Day 3 - Journey Church, Antigua, and R&R

Today began like yesterday, with a pre-breakfast time looking at scripture and discussing the application of it. Last night, Jaime shared his testimony about how God changed his heart and gave him new desires. This morning, we spent time looking at Ephesians 2 as a group where scripture says we are "dead in our trespasses and sins....But God being rich in mercy." This passage was clearly demonstrated in Jamie's testimony of God's grace and mercy in His life and led to a good discussion about our spiritual state before encountering God. We were able to look at what an encounter with God does to a person who is "dead in their sin" and how this encounter with God is life-altering and life-giving. Dead people can't help themselves...But God!

After another good breakfast it was off to worship with the folks at Journey Church, a new church started for American missionary families and their support teams. The service was completely in English and was more in the mold of contemporary services with a small band and a very lively response from many of the people (aka dancing and clapping). Since the senior pastor was back in the States on a trip, one of the male missionary leaders shared the sermon. The message was part of a sermon series about the church in Acts and the bold lifestyle that the early church exhibited when living out their faith. The effect of living a life that is God-honoring and Christ-imitating is a boldness that is less concerned with cultural sensitivities and comforts but is more concerned with service of others and proclaiming the good news of Christ. 

The young people that helped start the church were aware of our attendance and wanted to meet us for lunch and spend time visiting. We enjoyed a gourmet meal at a local Guatemalan restaurant called Taco Bell (sarcasm because even in Guatemala a Taco Bell is a Taco Bell). But we did enjoy time talking with the young leaders and hearing not only how the church started but how they became involved and how God had connected them to each other to form a body of believers. 

The trip to Antigua from where we are staying is not much longer than 30 minutes so going for an afternoon of site-seeing and shopping was a must. I've been to Antigua every year I have come to Guatemala but this year we did something I have never done before. Prior to going into the city and shopping, we were able to stop on the outskirts of town and enjoy an amazing view of the city that Jaime had told us about earlier. This was actually the place where Jaime first asked God to save him and change his heart. It was a special moment and an incredible site for all of us to take in.

The markets and parks were filled with locals and tourists who were all out enjoying a beautiful day. Some of the guys did some early shopping, some just walked around and took in the sites but everyone seemed to enjoy the downtime. When we got back to Telma's, dinner was soon served and we relaxed and ate a hot home cooked meal. As has been the tone of this trip so far, conversations have been plentiful and laughter is abundant tonight as we have enjoyed a quiet night at the host home. Jaime dropped in on us to make sure we were ready to head to Lake Atitlan tomorrow and we were able to tell him how much we appreciate his service to us and our community. Jamie has touched so many of our students in recent years and he continues to lead us and work alongside us with great humility and love. 

Tomorrow we head to Lake Atitlan for the 2nd half our trip to be spent at the Eagle's Nest children's home.  There we will meet up with Pedro and Felis Patlan and support them in a variety of ways, as well as, continue to find opportunities to challenge the guys and grow together as a team. 

Adios Guatemala City!

Viva Solola!