A small collection of things I’ve learned in and through our (ministry-focused) time in Guatemala:
- I can do just fine with 2 showers a week
- Ministry can look completely different than we expect and still be ministry (unto others and unto the Lord)
- Small things can be big things in the Kingdom
- Worship and prayer are foundational for a life lived fully for the Lord
- I love being able to communicate in Spanish, however imperfectly 🥹
- People can live incredibly difficult lives and yet have faith that moves mountains. Their faith carries them through. And instead of just us sharing with and encouraging them, the faith they share ends up encouraging us!
- There’s both more and less that goes into fútbol (soccer) than I realized (but that speaks more to my not being very involved with sports than anything, haha)
- Schools with running water and lights and a bell system are such a privilege
- Living in tents (during the dry season) isn’t half bad. It’s just an adjustment!
- Rice is easier to cook on the stove than I thought it was, which is great 😂
- If our ministry is to be fruitful (not successful, but fruitful), we have to walk in step with the Spirit and let Him lead. Ministry done in our own strength is not really ministry at all – just good deeds that bring us back to trying to make salvation by our works.
- Sometimes you can’t see gigantic mountains because of clouds and fog. Sometimes we feel like we can’t hear God or see His goodness. But as the mountains are always the reality, just sometimes hidden, so too is God and His goodness always the reality – just sometimes hidden from our view.
- Dust during the dry season gets ev-er-y-where. You just gotta deal with it. Especially when you’re on a mountain and walking on dirt roads.
- In continual change, God is our constant
- Limited communication with family and friends makes those moments where you can connect all the sweeter
- You can in fact get used to seeing volcanoes in daily life, but that doesn’t make it any less incredible!
- There are connections to be found from the most random places, in the most random places (thank you, Grace College)
- Comfort zones only grow by us being willing to be uncomfortable. It’s something that’s simple, but not easy.
- Not spending intentional time in the Word and with the Lord every day is, more or less, a recipe for disaster. I’m speaking from experience.
- There is always room to grow, always places to be refined, always more work that God can do in us. We should be vigilant in rejecting complacency, especially in our walk with Christ.
It’s crazy to think that we’ve already come to the end of our ministry time in Guatemala! 20 percent of our Race is nearly over already! This truly has been such a special season in such a special place, and I’m grateful for the multitude of new experiences. The hard things and the good things alike have served to bring me closer to the Lord – and I will always be thankful for that.
Prayer Requests!
– our last two weeks in Guatemala will be times of debrief, training, and ATL (Ask The Lord). Please pray that this time would be restful, gives space to process well, and leads us into the next country well
– for the Lord to prepare our hearts for all the changes ahead
– continued health and strength for the squad, and time well spent in community as we’re all back together for debrief!
Also, there are a lot of people in Antigua for the leadup to Semana Santa (Holy Week for Easter) – please pray that the Lord would lead us in words/actions/etc in interactions with tourists and locals alike to show His love to our fullest ability ❤️
Rebekah, your blogs have been very encouraging, uplifting & challenging. I love to see how your team has grown. Praying for your transition to go well & safety to the next destination. Praying God’s provision & protection for you & the team in the next season!
Thank you so much, it means a lot to hear that! ❤️
Thanks for sharing your heart and your journey!
It’s a gift to share what God has given!! Thank you for following along! ❤️
Wow Rebekah,
I love the words of wisdom that God I’d giving you!!! Praying with Connie’s wise words for you.😉
Keep up the good work 🙌
Continued prayers for the blessing of God on you and your team. Terri
Thank you so much!! ❤️
Those are gems of wisdom! The two-sidedness of ministry blessing is both convicting and encouraging! Prayers in your next steps!
❤️ Thank you!!
Wonderful insight! And I’m sure your parents will appreciate the reduced water bill when you come home ❤️
Thank you! Haha, I’m not sure if that trend will continue back home, but we’ll see 😉😂
Awesome blog! Love the reflections that reveal your ❤️. Thanks for all you are doing and praying that your next few weeks continue to be fruitful for the Lord’s Kingdom!
❤️ thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement!!
Bekah, Thank you for the Words of wisdom! Thank you for serving our Lord in Guatemala and making a positive difference. Prayers for your journey and safe travels!
❤️ Thank you so much!!
Thanking God for all that you and your squad have done to show your love for these people!! Praying for safety, strength and health as you journey on❤️.
❤️❤️ thank you!! All the glory to God!
Sweet to read about the things you’ve learned during your time on prayer mountain! I loved the comparison you made to the reality of the mountains obscurred by clouds and feeling at times like God is obscurred in a similar way. I am excited for your next season on the WR and ways God will be growing you!