There I sat last Wednesday morning, in the midst of finishing up everything so we could head to Villa Nueva, I had to stop and pay attention to the thought that was in the back of my mind since I woke up.  The thought was: “We should get some food to share with the families we will be visiting tomorrow” and then the next thought “Why just those families?  Why not ALL the families in the Serving At Risk Families (SARF) ministry?”  My hesitation was not because I didn’t want to do it but rather that it seemed so last minute.  We were literally getting ready to head out the door to head to Villa Nueva and we were stopping at the store for some other things on the way.  I already knew it was going to take us awhile at the store because this was our first time being there in almost 2 months.  The thought of telling Dylan we were going to be there longer because we were buying food for 10 families didn’t appeal to me.  Not because he wouldn’t want to do it but because he only has a certain amount of patience for shopping…lol

I sat down to think this through and pray about it.  “Is this really something you want me to do God or is this just something I want to do because I hate seeing people without the basic necessities in life.”  That’s when the thought came again “Go get food for these families” and then the next thought “Why even question if this is what God wants me to do? He tells us repeatedly in His word to take care of the poor, oppressed, widowed, and orphaned….ummmm hello why are you questioning this?”  Then the other thoughts started….the affirming thoughts, “you have money that’s not being used for school this month because of your break week…why not use it to bless others” and “Remember no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care…Easter weekend is another perfect time of year to share with people about Jesus and all He did for them but they need to be able to hear you over the sound of their empty stomachs.”  Yes, YCC friends those are Pastor Dennis’ words reaching all the way to Guatemala! 🙂

Dylan and Jon preparing the Easter bags for the families!!

Dylan and Jon preparing the Easter bags for the families!!

Dylan came back into the room and I told him what was going through my mind.  He thought it was great and was all for it.  So we called Jon, our fellow missionary in the SARF ministry, to see what kind of food would be best to get for the families.  This phone call is what God used to show me these thoughts were definitely from him and not just something I wanted to do.  When Jon answered I told him we would like to buy some food to take to the families.  His response brought joy to my heart, “That’s perfect, I was gathering some food for the families and I was able to get milk, rice, and atol (a thick hot beverage made with corn flour very popular for breakfast in Guatemala) but here are some other things I know they would like,” and he proceeded to give me the list.  Here was Jon preparing these Easter bags of food for these families and God was trying to tell me to take care of the rest.  I’m so thankful I didn’t ignore that little voice inside of me that kept bringing the thought to me over and over or I would have missed out on a tremendous opportunity to bless others.

Manuel and his family!!  Loved seeing his 2 daughters faces light up when I told them there was also candy in the bag for them and they could have some BUT only if they asked their parents first :)

Manuel and his family!! Loved seeing his 2 daughters faces light up when I told them there was also candy in the bag for them and they could have some BUT only if they asked their parents first 🙂

Our home church, York Christian Church, had an Easter food drive this past weekend and my good friend, April, who was organizing it was telling me about it last week.  As we were putting all these things in our cart it occurred to me that God had now extended that food drive to families in Guatemala.  We had a wonderful time visiting these families.  We got to spend time with them and hear their hearts about their struggles.  We also got to share with them about the importance of Easter (or Dia de Resureccion in Spanish) when Jesus died for our sins and His resurrection, which offers us new life in Him.  To all of our partners in this ministry I just want to say thank you again.  Your faithfulness (both prayerfully and financially) allows us to be here and allows us ALL to bless the people of Guatemala TOGETHER.  It wasn’t just Jon, Dylan, and I buying this food and sharing the love of Christ with these families it was all of you doing this with us, each of us doing our part, working together as the body of Christ.  Thank you for Uniting 2 Serve At Risk Families along with us!

Emilia and her daughter Dipoli!  Unfortunately, we didn't get the kids in the picture with us because they were working and busy with school work  but we had such an enjoyable time this sweet family!

Emilia and her daughter Dipoli! Unfortunately, we didn’t get the kids in the picture with us because they were working and busy with school work but we had such an enjoyable time this sweet family!

The Marias!  2 sweet sisters who have no family (except each other) and few visitors!  They get so lonely and are so overjoyed every time any of the SARF team takes time to go visit them!

The Marias! 2 sweet sisters who have no family (except each other) and few visitors! They get so lonely and are so overjoyed every time any of the SARF team takes time to go visit them!

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5 Responses

  1. Such a delight to read this message of serving “hungry hearts and hungry bodies” – thank you for sharing this beautiful act of love.

    Barbara

  2. Missy, what a heart for God! You are so dear and what a blessing to all the people you help and meet. Miss you still..Love Jane

  3. It was so great to see the pictures, especially of “mia Maria’s”. I love those dear ladies. Missy, so proud of you for stepping out and following God’s leading. Keep your ear attuned to the Holy Spirit and you will be amazed at the things God will do through you and in you. Love you my friend, wishing I was there….Miss you so much!!!!

  4. You Guys are Awesome!!!! Thank You for being obedient to God and bring Hope to people in need. I Love you guys sooooo much and Miss you even more.