Up, up, and away…no…not so fast!  DELAYED again in Houston.  We made it fairly well through Guatemala City and the airport as well as customs.  There are always a few new things like everyone must now go and buy their own tax stamp instead of one person buying all of them and passing them out.  Then there was the waiting room packed with people and no electricity and no air conditioning and no seats and you get the drift!  This also meant no lights in the bathrooms!  So some folks shared in the process by holding the door open slightly with their foot, then the next person would do the same.  Finally, Bro. Kerry can to the rescue and had a flashlight.  Do I hear $5.00…$10.00…going for $100.00?  Somehow, we managed to get the flashlight back!

We were so happy to arrive back in the good ole USA where things like no electricity are a rarity.  Yap!  You guessed it.  We went to get on the train in the airport to our destination and the train was broke down!  Does anyone know how many steps it takes to get all the way around the Houston airport?  We do!

We must stop here and give God the glory for everything accomplished this week!  Here is one example as to how God provided for us.  When we were told that we must walk to our next gate, some of us were packing a load of stuff, and others had no energy left to go.  We looked ahead and there before us was a man with an extended golf cart.  We rushed over to him and asked (begged) him if he could give us a ride.  He said the battery was dead!  We must have looked really pitiful and begged rather well because he said “Get on and we’ll see what we can do.”  Off we went, first passing the Canadians, then some of our fellow Friendship companions.  The cart died just as we got to where a temporary shuttle bus was located.  Praise God for the waters from the rock!  God is good all the time!

We finally arrived at the gate and the plane had been delayed again.  What else do you do but go and eat!  Off we all went and had a good time of fellowship, watching all the people walk past us and wondering where they were from and if they knew Jesus as Savior.  Back to the gate to sit.  We left around 10:00 p.m. and finally got into our house by 12:30 a.m. 

We must thank so many people for their help in making this trip possible.  For fear of missing someone, we will not try to mention all your names other than we want to thank all those who were apart of our week’s ministry.   We thank Derrick and Jodie for a job well done.  We thank our pastor and Friendship family for their continual support of this mission effort.  We thank all those who support GRACE and give that houses and other areas of this ministry can continue.  Above all, we thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the strength to continue to go and for His mighty hand at work.   God bless till the next trip…

Serving Jesus Together,

Bro. Jerry

We let the folks sleep in just a little longer today.  This morning we attended Bro. Walter’s church, Rios De Agua Viva, and they were celebrating their 9th anniversary!  Wow!  This was a dinner on the grounds with all the area churches bringing special music.  A very special day for them. They sang and sang and sang!  It was great but we had to leave before the pastor even preached.  This was an all day affair (and the chicken they were cooking outside looked delicious too.)  If I had been by myself, I might have stayed the whole day (even though I don’t understand much Spanish, the Spirit within was speaking to my heart. 

We went and ate at our usual restaurant, Las Antorchas, and then went shopping.  After that, we stopped by Casa, the ophanage to let one of our members, Suellen, visit with Lorena 2 who she sponsors.  Suellen was able to visit on Saturday for several hours with Lorena and took her shopping in Antiqua.  We so appreciate Bro. Mike Clark and the Ciaks for allowing special visitiing rights to Suellen.  Casa was having their annual VBS, which we understand is a BIG ministry that goes on during this week.  Usually, the kids are not allowed to leave but we are very grateful for the exception.  Bro. Mike and the Ciaks were gracious enough to make this happen.  Our deepest thanks to them!

We had an evening service in which I shared a challenge with the folks to let their “lights” shine brighter now than before they came and also to challenge them to find the right “road” to walk down…don’t walk down the road of complaining, do walk down the road of victory, determination, sacrifice, ect.  We also appreciate all the special music during the week including Sarah Burnham, who did a wonderful job during our Sunday night service.

Afterwards, we began preparations to leave including cleaning out the vans, washing them, cleaning up our little messy areas, sorting out the tools, and other necessary things. Some played games; afterwards, others like me went to bed!

I’m done!

We are here on Saturday morning with a devotion done by Don Ricci from Canada.  Great devotion from the book of Ephesians.  The skies are clear and we are ready to work.  Our plans are to work till about 1:00 p.m., hoping to finish and dedicate all the houses. We plan to return back to the mission house and get ready for a SS/VBS type service with the children from Paul and Cristy’s church nearby. 

Here I am typing a different story.  That is usually how it happens in Guatemala.  Flexibility is the key to keeping your sanity.   The houses were more difficult to finish than expected due to the extreme climbing up and down the mountians.  I had to leave for awhile to minister to the needs of one of our group members.  Derrick had to leave for awhile also.  Needless to say, the sheep were without a shepherd and were somewhat “scattered”.  However, we re-grouped and things got accomplished in due time.  We were late getting back to the mission house but our ladies did an outstanding job with the SS/VBS.  Special appreciation for their help with this.  Bro. Terry Stephan from DWBC preached in the church service and Cristy interpreted. I had been to Antiqua twice already today and at 3:00 p.m. had to return again.  Just as soon as we returned, we (several from the Friendship family) hopped into a van and went back to the work site and finished the final house and had the great pleasure of dedicating it to Jim Broadus.  Jim’s wife, Clara, is one of our members here this week building houses.  We so appreciate her sweet spirit and it is such a joy to see Jim’s memory live on.  We had made a sign with his name on it and the man who received the new home said he wanted it to hang up in his house.

Our Canadian group had the pleasure of dedicating a house in memory of Sandra Ottertail’s husband.  Her husband (Robert Ottertail) passed away a year or so ago from cancer.  This was indeed a special time for this little group as Sandra’s dad who is Pastor Gordon, and her nephew, Nathan were here along with many dear friends from church.

Today was also very special as our ladies went and dedicated a house.  Took a picture of the expectant lady as they dedicated the house. They returned to give her something else about 30 minutes later and she had delivered her new baby girl!  Our ladies were shocked to see her in the bed in her brand new dedicated house with a brand new baby!  (If we had known, we would have dedicated it earlier in the week. )  What a blessing to witness this wonderful blessing.  Our ladies went back to the house tonight and the daddy was there.  They were so grateful for the new home and had fixed it up so nicely already. 

It rained on and off today but overall, we were blessed again as it rained very little on our group as we worked.  Tomorrow, we will attend Bro. Walter’s church, Rios de Agua Viva, and then it’s off to Antiqua again for a meal and shopping.  It’s getting close to the time in which we must return home.  I know this because Miss Clara is running out of candy!

We have had our share of minor accidents such as cuts, drilling to the bone in a finger, scratches, falling down the hills, one getting hit on the head with a block of wood that had been sawed off (ouch! yes, it bled!) treating an infected tick bite (tick from Canada), flea bites, blisters, and a few other things but God has been good to watch over us and protect us as we traveled and from ourselves!  We give Him thanks for everything He has done for us this week.

At the beginning of the week, I was asked if we could possibly do some sightseeing one day. I told them that I would consider it and see how the week went. I explained that we had to finish our houses and that depended upon the weather, how hard they worked, and others variables. The weather has been absolutely beautiful without any rain this week. The group has all pitched in and worked long days to accomplish our goal. I thought we were doing 12 houses but Derrick had 15 (greater challenge) lined up for us. We still have cement to do in three houses and the walls to put up when they are completed but for the most part we are down to finalizing our work effort. Having had such a great week, we decided to let them have three options today. Plan A was to go hike 1 ½ hrs (or horse ride) up to the active volcano and see the lava flows, Plan B was to go to the Mayan ruins and the lake, or Plan C was to stay home and either work or rest. About 19 of our group chose to go to the volcano, leaving at 5:00 a.m. and will return about 2 or 3 p.m. About 8 of them (the smarter ones) chose to go to the ruins and lake. The rest of the group (the smartest ones) chose to stay at the mission and rest. Actually, they have worked very hard sorting out the clothes and things brought back last night and several of them are preparing for a one day VBS on Saturday afternoon (if everything works out). We ask you to remember Cristy Leytham as she had to go last night to see her doctor as her blood pressure went sky-high again. We hope to know about her well-being this afternoon.

Tonight is going to be a fun night of fellowship. We are going to have a celebration service which includes a talent contest, special music, testifying, and just no telling what else. I do know that some of these people have been working very hard preparing to dazzle us with their skills and talents. Maybe that is why I can’t seem to find my bubba teeth anywhere? I will blog again as to the results of our evening.

Update Friday night:

The vans have returned and the stories are great.  The volcano was an unbelievable adventure but definitely not for the faint of heart.  I was so amazed that folks like the Peacocks, Peters, and other senior adults rode the horses up the volcano!  They said it was a sight to behold.  Some said they would not do it again but would not miss it for the world?  Strange!  (It was difficult for some to get up the mountain.) The melted shoe soles were interesting.

The other van returned with great stories of the ruins and the Atitlan Lake.  They did some shopping and enjoyed the day with a meal at a local restaurant.

The third group stayed at the mission house and did accomplish all they had planned to do including getting their special music ready for the evening service.  As hard as they tried they were runners up in the talent contest.  The evening service was a terrific time of fellowship and fun.  Three of the boys from MRBC played their Adam’s apples (hilarious) and the group with the Bubba teeth absolutely was a sight to behold.  Marie Lynn sang two great songs, Pastor Max and his family sang, Kerry and I sang, Adam Gully sang, Adam Gully and Emily Hughes and John Bass sang, and the list goes on.  Adam Gully from MRBC won the contest with a rendition of Amazing Grace!  Great job!  All of those who participated in the contest won a free meal Sunday afternoon for lunch (they were getting one anyhow, but don’t tell them).

Paul and Cristy returned today from seeing her doctor.  Apparently the blood pressure gauge was faulty and gave a misreading.  She seems to be better today but definitely appreciated all the prayers.

 Tomorrow is finish up day with all houses to be completed and dedicated.  We have made little sets of gifts for each family.  We are looking forward to the dedications.  Tomorrow afternoon will be our one day VBS at Paul and Cristy’s church.  Terry Stephan will preach and Cristy will interpret for him.  This should be another very busy day.

Wow! We had a wonderful day today. We went to build houses again and to finish some of the others that were ready after the concrete had been done. Jodi Wilkerson, Jody Odom, Nathan Armstrong, and Tena Hovel worked on concrete all morning finishing three. Craig & Sherry Walker, John Bass, Jessica Bass, Adam Gully, Emily Hughes, & Ryan King challenged the others, saying they could build two houses and all the others would only have to build one. They definitely did a great job (although I know others helped) so they rightly deserve their dues. They finished everything up to the concrete stage and making one door and window.

The team I was on built a house for a very nice young couple with four children. I enjoyed having some fun with them, clowning around and acting like a “goofy gringo”. I was extremely please as no one on that team was an experienced builder; yet, I felt like the house was one of the best that I ever saw built. It was actually level too! Half of the team were from Canada so it was interesting to work with them and “interpret” what they were saying and I know they were having fun laughing at us with our “southern slang”. Of course, everyone was making fun of me (a Yankee grafted into the South) and my words like “roof”, and “root”. I still don’t know why…I can’t help it if everyone else say their words wrong!

Our goal was to finish building the framework of the last three houses by noon and to do the concrete in three others but it was more like 1:30 p.m. before we quit. (We might have made it had we not stopped on the way for a Magnum Bar graciously purchased by one of our group members.) Sooo good! Anyhow, we left the worksites and went to the Maxi Bodega and everyone had their choice of lunch. From there, we went back to the mission house and prepared food and clothes for distribution. We left at about 3:30 p.m. going up, up, up to a town called Comolapa. They had a beautiful church building (being renovated) with some of the best artistry on the walls I’ve ever seen in Guatemala. The main doors were beautifully hand carved. We fed 100 families (thanks to those who donated to GRACE ministries) and passed out clothing, toys, and candy to the less fortunate. It was again a very moving experience with many tears being shed afterwards. The ladies of the church made little handmade table napkins, gave a can of coke, a package of crackers, and many hugs and kisses to our folks for giving so generously.

Tonight is pizza night and we were running late getting back to the mission house to pay the pizza ticket. Derrick suggested that he and I take off and hurry to the mission house to pay the bill. After thinking about Derrick’s driving, my car sickness, and the word “hurry”, I felt lead to give him the money and let him “hurry” back on his own! We all made it back safely and had a great time of pizza.

I tried to get on the internet and do today’s blog, but was unsuccessful. What you are reading is an entry made on Friday with the hopes of placing it on the website when it comes back up. It was a very good day.

I forgot to mention that Ryan King, assistant youth minister, from MRBC shared a devotion this morning. I really appreciate Ryan for assisting us in our music as well as all the others from MRBC and the great spirit in which they have conducted themselves this week. They have added so much to the success of this week’s ministry.

We were very saddened to here that Christine Leasure, a dear and faithful church member, passed away.  Our love and prayers to Bro. Jack and family.

Bro. Jerry

Today was a great day in the Lord.  It is amazing that the Lord allows us to take part in His awesome commission and uses His ordinary people to reach the lost. 

We started off the day by worshiping Him in music and in the Word lead by part of the MRBC praise band and Craig Walker.  We then headed to the colonials Valle del Sol and Los Pinadas.  While their the Lord allowed us to minister to a few more families by building 5 more houses.  The total is now 7 houses completely finished, 2 with cement, 3 waiting on cement, and 3 more to start tomorrow.  

While building a window, Suellen thought that one of her fingers was a screw, so she decided to put a hole in her finger with the drill gun.  However, we had a few nurses take good care of her, and she is doing fine.  It only went to the bone!

At the day’s end, we hosted Max Lara and family for supper.  After supper, we had another devotion which was lead by Pastor Gordon Armstrong from Canada.  He challenged us to express the love of Christ to the Guatemalan people by showing our love for each other.  Please pray that we will obey this commandment given by Christ throughout this week.

The question has been asked:  Why do all the poor people live on the top of the mountain?  Answer:  Land must be cheaper above the pearly gates!

Today was a great day!  We started out with a great breakfast cooked by Louise Morris and Sharon Jardee and then a wonderful devotion lead by Terry Stephan from Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile Alabama.  We have nearly completed 6 houses and are in the process of starting another.  The rains did not come today and much was accomplished for which we are thankful.  We had opportunity to ask several Guatemalans about Jesus Christ in their hearts.  Several declared a positive yes!  We played with the children and we had a wonderful time fellowshipping as we built.  We ended the day with a delicious meal and hosted John and Laurie King and their grandson, Nick, as well as Samuel, Juan Marcos and a friend for supper.  

On a side note:   Larry Blackwell did enjoy a glass of tea after potatoes were mysteriously dropped into his glass!  It was a surprise to say the least!  The games have begun with Tena, my wife.  This year it seems like ALL the ladies have squirt guns.  I’ve been wounded several times already!  We are blessed this week with several “jokesters” including one from Canada, Bro. Don Ricci.

    We arrived at the airport around 4:15AM. and had to wait for the gate to be opened.  Then we stood in line at the desk for what seemed to be over an hour before anyone showed up to help us. Finally, this very nice lady came along and helped us get checked in.  We then proceeded to the gate and the plane was delayed due to regulations about pilots not flying for at least 8 hours after their last plane trip.  Apparently, the weather the night before caused major backups and the pilots did not get to land until late Sunday thus causing them to be late for our flight.  This caused a chain reaction and we missed our next flight in Houston scheduled to leave at 9:40AM.  The airlines was very gracious and quick to give us lunch and supper vouchers but the drawback was a delay of about 9 hours before we could get on the next flight at 7:10PM. The time arrived and they were overbooked!  It was time to get out the big guns of prayer and fortunately we were able to get on the plane.  Every seat was taken and, you guessed it, I got the window seat!  I felt like a sardine in a packed can.  It didn’t matter as I was so glad to be on our way.  Oh, I didn’t tell you that our luggage was unloaded from the plane in Mobile as it had too much weight on it.  We were very unsure when we would see it again.  Our real concern was the perishable food items we had packed in the luggage for our meals.

The real regret was that one of our dear brothers, Willie Johnson, who was somewhat drafted into flying out of Gulfport to accomodate a ticket change also had problems with connections.   Knowing that he would most likely miss his connection in Houston as well, he choose to return home.  I totally respect his decision but feel deeply saddened knowing how much we will miss him on this trip!  Who will I give a live chicken in a pot to this year?  Thank you Willie for all your help and sacrifice.  I have depended upon you heavily in the past on each mission trip and will certainly feel the loss this year, but then I trust we will be able to do it again as soon as possible.  Again, thanks so much!

Supper time —Pizza Party!!! 

We finally arrived at the airport about 9:15PM. Guatemala time and arrived and into bed about midnight.  It was a long day but we also had our blessings during the day meeting some very interesting people traveling the world.