LWCGuat14

team photo credit:  Whonsetler Photography

Back row, l to r:  Matt T, Adam G, Joey G, Joe V

Row 3, l to r:  Stephanie W, Jeff B, Becca G, Stacy G, Phil T, Loren M, Lori V

Row 2, l to r:  Chelsea M, Arianne S, Kathy T, Hope G, Mariah G, Maddie A, Gabbie V

Front row, l to r:  Chris W, Lauren B, Sheila B, Emily S, Julie Z, Brady S, Susan T, Jan L

LWCGuat14   July 4-12, 2014

Acts 4:12

Cornerstone by Hillsong was our worship song this year and was it ever appropriate as we experienced a 6.9 earthquake at 5:20 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014.  Two of our group were injured during the quake but there were no structural damages to the Promised Land.   The toughest thing was knowing we were okay but having no way to communicate that to our family and friends back in the States.   We believed God was in control of our lives and we trusted Him for whatever was to happen.  

We felt God's hand protecting hand on us throughout our week - especially on the treacherous, partially washed out road to and from Poacorral (12,500') where we had VBS and Happy Feet shoe/sock distribution.  The trip gave us exciting video and photo opportunities.  We think over 350 people left the Wesleyan Church in Poacorral with new shoes, socks, and goodie bags.   

The team worked alongside Rafael building the little concrete block/tin roof house for his family of three.  We've never had a more sincerely grateful home recipient.   Rafael and his family forever touched our hearts.   We are blessed to know him.  

Young Elmer (who recently lost his mother after losing his dad last July) led the other San Juan Happy Tummy children in prayer for Matt & Julie (they were the two injured during the quake).   There wasn't a dry eye in the building.  40 backpacks were presented to the children and their teachers.  Each pack was filled with a stuffed animal, a toy, crayons, socks, peanut butter and a coloring book.  

After hearing the powerful testimony of a team member, some of the Abuelitos "little grandmothers" prayed over her like we've never seen/heard. 

Basketball camps were held at three schools (two in San Juan and one in San Pedro).  As a result, over 70 children/teens prayed to receive Jesus.   The camp is growing and we are grateful for the opportunity to go in to the schools, share our God-stories and present the good news of Jesus.  

The sewing ministry women worked quickly as we crammed two days of work in to one day (due to no power on the Monday of the earthquake).   They were overwhelmed with their sewing boxes filled with supplies, extension cords and irons.   Some wept with joy and gratitude.    

Adults, teens and children responded with big smiles upon receiving their photographs at various ministry locations.  

Through the challenges we faced in the States before leaving until we returned home, we were in awe of God's power, provision, protection and love.   The enemy worked hard at discouraging us and trying to keep us from going but we trusted in our Cornerstone and He does not disappoint!    

PHOTO CREDITS TO VARIOUS TEAM MEMBERS 

LWCGuat13 team

This is very tardy post.   We are trying to bring this blog up to date.

Back row l to r:  Joey G, Jeff B, Brendan B, Tim R, Chris W, Matt T, Cody R, Sheila B, Kirk G, Lesia M, Phil T, Kathy T, Alex T, Tim A, Adam G and Eric T

Front row l to r:  Terry B, Brittony R, Michelle R, Morgan R, Stephanie W, Jan L, Jared K, Rochelle B, Hannah M, Emma P, Christy G, Becca G, Elena T, Maddie A, Mariah G, Stacy G and Hope G

#LWCGuat13 - 33 people from various cities and towns in Indiana, California, and Arizona came together to work, play, serve, pray, and worship as one big family for 9 days.  

We built a home, hosted basketball camps, distributed shoes at the Wesleyan Church in Poacorral (12,500' elevation), presented backpacks to Happy Tummies children in San Juan, photography, VBS and much more.

We witnessed God's faithfulness every step of our journey.   We are grateful and blessed.