one year since we began full-time service with the ministry of Hospital Shalom in Petén, Guatemala. We have adapted well, I think. Little things, like chasing reptiles across the living room wall and ceiling, or navigating unpredictable power outages, have simply become part of the natural rhythm of life. Things are moving forward and we see the evidence of God at work. He's so awesome.

So, what's happening here? --  BUILDING... Natural and Spiritual!

The construction project is progressing steadily and on target. We had a mixed ministry/medical/general labor team at the hospital recently, so we were super blessed with many hands to help with insulating, drywall installation, primer coat painting, AND.. A master electrician in the mix, to boot. They cranked it out, too, and we're happy to say there is NO MORE insulation or drywall to hang in the entire project! (Feel free to hallelujah or amen here). On top of that, the electrical home-runs have been pulled and the electrical rough-in is finally complete, which means Rod can focus on designating circuits for generator back-up. While volunteers focused on these tasks, Guatemalan contractors continued leveling floors and installing floor and wall tile. 


Spiritual BUILDING Progress! After months of planning and prayer, Tim Spurrier and Dave Ewing kicked off the discipleship bible training school with a dozen students, most of them NEW BELIEVERS, who have committed to meet every Thursday and Friday night for two hours of foundational teaching from God's word. One of the students is a 69 year old pastor who wants to learn more about how to better disciple his own congregation. As exciting as it is to see the physical building project steadily coming along, nothing compares to the progress of hungry hearts seeking  to be built up in Him. Talk about awesome richness! That's our God, huh?

Rod is excited to teach a four-week segment in the school starting in late September. He's busy writing class outlines as well as doing Spanish homework (*prayers -- CLCC folks will totally get that), and managing the construction project daily. 



 

Other ministry in action this past month included the privilege of working alongside a visiting medical team who conducted four medical outreaches in outlying communities. I enjoyed helping translate in triage and in the eye-glass fitting area, while Rod helped coordinate the patient waiting queues. We were blessed to get to pray with several people and to see God working through each visiting team member as they shared their unique giftings to minister to these specific communities. Eight people accepted Jesus Christ during these specific outreaches. YEAH!

Upcoming: The Prosthetics Jornada is just around the corner, the second week of September. As always, we appreciate your prayer covering. It is another great opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ and to minister His mercy.

Thank you! We love and appreciate each one of you so much for your prayers, and for participating financially in this ministry by supporting us to be here as your hands and feet and smiles-on-the-streets. 

Simply serving, 
Rod & De Ishmael
Petén, Guatemala


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Crescent Lake Christian Center, 1250 Saint Louis Avenue, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024