Poverty, Gangs, Garbage, Unpleasant smells: Yet the spirit and grace of God can be witnessed everywhere! Our FHC Waxhaw mission team painted 3 Children's academies in 4 days, built a concrete slab and did some brickwork repair. But it was the Prayer walks and teaching in classrooms, along with a Graveyard tour where we learned the history of Guatemala that evoked emotions, tears, closeness and admiration and appreciation for the people here and their love of Jesus Christ.
La Limonada is not even listed on local Guatemala maps, as the approximately 60,000 living in these slums have been displaced by their government. Trash collectors will not come into this area, and the police rarely enter this area either. Most homes are 1 or 2 very small rooms made of concrete with tin roofs; these homes would easily fit into just the living room of the average home in Waxhaw or Weddington. Yet when we were welcomed into their homes it was with love and smiles and insistence on everyone sitting while they would stand.
They were very proud of their families and community, and the bonds we witnessed were amazing. Our hosts, Leeza and Pablo, were so friendly and accommodating that I felt they were part of our family. We also met Shorty, a former gang member and heavy drug user, who shared his Testimony with us which was so powerful many were crying! He now pastors plant churches and cares for kids in trouble and is making a lasting impact with everyone he meets! We prayed with hands on him to ask God to bless him and continue on his path and lead more people to Christ.
A lady named Tita shepherded us thru homes and a public school on a Prayer walk. This amazing woman has devoted most of her life to helping the people of La Limonada. She truly is the Mother Theresa of this area in Guatemala! She faces gang violence on a weekly basis, but has absolutely No Fear because her faith in God and caring attitude for this community far outweighs any danger. Her Bible is her secret weapon, not guns, and despite the language barriers (none of us spoke Spanish) we sang songs in both languages and read Bible verses in both languages. When an interpreter was needed we had Leeza, yet the love and smiles being shared often overcame the lack of language understanding.
This trip was absolutely incredible and I will return to La Limonada someday. In the meantime my wife Robin and I will sponsor a teacher for $100/month thru Lemonade International. It's the least we can do to support the most loving and caring people I've ever met, knowing God will welcome many into his Kingdom one day!
I can't begin to express all the feelings I experienced on this Mission trip in this story, but I would love the opportunity to meet with and share my heartfelt emotions with anyone considering going to Guatemala. I promise it will "change your life" so feel free to email me at [email protected] or call my cell at 704-516-8278.
To God be the Glory,
Brian Paley
La Limonada is not even listed on local Guatemala maps, as the approximately 60,000 living in these slums have been displaced by their government. Trash collectors will not come into this area, and the police rarely enter this area either. Most homes are 1 or 2 very small rooms made of concrete with tin roofs; these homes would easily fit into just the living room of the average home in Waxhaw or Weddington. Yet when we were welcomed into their homes it was with love and smiles and insistence on everyone sitting while they would stand.
They were very proud of their families and community, and the bonds we witnessed were amazing. Our hosts, Leeza and Pablo, were so friendly and accommodating that I felt they were part of our family. We also met Shorty, a former gang member and heavy drug user, who shared his Testimony with us which was so powerful many were crying! He now pastors plant churches and cares for kids in trouble and is making a lasting impact with everyone he meets! We prayed with hands on him to ask God to bless him and continue on his path and lead more people to Christ.
A lady named Tita shepherded us thru homes and a public school on a Prayer walk. This amazing woman has devoted most of her life to helping the people of La Limonada. She truly is the Mother Theresa of this area in Guatemala! She faces gang violence on a weekly basis, but has absolutely No Fear because her faith in God and caring attitude for this community far outweighs any danger. Her Bible is her secret weapon, not guns, and despite the language barriers (none of us spoke Spanish) we sang songs in both languages and read Bible verses in both languages. When an interpreter was needed we had Leeza, yet the love and smiles being shared often overcame the lack of language understanding.
This trip was absolutely incredible and I will return to La Limonada someday. In the meantime my wife Robin and I will sponsor a teacher for $100/month thru Lemonade International. It's the least we can do to support the most loving and caring people I've ever met, knowing God will welcome many into his Kingdom one day!
I can't begin to express all the feelings I experienced on this Mission trip in this story, but I would love the opportunity to meet with and share my heartfelt emotions with anyone considering going to Guatemala. I promise it will "change your life" so feel free to email me at [email protected] or call my cell at 704-516-8278.
To God be the Glory,
Brian Paley
Great way to put it Brian and I couldn't agree more. God bless you.
Beautifully written Brian!! Loved sharing this experience with you and Robin and love your heart!