Friday, April 26, 2013

Fellowship Bible Church - Guatemala Trip - Day 2


I woke up bright and early – 4:00 local time, but 6:00 back home.  I lay in bed until just after 5:00, and finally got up and began the day.  After my daily dose of “spark” (if you need more information, you just need to ask), I did some exercises and then showered and dressed for church.  I went out and “facetimed” Dee, and when I returned back to the room, the guys were out of bed getting ready for church.

We all met together for breakfast at 8:00, and Phil showed up at about 9.  We left for the Fraternidad church – a building that holds about 12,000 people, but normally it is about ½ full for church.  Today was no different – probably in the neighborhood of 6,500 people in attendance.  The place is huge.  The worship is full of expression.  The preacher, very animated!  The team was able to listen in with headphones, but I attempted to listen to the Spanish service.  It was difficult, but I was able to understand much of what he was saying. 

The message for today was a contrast of the rich and poor, and the dangers of wealth.  I was expecting him to head to James, and eventually he got there.  I am really looking forward to talking about some of the things he mentioned today again as we get into James 2 in our team study.  This is the second time I have been to this church where the Sunday message was part of our weekly study – go figure – what a “coincidence”.

During the service, they had a time of “anointing with oil” those who needed healing – it was not a “charismatic” style scenario, but it was unusual for our team.  Again, James was used as a defense for the practice – I think God is trying to tell us something about this book.  We had a good discussion about this practice later during lunch – if you want to know more, just ask…

After lunch at Thelma’s, we headed off to Los Esclavos, arriving there around 3:30 in the afternoon.  We got unpacked and sat down by the pool to wait for dinner.

At the pool, we met Rosa, and her 3 children, Arochelle (16), Eddie (7), Amy (4).  Phil had found a ball for the kids to play with, so you know it wasn’t long before I was in the pool (in my bathing suit and blouse [again, just ask]) and I was playing with Eddie and Amy.  They were very cute kids.  I love getting them wound up and playing with them.  I pray that as some of the team members talked with Rosa that they will understand some of the things they heard.  Pat had the opportunity to share the gospel with Rosa.  They are supposed to be here at the hotel until Thursday.  We will see where God takes this one.

After dinner we had ice cream and talked through rules, the schedule, and the events of the week.  We also encouraged the team to share any anomalies with their bodies/bodily functions.  Jon is experiencing some swelling in his feet – I pray it is nothing serious.  Tomorrow the work begins – I think these guys are going to do an excellent job.  They are chomping at the bit to get going.

Thought for the day:  As we traveled to Matochos (Los Esclavos area), we were able to see much of the country south of Guatemala City.  From some of the wealthiest houses with amazing views of Guatemala City from the mountain tops to some of the poorest shacks, the variance here is baffling.  We saw cars that were very expensive, and then we saw vehicles that you wondered how they were even running.

In line with what the preacher was sharing today, how much does any of this matter?  If we are rich, we have been given the responsibility to share with others.  It is our role to be generous and giving.  If we are poor, we are to recognize that the things that really matter are eternal, and our station here in this world does not determine our situation in the next life.  We are to glory in the low estate we have been given by God.  Either way, rich or poor, it is from God.  We ought not glory in what we have, nor should we long for something we don’t have.  We should be content in Him. 

The question is, “Am I??”

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