GRACE ’15 I (Wednesday, 2/4/15)

Written by Teddie on February 4th, 2015

 

It is time to say good-bye to Chimaltenango.  It is time to say good-bye to the Village of SANTA APOLONIA.  It is almost time to say good-bye to dear friends who have shared lives, shared God’s Mission for the past week.
Today we left the Mission House at 6:00 AM.  After horse-back riding and hiking the trails of Picaya Volcano we roasted marshmallows via the volcano heat from openings in the surface. Back down the Mountain, we then drove to Santa Apolonia, where we dedicated 20 houses to become homes.  Blessed indeed.
We are back at the Mission house wrapping up loose ends.  After supper we will have a closing session.  Get the Kleenexes. Then get a few hours sleep.  The baggage will be loaded, the sunburnt Christ-followers will head out for another mission trip – Back home (see Mark 5:19).  Please pray for us as we fly home.  Most will fly to Houston, from there connections will be made to Chicago, Kansas City, Mobile, and Atlanta.  The Hartselle group will fly to Miami and on to Birmingham.
Thank you for your prayers.   Thanks for reading.  Keep praying. To God be the glory.

 

Blessings,
Pastor Bob

 

 

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GRACE ’15 I (Tuesday, 2/3/15)

Written by Teddie on February 3rd, 2015
WOW!!
What a full day of ministry; what a full day of blessings.
Today began a bit later; we had breakfast at 6, worship at 7.  The morning time in the upper room is VERY INSPIRATIONAL.  Today Tico Vargas brought the message from God’s Word.  A wonderful man; a great message. The MEDICAL TEAM went to Noah’s Village (pronounced no-a).  That place is quite special to many of us.  The Doc plus attended to approximately 340 hurting individuals.
The BUILDING TEAM was terrific.  We finished the day 1-door-hung shy of 20 completed houses.  We could not hang that door because the cement was too wet.
After crossing our infamous bridge we met the Medical Team at Noah’s village.  100 families came through as we distributed food and clothes. WOW!
We returned to the Mission House at 8:30, twelve hours after leaving.  Tired?  What do you think?  Blessed? What do you think?
Tomorrow we return to the bridge one more time to dedicate the houses and say good-bye to the families we have gotten to know over the past few days.  More blessings in store.
Thanks for reading.  Thanks for praying.
Pastor Bob
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
 

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GRACE ’15 I (Monday, 2/2/15)

Written by Teddie on February 3rd, 2015
Another full day of ministry.   Another day of being blessed when we thought we were going to be the blessers.
Our day began with breakfast at 5:45, followed by worship at 6:30.  Carla Mast led in worship; great job as always.  Baylee and Mikayla sang a special; blessed everyone.  Pastor Bob bought a devotional challenge; nuff said.
The medical team drove to the coast and worked out of a ‘BARNYARD”, complete with chickens, pigs, ducks, geese, dogs… I think you get the idea.  May not have passed codes in the USA, but met the needs of 380 patients.
The Building crew crossed their bridge and build more houses. We currently have 18 under construction.  Close to the 20 that will be completed by tomorrow quitting time.
After supper at the Mission House the TEAM sorted clothes which will be distributed to 100 families in Noah’s (pronounced “no –a”) village tomorrow.  Another group was preparing dedication baskets which be given out Wednesday when we dedicate and present the houses.
Thanks for reading.  Thanks for praying.  Keep praying.
Pastor Bob
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
 

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GRACE ’15 I (Saturday, 1/31)

Written by Teddie on January 31st, 2015
Writing this at 9:20 PM after a FANTASTIC day of ministry.
We had an early start today as the MEDICAL TEAM had a long drive.
We began, after breakfast, with worship at 6:30AM.  Lazaro Suruy brought the message and shared his testimony.  Powerful message.  Carla Mast continues to do an outstanding job leading us in music worship.
The Medical team returned at 7:39, 12 hours after leaving the Mission House.  Another 400 patients were seen today, 100 of them Dental.  GREAT WORK, FOLKS.
The Construction team is doing a great job as well.  We have 12 houses in some stage of completion.  11 have received concrete, 5 ready for dedication.  We will build and dedicate 20 during this week.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Church at 7:45.  Keep praying.  To God be the glory.
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
 

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GRACE ’15 I (FRIDAY, 1/30)

Written by Teddie on January 31st, 2015
Writing this summary at 10:00 PM as the TEAM is preparing medication bags for tomorrow’sministry.
WHAT A GREAT DAY IT WAS TODAY. We had a late start this morning due to the mid-night (12:36) arrival of the Michigan group.  Worship began at 7:30.  AWESOME.  Then it was off in different directions as the MEDICAL TEAM went one way and the CONSTRUCTION TEAM went the other.  The Doctors and crew saw approximately 400 patients.  Thank God for their heart for and dedication to the people of Guatemala.
The builders had a very good day with 7 houses in some form of construction.  Four of those have already received concrete.  Good day, especially considering it was the hardest digging we have seen since… forever.  Can you say ROCKS?
Tomorrow we need to begin early (Worship at 6:30) as the medical team has a long drive.  Hope to share tomorrow’s blessing tomorrow evening.  Thanks for reading.  Thanks for praying.
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
 

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THANK YOU FOR BEING A BLESSING

Written by Teddie on December 2nd, 2014

Dear friends of Grace Ministries – November 2014 Teams  – (November 10-17 and November 17-25)

It was a great pleasure and joy to minister with each of you in Guatemala.  I thank the Lord for the privilege to serve with you and see the Lord accomplish so much for His glory through our combined efforts.

It was a blessing that TOGETHER we could:

November 10-17 Team… 38 participants

-build 10 homes in Pajales Dos

-build 8 homes in San Miguel (El Tejar)

-conduct 2 days of Bible School in Pajales Dos

-conduct a Bible School in San Miguel (El Tejar) at Iglesia Amor y Gracia (Love & Grace Church)

-sort through mountains of clothes/toys/etc. to give away

-purchase 100 chairs for the Dream Center/Grace Community Church

-do a service and feed 200 people at the Dream Center

-have 42 teen boys from Casa Aleluya over for pizza, singing and sharing

-minister at the El Tejar dump (conduct Bible School; provide a meal; give out: food, clothing, hygiene supplies, school supplies and gifts) – 40 families

-perform home dedications in San Miguel and Pajales Dos

-do village ministry in Pajales Dos – 100 families

-preach in San Miguel at Ministerio Tirando la Red (Throwing the Net Ministry)

-provide a piano and guitar for Iglesia De Dios Evangelico Completo (Full Gospel Church of God) in Pajales Dos

-conduct a Youth Conference in Pajales Dos (Don’t forget the earthquake!)

-preach and sing in Pajales Dos at Iglesia De Dios Evangelico Completo (Full Gospel Church of God)

November 17-25 Team… 19 participants

-build 11 homes in Alameda (Chimaltenango)

-build 5 homes in El Tejar

-conduct 2 days of Bible School in Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz (House of Peace)

-conduct 2 days of Bible School in El Tejar at Iglesia Evangelica Pentecostas (Evangelical Pentecostal Church)

-conduct a Bible School at the Dream Center

-conduct a Bible School in El Tejar at Lazaro & Glendy’s house

-conduct a Bible School in Chimaltenango at Iglesia Cordero de Dios (Lamb of God Church)

-sort through mountains of clothes/toys/etc. to give away

-have 48 teen girls from Casa Aleluya over for pizza, singing and sharing

-perform home dedications in El Tejar and Alameda (Chimaltenango)

-do village ministry in Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz – 100 families

-do a church service in San Miguel (El Tejar) at Iglesia Amor y Gracia (Love & Grace Church)

-minister at the El Tejar dump (conduct Bible School; provide a meal; give out food) – 25 families

-preach and sing at a church service at Casa De Paz

-provide a piano for the Grace Community Church at the Dream Center

-do a church service and feed 200 people at Grace Community Church at the Dream Center

-experience the majesty of God’s creation while climbing and exploring Pacaya volcano

-play soccer and love on the precious kids at Casa Para Ninos Aleluya

I was personally very blessed by the devotional times we shared together in the Upper Room at the mission house.  Thank you servants of God (Lazaro, Patrick, Ben, Dean and Bob) for sharing the Word with us the first week.  Thank you (Ken, Lazaro, Mark N, and John) for sharing the Word with us the second week.

Thank you worship team (Rachel, Annika and Ben) for sharing your musical talents with us throughout the first week. Thank you (Rachel and Susanne) for sharing your musical talents with us throughout the second week.

Thank you kitchen staff (Jan, Jan, Theresa and Teresita) for all the delicious meals the first week.  Thank you (Janice and company) for all the delicious meals the second week.  We were so blessed by your labor of love in the kitchen.

Thank you everyone for serving with kitchen duties at breakfast and then doing clean-up throughout the day/night when it was your turn to do so.

Thank you building experts (Samuel, Nick D, Dean, Tim, Pat, Brian, Gary, Nick G, Ken, Mark N and crews) for your efficiency in building homes, organizing tools, charging batteries, supplying the boxes, loading and unloading the truck and keeping things accounted for.

Thank you drivers (Dean, Tim, Gary, Brian, Pat, Nick D, Nick G and Mark N) for the many miles you navigated dangerous, bumpy roads to bring us to/from ministry points.

Thank you mechanics Mark N and Nick D for repairing the trucks, the van and also John King’s suburban.

Thank you everyone for bringing suitcases to Guatemala filled with countless items to give away!

Thank you to everyone for all the money that was raised to build houses, purchase food, provide pizza, provide transportation for orphanage kids, provide transportation for Grace Community Church and Dream Center events, purchase two pianos, purchase a guitar, purchase 100 chairs, and support various Grace Ministries projects in Guatemala.  P-l-e-a-s-e help me by expressing sincere thanks to everyone who contributed money for ministry costs and provided items to give away.  Please thank everyone who was praying for us as well.

Thank you translators Lazaro Suruy, David Vargas and Lester Suruy… what could we have done without you?!  Your role is so vital in helping share the Gospel to those we minister to.

Thank you staff of Grace Ministries (John & Laurie King; Lazaro & Glendy Suruy – Marcia & Lester aka Josh; Samuel & Reina Acan – Melissa; Max & Theresa Lara, Teresita and all other Lara family members; Nick Davis; and Paul Leytham)  How we thank and praise the Lord for each of you!  Your team spirit and coordination of so many things for mission teams is an immense blessing.

Thank you Friendship Baptist Church, Grand Bay, Alabama for fulfilling the Great Commission in Guatemala by sacrificially providing the Grace Ministries facility, vehicles and Dream Center to serve the people of Guatemala.

I would like to thank each of you personally for being a great encouragement and blessing to me.  Thanks for being so cooperative, helpful, understanding, gracious, positive and hard-working, especially when I was “pushing” you and we were all feeling tired… and the temptation was strong to focus on personal desires and needs.  Thanks for recognizing the need to serve together as a united TEAM for HIS GLORY!

Thank you everyone for the rich time(s) of sharing testimonies too.  So powerful…

Finally,

Thank You LORD for undertaking for us so miraculously each day of our Grace Ministries outreach in Guatemala.

I am presently going through my typical “Guatemala withdrawal” and longing already for the time when I can return again.  I am guessing that you are too…

If you have facebook, you may enjoy taking a quick look at some of the pictures that were taken during our trip.  https://www.facebook.com/masts

May the Lord bless you and keep you.  I look forward to serving with you again!

All for JESUS,

Mark Mast
Pastor Teddy,

 

 

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TWO WEEK SUMMARY BY PASTOR MARK MAST

Written by Teddie on November 25th, 2014

Sunday, November 9

Meet with 27 people at Border Esso in Emo, Ontario who are going to Guatemala with Grace Ministries – Mission Team #1
Leave at 12:30pm
Stop in Virginia, MN for gas and shopping
Drive to Best Western Plus hotel in Bloomington, MN
Arrive at 6:30pm
Have dinner at Tony Roma’s at Mall of America

Monday, November 10

Get up at 2:00am
Breakfast at hotel
Leave Best Western at 3:00am
Take shuttle to MSP airport
Fly from MSP to GUA at 5:00am via United Airlines (connection in Houston, TX)
Arrive in GUA at 12:15pm
Drive to Mission House in El Tejar
Meet the additional 11 participants from Michigan, South Carolina and Guatemala
Unpack and get settled
Go out for dinner at Maxi Despensa
Team meeting to discuss ministry plans, schedule and guidelines – 38 total participants – Mission Team #1
Early to bed…

Tuesday, November 11

Morning devotions – Mark Mast
Purchase 100 chairs for Grace Ministries – Dream Center
Drive to Pajales Dos (near summit of Acetanango)
Build 10 homes
Bible School in Pajales Dos at school – 200 children
Organize suitcases of items that we brought to Guatemala

Wednesday, November 12

Morning devotions – Lazaro Suruy
Drive to San Miguel (El Tejar)
Build 8 homes
Bible School in San Miguel (El Tejar) at Iglesia Amor y Gracia (Love & Grace Church) – Pastor Edgar Gamboa – 50 children
Meet Pastor Edi Figueroa from Pajales Dos in Chimaltenango and purchase a keyboard and guitar for his church
Have ministry and meal with families of Grace Community Church (Grace Ministries – Dream Center) – Pastor Lazaro Suruy – 200 present
Organize “give away” items at Mission House

Thursday, November 13

Morning devotions – Pat Giles
Two groups go to San Miguel (El Tejar) and finish homes
Three groups finish homes in Pajales Dos
Bible School in Pajales Dos at school – 200 children
Visit Guatemala Biblical Seminary
Prepare for pizza party for teen boys from Casa Aleluia
Have 42 teen boys from Casa Aleluia for pizza party at Mission House
Pack 40 food bags for dump ministry on Saturday

Friday, November 14

Morning devotions – Ben Mast
Leave mission house at 7:00am
Drive to Pacaya volcano
Take horses up Pacaya volcano
Walk around on Pacaya volcano
Drive to Antigua
Go to The Fork (El Tenedor) in Antigua
Shop in Antigua
“Lupper” in Antigua
Return to Mission House
Prepare for dump ministry
Prepare 125 bag lunches

Saturday, November15

Morning devotions – Dean Kapenga
Dump ministry in El Tejar
Dedicate homes in San Miguel (El Tejar)
Dedicate homes in Pajales Dos
Food & clothing distribution in Pajales Dos at school
Church service in San Miguel (El Tejar) at Ministerio Tirando la Red (Throwing the Net Ministry) – Pastor Max Archila

Sunday, November 16

Morning devotions – Bob Petkau
Youth Conference in Pajales Dos at Full Gospel Church of God (Iglesia De Dios Evangelio Completo) – Pastor Edi Figueroa
Church service at Full Gospel Church of God (Iglesia De Dios Evangelico Completo) in Pajales Dos – Pastor Edi Figueroa
-Dedicate piano and guitar that Mission Team donated
Share testimonies at Mission House
Mission Team #1 prepare for trip home

Monday, November 17

Get up at 2:30am and take members of Mission Team #1 to the airport in Guatemala City
Return to Mission House and organize things
Go with Lazaro Suruy to see building sites in El Tejar
Go with Lazaro Suruy to music store to purchase a piano for the Dream Center
Go to Guatemala City and pick up Grace Ministries – Mission Team #2 at the airport
Return to Mission House – violent thunder storm – heavy rain – power out
Team meeting to discuss ministry plans, schedule and guidelines – 19 participants – Mission Team #2
Go to “open air home” of Norma in El Tejar to show team why we are building homes for the poor in Guatemala
Go to Maxi Dispensa for dinner at food court
Meet with Mission Team #2 to give further instructions
Early to bed…

Tuesday, November 18

Morning Devotions – Mark Mast
Drive to La Alameda (Chimaltenango)
Build 11 homes
Bible School in La Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz (House of Peace) – Pastor Erika – 150 children
Shop at Maxi Despensa
Organize suitcases of items that we brought to Guatemala

Wednesday, November 19

Morning Devotions – Ken Larsen
Drive to La Alameda (Chimaltenango)
Finish building 11 homes
Bible School in La Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz (House of Peace) – Pastor Erika – 200 children
Bible School at Dream Center (Grace Ministries) – 40 children
Shop at Maxi Dispensia

Thursday, November 20

Morning Devotions – Lazaro Suruy
Drive to El Tejar
Build 5 homes
Bible School in El Tejar at Iglesia Evangelica Pentecostas (Evangelical Pentecostal Church) – Pastor Rogelio & Olga Sulecio – 70 children
Meet with Pastor Max Archila of Ministerio Tirando la Red (Throwing the Net Ministry) and show him the Grace Ministries Mission House
Have 48 teen girls from Casa Aleluia for pizza party at Mission House
Pack 25 food bags for dump ministry on Saturday

Friday, November 21

Morning Devotions – Mark Nussbaumer
Go to El Tejar
Finish building 5 homes
Bible School in El Tejar at Iglesia Evangelica Pentecostas (Evangelical Pentecostal Church) – Pastor Rogelio & Olga Sulecio – 70 children
Dedicate 5 homes in El Tejar
Dedicate 11 homes in La Alameda (Chimaltenango)
Food & clothing distribution in La Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz (House of Peace) – Pastor Erika
Church service in San Miguel (El Tejar) at Iglesia Amor y Gracia (Love & Grace Church) – Pastor Edgar Gamboa
Prepare for dump ministry
Prepare 60 bag lunches

Saturday, November 22

Morning Devotions – John King
Dump ministry at El Tejar
Bible School in El Tejar at Lazaro & Glendy Suruy’s house – 60 children
Drive to Pastores – cowboy boots
Drive to Antigua – shop
Lunch at Luna de Miel (Honeymoon) – crepes
Go to The Fork (El Tenedor) in Antigua
Shop in Antigua

Sunday, November 23

Morning devotions – Mark Mast
Church service in La Alameda (Chimaltenango) at Casa de Paz (House of Peace) – Pastor Erika
Have ice cream at Maxi Despensa
Bible School in Chimaltenango at Iglesia Cordero de Dios (Lamb of God Church) – Pastor Jose Hernandez – 70 children
Wash vans
Church service and meal at Grace Community Church (Grace Ministries – Dream Center) – Pastor Lazaro Suruy – 200 present
-Dedicate piano that Mission Team donated
-Dedicate children of Likasty (Joselin & Josue) and Stephani (Monserrat) to the Lord
Share testimonies at Mission House
Mission Team #2 prepare for trip home

Monday, November 24

Morning devotions – Mark Mast
Leave Mission House at 7:00am
Drive to Pacaya volcano
Take horses up Pacaya
Walk around on Pacaya
Go to Casa Aleluia and play with the kids
Tour of Casa Aleluia
Dinner at Burger King in Chimaltenango
Pack for trip home
Wash van

Tuesday, November 25

Leave mission house at 3:00am
Arrive at GUA airport at 4:00am
Fly United 1501 to Houston
Fly United 4612 to MSP
Drive to Rainy River…

 

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MORE FROM PASTOR MARK

Written by Teddie on November 14th, 2014

Well it’s hard to believe that another day has already flown by. It’s late Thursday evening and everyone is in bed. We have had a long day of serving and experiencing God’s grace upon our lives.

The day began with Pat Giles sharing a message from the Word during our devotions. The teens have been doing a great job leading worship with the help of Rachel at the keyboard.

Two groups went to San Muiguil to finish the homes that were built there yesterday.  Another three groups went to finish the 10 homes that were built in Pajales Dos on Tuesday.

The remaining people participated in a giant Bible School for the children of Pajales Dos.  At least 200 were present!

It was a perfect day to enjoy the beauty of the mountains near Acetenango volcano.

We all finished up around 2:00pm and drove to the seminary in Chimaltenango to see the home of David Vargas.

We were able to spend a little bit of free time relaxing at the mission house before the arrival of 42 teenage boys from Casa Aleluia. Once everyone was settled down and enjoying pizza, we had a very meaningful time together.  There was lots of singing, asking questions and introducing everyone by name, along with finding out what they would like to do with their life.

Last evening was a tremendous highlight when we prepared a meal for over 200 people at the Dream Center.  Mark shared a challenge from the Word and the children sang and recited verses of the Bible from memory.  It was a very precious time!

Tomorrow, Ben will share a devotional before we make the journey to Pacaya volcano, located near Guatemala City. We plan on taking horses up most of the way and then will walk up the remainder of the distance, while enjoying the beautiful sites that are afforded us.

There is so much more that could be said, but the best news of all is that Jesus is doing what He does best… bringing children, teens and adults into a personal relationship with Himself through the power of the Gospel and the life that we find in knowing Him.

 

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NEWS FROM THE TEAM BEING LED BY MARK MAST

Written by Teddie on November 12th, 2014

Everyone arrived safe and sound in Guatemala on Monday!  It was a bit “touch and go” in Minneapolis with very heavy snow falling and flights being cancelled… but not ours!

On Tuesday, we had a great day of building 10 houses in mountainous village of Pajales Dos. This village is on the slope of Acetenango volcano and is extremely beautiful!  We also had a wonderful VS with approximately 250 children present.  On Monday night we sorted through mountains of clothes, school supplies, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, etc. for VBS ministry, Home dedications, Dream Center, etc.

Today, Lazaro Suruy will share a devotion with us before we head out to the village of San Muiguil to have VBS and build 8 homes.  This afternoon we are hosting a party and meal at the Dream Center for the children and their families.  Bring out the pinatas!!  Please pray for us.

 

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FINAL POST OF 7/31 – 8/7 TEAM

Written by Teddie on August 8th, 2014

It is early Friday, 8/8, as I type this update.  Just received word from our Michigan friends that they arrived home around 1:00AM their time which means all team members are now safely home.  We are thankful to God for traveling mercies.  Yes, the folks flying United into Mobile were delayed by about two and a half hours but they did arrive.

Our last day (Wednesday) was an emotional one for most of the team members.  We began with the usual time of worship in the upper room.  That time is so crucial to the teams I lead.  It is definitely one of the most important aspects of the trip.

Prior to the morning worship time, the team packed food bags to be given to the families from the ministry center and also prepared sandwiches for the folks from the local dump.

After the worship time, we immediately headed to the local dump to provide a meal to the folks going through the garbage.  Humbling would be a good adjective but even it does not adequately describe it.  The men, women and children there were a bit “stand offish” at first but eventually warmed up and received the food i.e. sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks we had brought for them.  The Gospel was shared before we shared the food.

The team then moved on to dedicate the final twelve homes that had been built.  We had three dedicating teams and the stories told during our share time were powerful.  You would never think that two bags of food would mean so much to a family!

We went to an early supper and then came back to the mission house for our share time.  Good stuff!  All of the team except for the Michiganders left at 3:30AM headed to the airport.  The Michiganders followed suit at 7:00AM.  The first wave arrived at the airport in about forty five minutes while the second wave took about ninety minutes to do the same.  Yes, the traffic makes that much of a difference.

So, who gets the credit for all that was done during this trip?  Does not matter!  What does matter is that God receives the glory and He does!

I close by simply saying “thank you” to the team members, the prayer warriors, and those who supported this trip financially!  God is good!

 

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