Grace Missions Blog

We had a good final day as it contained a variety of projects – the fifth, and final, medical clinic of the week; a visit to Casa Aleluya; a visit to the village where this team built last year; painting at the seminary; securing the screens on the windows of the Camp house and Ford house; washing vehicles; et cetera. 

A large number of guests joined us for supper and then we had our final share time of the week.  Of course, as always, we had some “slackers” among us and the committee rewarded them accordingly! 

The greatest news of the week was that twelve folks prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Savior.  All of these salvation decisions took place during the medical clinics.  That is why GRACE Ministries does ministry! 

The Michigan folks are leaving on a 7:00AM flight, the Californian at 1:05PM, and the rest of us at 1:50PM.  Pray for us to have safe travels to our respective homes today.  Thank you for taking the time to follow us via the blog.  I will possibly update the numbers on Monday, 2/8.  Blessings!

This entry is being typed on Friday morning as I simply could not get online long enough last night to post.  Sorry about that!

Yesterday was a good day as the construction team completely finished all 20 houses in the village.  We were also able to dedicate all 20 houses and that was a special time.  The folks in Parajbey were very, very appreciative.  To me, the dedications are always such a special time and yesterday was no different.

The medical team saw another 200 plus folks.  It was good as we were all in the same village so the entire team spent the day together. 

We enjoyed a nice meal at Paulino’s on the way home.  That was a good time of fellowship too.

The seminary painters were able to get a lot more done yesterday and should finish today. 

Pray for us as we do a variety of things today bringing this first GRACE trip of the year to an end.  All is well here and we appreciate your interest and your prayer support!

Today saw the construction folks go back to Parajbey Santa Apolonia and the medical team got to Aldea Los Corrales, Parramos. 

The MT saw 360 (don’t remember the exact number) folks which kept the three doctors and the pharmacist busy.  That puts them in the neighborhood of 850 folks seen thus far. 

The building team now has 18 houses that have received concrete.  Basically, only a couple are not completely i.e. barrel bolts, door handles, et cetera.  Two more have to be built but we intentionally delayed building them until tomorrow so one of the doctors can have that experience.  

The team members are in the big room spending some quality time in fellowship.  This team as a whole does not spend a lot of time on the internet which is a good thing. 

All is well here and we ask that you keep praying for us.

Good day!  Let me give you the highlights – no wait, let me give you the “lowlight” for starters.  Carla Mast had the “gall” to lead the group in singing the chorus to a team’s theme song.  The team wasn’t Bama and it wasn’t even AU – it was worse, much worse!  I will probably have nightmares tonight!

Our medical team was expecting a huge crowd today but ended up seeing 255 patients.  I really haven’t gotten the details but know they had a good day. 

The construction team completely finished one house, poured cement in three others, have another ready for cement, and have three more basically needing about thirty minutes of work to be at the point of being ready for cement. 

The building conditions are pretty tough i.e. fairly steep.  Dave & Donna, we are looking “down” (literally) on the houses your team built!  However, it’s all good!

Two ladies went to the seminary today and did some painting.  I don’t know the details but know they have a lot of work to do – won’t get it done. 

My wife leaves for home in the morning.  It has been great having her here.  Pray that she will have uneventful flights and that we will have a productive Tuesday.

Yes, this is the first GRACE trip of 2010.  This is one of those “we got folks” from everywhere trips that are so neat to see how “strangers” become “family” after basically spending six days together. 

We plan on doing medical clincs for five days while building twenty houses and doing some painting/art work at the seminary too.  It is going to be busy and that is how we (I) like it. 

The team arrived today and all of the medicines cleared customs without a hitch.  I so appreciate our Yankee friends who diligently packed the suitcases in proper order.  Great job guys!

Tomorrow we will do church, a little shopping (not I), and then do village ministry tomorrow afternoon late.  That will be followed by a pill sorting party in preparation for the clinics. 

I am thankful this team is here but we do miss Caroline Ford.  We are in capable hands with Jan Kapenga but we still miss Caroline and are praying for her complete healing. 

Pray for us.  Check back Sunday night for an update.

This entry is coming way late in the day as it is already 11:30PM.  So many folks have been on the internet that I could not connect as I am the last one on line.  I must get in touch with Al! 

We had a good Thursday.  The team went back to Santa Cruz Balanya where they hosted another day of VBS, built five more houses, cemented six more, and completely finished all eighteen in that village.  Basically in two and one half days this team has completed 18 houses! 

Late this afternoon we hosted the boys from Vencedores.  As always, it was a good time for them and us.  They have new dorm parents, Lee & Candy, and Candy came with the boys.  She was joined by Carolyn Ciak & Olga. 

Tonight, Max Lara and his family shared some songs with us.  What a great family! 

Tomorrow we will dedicate the houses in Santa Cruz Balanya, finish the one in Panimaquin, build one in San Lucas, and cook for the wedding reception.  Tom Compagner & I will attend the civil wedding ceremony for Samuel & Reina at 5:00PM. 

Thanks for reading this update and keep praying.

Blessed day!  The team went back to Santa Cruz Balanya to continue to build houses, do VBS, and host a block party. 

Mark Mast once again led the VBS and I am told it went well again.  We hosted a block party led by Garrett Wright & Rita Vice that was attended by 400 (probably a conservative figure) children.  They had a great time and I really appreciate Mike Parker and Clubhouse Guatemala allowing us to use their equipment.  PJ & Pablo did a great job of filling in for Mike!  The children had a blast especially with the cotton candy which having the machine was a small miracle in itself.  Lets just say it involved my forgetfulness and a pair of girl’s sandals from a used clothing store.   Or, lets just say that God showed up and made it all work for His glory and our good!

The building team built 8 more houses today while the cement team did 9 more.  That puts us at 13 built in the village with 12 having the cement.  I think 7 or 8 are completely finished.  Great team with great work ethic! 

Thank you for reading this entry.  Keep praying!