Grace, baptisms, teams and more

It has been a busy summer so far. Here are a few of the happenings with us, our family and ministry.

Grace turned 7 months last week! Here are a few pics:

We had some baptisms recently at New Life Church. We are so proud of Katie, Walter and Julio.

We also had a couples event at our church to strengthen the marriages. Here are a few pics from this event:

Also here are a few pics from some of the teams we have had this summer and some of the fun stuff we could do with the kids:

Thanks for your prayers and support to help us continue to bring change and hope in Guatemala through the gospel and vocational training!

Guatemala: 7 Years!!

It's hard to believe that today we celebrate 7 years serving here in Magdalena, Guatemala! The Lord has been so good to us in so many ways and I want to put down a few of the things we have seen God do over the last 7 years so you can celebrate with us and worship the Lord for his goodness. I was reading this morning in Psalm 116 and came across this verse that describes the Lord's goodness in our lives over the past 7 years: "How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!" Psalm 116:5

Here are a few ways you can celebrate with us:

• God's faithful provision for our family. Our family has grown and our expenses have grown but God continues to provide for our financial needs! Here's our family pic 7 years ago:
  

• Lives Changed. We have seen many people give their lives to Jesus, baptized, trained in a trade, grow as leaders, etc, etc. Here are a few pics of some changed lives:

• Faithful Provision of God for Love Guatemala. We have seen the Lord provide for the vision he has given us. He has provide for the operational costs of LG. Houses, bunk beds, shoes, medical care, clothing, food and so much more for so many! We have seen hundreds of students trained, graduate and get jobs or start businesses. We have seen God provide over half million dollars for a vocational training center and now for expansion for a new multi-purpose facility. Here are a few pics:

• An Amazing Team the Lord has given us to work with! I am grateful that from day one were able to work with this amazing couple:

God has given us these great teams to work with over the years:

To God be the glory, great things He has done! Thanks to each of you for your faithful prayers and support! 

June Happenings

Summer is normally a little busier for us and this year is no exception. We have had lots of guests, one team so far, Jennifer took a visit to the states with Grace and Levi. We are in the midst of a construction project along with all the regular activities.

We have a visit from our friend Pastor Remberto who works with us from the New Life Network. He provides coaching and support for our church. Here a few pics from his visit.

We had a great team from Virginia as well that our friend Kim brought. Here is a blog and video from that group.

One of the things the team did was help us put on a retreat for some of the people from New Life Church that are going through our discipleship training. This was a time to process all the Lord is doing and make necessary changes. It was a great day! Here are a few pics:

We are also in the midst of expanding our reach through building a multi-purpose facility. You can see some pics and read about that here.

Jennifer, Levi and Grace took a trip back for a few weeks to Indiana. Levi is going to be moving back at the end of the year and we needed to start the process on a few things for this move. She also got to be there when her sister Diane had her son. Also lots of people wanted to meet Grace! Here a few pics from their trip.

We have another group coming this next week, the boys are going to camp this weekend and a few more teams in July. We are looking forward to a fun summer. Pray for strength and wisdom as we lead and serve.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Mother's Day 2019

I am grateful for my Mom! She has been a huge influence in my life. My wife is a pretty amazing mom too. I am grateful for all the motherly influences I have had in my life over the years! The one thing Jennifer usually asks for is some pics with her kids on Mother's day so I thought I would share some here.

 The two beautiful ladies of the family!

We had baby dedication at the church we attend in Antigua.

The whole crew and then individual shots with the boys and Mom below.

Luke even somewhat smiled ;-)

Yes, Levi is getting tall! About 6ft.

Our church, New Life Church had a mother's day activity too. It was a chance to love on Mom's and share with them God's love and encourage them a bit.

We did some games and the men prepared and served the Mom's a dinner. It turned out very good!

I got to finish the day talking with Mom via video chat. It was a great day/weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

Luke's Birthday and Beach Trip

Here are a few updates with pictures...Luke our oldest son recently turned 19. Luke has taught us so much and we enjoy him. He makes us laugh, cry and sometimes pull out our hair ;-) I have written more about him before here.

Anyway here is a pic from our celebrations with him. I can't believe that he is 19! And I also can't believe I only got one picture from his bday! He wanted rice crispy treat and to go go-karting.

We were able to finally get away for some r and r which was on Luke's birthday as well. It was Grace's first trip. We didn't think that she would like the water but she did and did very well. Here are some pics from our time away with our friends the Harmans.

The water is pretty rough so the kids can't get in the water much but they like playing in the sand.

We enjoyed lots of snuggles in the hammock and pool with Grace!

It was a little warm there.

Grace experiencing a pool for the first time.

It was a nice time away.