February 5th, 2016

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GRACE MINISTRIES 2016 – TEAM 1 (FINAL ENTRY)

Friday, February 5th, 2016
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3-4, 2016
FINAL BLOG UPDATE
Thanks SO MUCH for experiencing this Mission Trip vicariously with us as you read and prayed. As you read this TEAM members have returned home, safe, tired and blessed. A few remain in Guatemala, some to continue another week with GRACE, some to return in a few days, a couple to remain for an extended time of ministry.
The blessings continued to mount, the last two days being the most powerful .
WEDNESDAY: There was no Medical clinic this day as all TEAM members travelled to Chuacruz, Poaquil for the dedication of the 20 houses. This is always the highlight of the week.  We were not disappointed.  It was very moving for all.  Following the dedications the TEAM was asked to enter a very small building where the Mayor of the community and the President of the council (that title might not be correct – a TEAM member can comment) expressed appreciation from the community to the TEAM.  All were blessed.  We more than they I would surmise.  The TEAM stayed for close to an hour playing, hugging, shooting photos, and some crying.
On the way back to the Mission House we stopped at the village where we built last year to visit Michelle and her family.  This little girl had major health issues (spinal bifida?)  Follow up included surgery (thanks Dr. Jason and others) and changed her life. Major blessed.
Wednesday evening concluded with a share / prayer time.  WHAT A WEEK.
THURSDAY: We will leave for the airport earlier next year.  Can I get a witness from a team member? The 1 1/4 drive took 3 hours and 20 minutes and much prayer.  We made it.  Home safe. MANY TESTIMONIES TO BE SHARED. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Blessings,
Pastor Bob

GRACE MINISTRIES 2016 – TEAM #1A (DAY TWO)

Friday, February 5th, 2016

Friday, February 5 – our day began with the morning worship/Bible study time.  Carla Mast, Laura Nyitray & Juan Marcos Ruiz led the musical praise.  Good job!  Evangelist Michael Mason brought us a word from the Word.  Good stuff.

The doctors left early heading to their two appointments.  They said both meetings were productive.  I personally appreciate Dr. Mike Clark taking the time to meet with them.  What a gracious man!

While I do not have the exact numbers, I am told that the medical team had a good day of doing ministry at the feeding center.  They were planning to build a medical file for each of the seventy five children in the center.  The feeding center is such a valuable part of GRACE Ministries.  The members of this team know they can spend as much time as they like at the center.  It trumps the medical clinics and the construction.  Important!

A small building team drove the one hour and forty five minutes or so to a village.  What a great crew!  They completely finished (minus doors & windows) four houses which means the concrete was poured too.  Two other houses were completely finished up to the point of being ready to receive concrete.  This team did not even get started until almost noon and yet they got a lot done.  God thing!

Supper was followed by fellowship.  Looking forward to tomorrow.  Thanks for praying.  Thanks for reading.  Blessings!

GRACE MINISTRIES 2016 – TEAM #1A

Friday, February 5th, 2016

Yesterday/last night marked the arrival of thirty seven new folks joining the six of us already here to make up the second half of GRACE Ministries team #1A.  Those thirty seven arrived in three waves – 1:30PM, 8:30PM & 10:30PM.  I met the afternoon group, Derek Draft & David Scholz met the first evening group and Nick Davis met the last group.  I appreciate Derek, David & Nick going “above & beyond” to help with this vital part of the trip.

So, our day begins with our morning worship time at 7:00AM.  Evangelist Michael is our team pastor while Carla Mast will be leading our musical worship.  John Gissal will be our guest soloist for the day!

We have one group of medical folks that will be in two meetings which will basically consume their day.  Another group of medical folks led by Lisa Bomers & Laura Nyitray (ok, so we had no one else to lead!) will host a medical clinic.  The rest of the team will head West and begin building houses.  Those folks will be led by Rick Bradley, Dean Kapenga, Paul Schab and Freddie Turrentine.  (Actually, Samuel Acan and I will be leading this team but it makes those four feel good to see their name in lights!)  Tony Gettig will be capturing everything on camera.  Jan Kapenga will be cooking supper.  All set!

Pray for us.  Hopefully we can recap the day in another report tonight.