VRBC Day One and Two

Hello friends. We're a day late on this post, so you get two for one. We obviously arrived safely in Guatemala City, our team of 6 from Valley Ranch Baptist Church. This group is made up of individuals serving on our Guatemala missions team at VRBC, though only two of us have traveled to this amazing country before. The primary purpose of our trip is to deepen our relationship with Jerusalen Baptist Church in Los Pinos, a neighborhood in the Mixco area on the outskirts of Guatemala City, and to collaborate with Buckner to develop ways to meet needs of children and families in this area. Our Pastor Larry Parsley and our Minister of Missions, Amy Wilkins paid an initial visit to Guatemala with me last September. Amy is on the trip and will blog her thoughts as well. We hope to better evaluate the most pressing needs in this community and to help the church fulfill her vision of ministry in the area. There is so much opportunity and we are anxious to be led and to serve.

Early Sunday morning I received a call that our friend Dr. Sergio Mollinedo had gone to be with the Lord. Sergio was the husband of Chiqui, who has directed the Buckner Guatemala programs for several years. This has been a very sad few days as we mourn the loss of such a true servant of our Lord Jesus. He knew how to put the needs of others ahead of his own. He used medicine to heal the ailments of many, including the Buckner children, our trip participants, our staff and many many others. We will miss this mighty spiritual warrior who gave so faithfully of his time, his talents, and his treasures to meet real needs in this world. His life is an example and a challenge to us all as we strive to serve those in need. We know the angels are celebrating his homecoming, but please continue to pray for Chiqui and the Mollinedo family.

Our team attended church at Jerusalen on Sunday morning. Wow, what a worship experience! Pastor Jorge Morales provided us the warmest of welcomes and we were even given gifts from the children in the church. Amy explained to the church that our desire is to develop a long term relationship, not just have a quick visit, as we link arms to accomplish His purposes. Pastor Morales spoke on the calling of the disciples by Jesus in Matthew 4. He explained that these men weren't called because of their abilities, but because of the willingness of their hearts. He calls all of us in much the same way. For His grand plan, we are all/each called to play a part. We have different responsibilities unique to us as individuals. God can and will do BIG things when we choose to participate. The service was amazing and I can honestly say I have never felt more appreciated for doing nothing but showing up. We were much more blessed today than we were able to bless. I was humbled and convicted at the same time. This abundance of warmth I felt and that I imagine other visitors felt, I quickly realized I have never shown to a visitor in my own church.

The Holy Spirit was present and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride! He was unencumbered by language or location and I felt so connected to Him, to my friends, and to these strangers - brothers and sisters in Christ in the truest sense.

Jeff Jones

Sunday afternoon Pastor Morales took the team on a tour of some of the ministry sites where Jerusalen Baptist is serving. The team traveled 18 km into the mountains where one of the church's missions is located. They do bible studies on Tuesday and Thursdays, with a church service on Sunday afternoon led by one of Jerusalaen Baptist's deacons. They have about 40 people in attendance right now but with 280 families that live in the village there is so much opportunity to share God's love. A few minutes walk from the mission a government school houses 650 kids in primary and secondary school. Within 5 minutes another school serves 1050 kids. We spent the afternoon getting to know Pastor Morales and his heart for the Guatemalan people. God has granted him access to both of these schools through partnerships that he has formed with the principals who are fellow believers. We also learned of another mission that Jerusalen Baptist supports near the Guatemala City dump. Here women and children live in poverty and rarely posses the skills or means to break the cycle of poverty. The church is beginning to teach some of the women how to sew so they can sell the clothes they make. They are also learning how to make bread to feed their families. WOW what an impact that ministry can make for decades to come!! Add to that the futbol (soccer) league that the church runs on a dirt piece of land adjacent to the main building as an outreach tool to the community. We were all completely humbled and amazed to see how God is using this congregation of less than 100 people to impact the Kingdom.
Chris Cato

Day 2--

Monday morning we went back to the church in Los Pinos to begin our construction project on the floor of a large room upstairs in the church. As of now the church provides a daycare in about 200 sq. ft. of space and our goal is to lay down a tile surface in the room above the sanctuary to give the children an additional 1500 sq. ft. of space. Today we cleaned the room out and prepped the floor with an acid wash and will begin the tile work tomorrow.

Pastor Morales took the team to another government run school less than a block from Jerusalen Baptist where we toured the campus spoke to each of the classes and had the chance to pray with the principal - what a cool experience to pray over the school with the principal! The kids were awesome! They were so enamored with having visitors. They would run up to you and shout "photographia" begging us to take their picture! They were full of life...and energy.

While the rest of the team visited the school, Ashley Martinez stayed behind at the church with what we believe was a divine apointment with a 25 year-old Guatemalan mother who we'll call Gabriella. Ashley met her on Sunday, and according to Pastor Morales that was her first Sunday to attend church. She didn't live in the community but was there with a friend who works in the church day care. On Monday Gabriella was back at the church with her infant boy. She had no job, and not much of a family support system. Ashely imidiately went over to say hello. While the rest of us toured the school Ashley stayed behind to sit with Gabriella, hold her baby boy and let her pick through toddler clothes, shoes, socks and toys that Ashley and Seth had brought with them in a spare suitcase. Gabriella was nearly brought to tears out of Ashley's willingness to serve God by serving her. Eventhough there was a language barrier everyone can understand love.

Sports is something else that everyone can understand! As we finished work on the floor we took advantage of a little down time to strike up a game of futbol with some of the local youth. It was a great way to open up a conversation about why we are visiting all the way from Texas. Many of them attend the co-op school in Los Pinos where we will be visiting tomorrow so I cannot wait to see them again. We have already seen so much here in Guatemala and there is so much to do. We are so excited to be working with Pastor Morales and we know that God has big plans for this country. Please pray that our eyes would be opened to what God is doing and that he would be glorified through this newly formed partership between VRBC and Jerusalen Baptist Church.

Chris Cato

Men on Mission 3

Wow, what an amazing day today! This morning we had the joy of playing soccer with the boys from the Buckner transitional homes. These are young men who have been given an opportunity to live in a secure and loving environment as they transition from residential orphanage care to independence. I remember seeing each of these boys in various orphanages of Guatemala. Now they are growing into young men, studying hard, and preparing to live life on their own. I am amazed at their dreams and aspirations. You see, when I first met them I didn't see the hope in their eyes. Now their excitement for life is contagious. Several of the men on this trip have been here several times as I mentioned in previous reports. So, they know the leaps these young men have made. I truly believe they are future leaders in this wonderful country because they work very hard and they love the Lord.

After lunch we headed back to San Gabriel, the boys orphanage that we visited on Thursday. We were welcomed warmly once again and had with us an important gift... new shoes! As many of you know, Buckner runs a program called Shoes for Orphan Souls. Each time I experience putting shoes on the feet of children, I am reminded of the importance of our mission. These kids deserve to know about the Savior, and what better way to introduce them than to demonstrate exactly what He did as He showed his disciples how to live as servants? We were able to wash their feet, give them new socks, and fit them with a brand new pair of shoes. This act needs no translation, but the men did explain our purpose. They were quick to note that we weren't washing the boys' feet because we thought they were dirty, but because this is the example of service Jesus gave us in his Word.

As we prepared to leave San Gabriel, we handed out so many gifts. The boys received balls, toys, more socks, and other items to show them we care. The boys are so easy to love and they warmed up to us so quickly. Many times it's easy to forget the pain they have been through and the horrible things they have experienced. As we gathered our bags and began to head toward the doors, one young man wanted to tell our group something. So, we all gathered together and listened as he thanked us for coming. The boys formed a line and several of them stepped out and spoke from their hearts. One of the teachers thanked us also and said the boys woke up this morning ready to see us. We tried our best to bless these kids, but we were blessed by them instead. Several of the boys said "I love you" to us in English, which touched my soul. This time of sharing was truly special and will be etched in my mind for quite some time.

It really does matter that we come here. We (you) truly can make a difference in the lives of those forgotten. Please consider seeing what God can do through you on a mission trip. I know we will never be the same. http://www.itsyourmission.com/

Jeff Jones

Men on Mission 2

Today we spent the morning learning more about Guatemala - her heritage, her culture, her land. We traveled to "zone one" to see the presidential palace and the beautiful Catholic church in the square. It's great to build a frame of reference as we continue to grow closer to this amazing country and the people who live here.

We then continued to our next tourist spot to see an amazing work of art. We viewed a topographical map of the country laid out over about a 3,500 square foot area. I loved visualizing the country and seeing the locations of Buckner ministry.

After our touristic adventures, we headed to Antigua. If you've never been to Guatemala, Antigua is a must see! It is a city nestled between volcanoes, where so many come to visit. On the outskirts of Antigua is a place called Jocotenango. Buckner, in collaboration with Park Cities Baptist Church, is involved with a community center project here through the local Baptist church. There is a clinic inside the church grounds where local people from the community can receive medical care. A new educational program is under way in a section of the center. Girls from the local orphanage attend educational classes here during the morning, In the afternoon, the educational center is open for people from the community. Buckner is hoping this community center can serve as a model for meeting needs in other communities throughout Guatemala.

After visiting the clinic, we went to the girls' orphanage, Manchen. What a wonderful time we had there interacting with the girls. It is rare that they are able to spend time with Christian men who will love them with the love of Christ. So many have horrible stories of abuse and injustice in their lives, sometimes even from family members who should be giving them love. Just to spend a short amount of time with them, showing them we care was such a blessing for all of us on the trip. Please pray for these girls! They are hungry for love and acceptance.As we wrapped up our day, we decided to visit the Buckner baby home one more time. This time some of the older children were present. It's great to see familiar faces and these kids remember the men who have visited them on previous trips. The care the kids are receiving is amazing and you can see it in their smiles. They are healthy and happy, which makes all the difference in the world! Pray that somehow they will be given the opportunity

to live in a loving home of their own.

Please continue to pray for us while we are here. This is a short trip and we hope God will use us in powerful ways even with the time constraint. Pray that there will be ongoing opportunities to share the love of Christ, as He continues to give us treasured memories with His children!

Jeff Jones

Men on Mission

Hello, my name is Jeff Jones. I have the privilege of working for Buckner and traveling around the world to love on kids. Amazing job huh? It is such a joy to be on a "mission" from God. It sounds familiar, but we all know that the real mission has very little do to with us and everything to do with how God wants to work through His people.

I am here in Guatemala serving alongside a group of my close friends, most from my church Valley Ranch Baptist. Yes, this trip is unique because the team members are all "gringos", American men. This is the fifth year this group has gathered together to serve the children of Guatemala. For several, this has become an annual occasion. For a few, it is a first time experience.

Today we visited the Buckner Babies home in Guatemala City. It was amazing for me to witness once again the tenderness of these men as they held these precious ones in their arms or blew bubbles that were met with smiles and giggles. The babies seemed to enjoy the time together as we all laughed and played. Our prayer is that God would prepare loving Christian families here in Guatemala to care for them in a special way, giving them a forever family.
After the babies home, we visited the Single Moms' home. During the day, Buckner runs a daycare here where children are shown affection and love. Joy filled the air as several of the men loved on kids they were seeing for the second, third, or fourth time. I am so encouraged at the abundant happiness shown through the eyes of these little ones.

After lunch, we headed to San Gabriel. This is a historically "rough" place where boys grow up. We have witnessed many changes in this orphanage over the years, but none as dramatic as we saw today. Gone is the trash cluttering the grounds, replaced by a garden. No longer is there a thick stench in the air as you walk through the rooms where the boys shower and sleep. Outside of the 25 foot walls is an entire village of new buildings, ready to house more children. While my emotions are mixed about the plan to care for hundreds of kids here, I am so thankful that the buildings are new, clean and comfortable. If these kids are going to be in an orphanage setting, at least the care will be better now. The boys had so much fun playing kickball, soccer, and even some basketball. What really amazed me though was their attentive spirits and their thirst to hear more about Jesus. Please pray for us this week as we seek to be vessels for His service. I know the real impact will be on us because these children are so valuable to our Savior.

Guatemala Interns Final Update

Wow, what a busy final week our team of 10 had in Guatemala City. We worked solo this week, but accomplished so much!

We spent our first two days at the Buckner baby home, relating stories about creation, singing praises, and playing games. How easy these children are to love! At the end we had a cookie party and some of the children dressed up in their favorite costumes - we had a princess, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, and even Buzz Lightyear.

Our second day we returned to Manchen Girls home and met up with the family team from PCBC - what an amazing group they were! It was great to talk with the girls that we bonded with weeks before and to see the amazing way the church team was caring for them. Next we were off to Elisa Martinez Boys Home - a home with many special needs and teenage boys - where we led VBS and played many games.

We then had the privilege of meeting the significant special needs children at Anini and viewing their incredible facilities - including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. All of us were thanking the Lord that such a place exists where these children that need so much can receive the best care. The next two afternoons we bonded with the boys at San Gabriel - a home for teenage boys that is known for being rough, but is really turning around. We liked it so much we asked to go back for extra time! Jared shared with them the stories of David and how he used his strengths to serve his God. We also played some crazy games involving watermelons, crackers, and balloons! It was great to be able to share a message of love with boys who so need to hear it.

Our last day we were blessed to be able to put new shoes on the feet of the children at a nearby community center. The faces of the moms and children would light up with their names were called, then we were able to remove their old, worn shoes and socks, and replace them with new ones - covered in flowers, Bratz, camoflauge, sparkles, stripes, and more. What a wonderful gift - for them and for us! We did a skit from the Bible, sang songs, and made bracelets and picture frames. Then the staff there made us a tamale lunch to say thank you - and it was delicious!

When I look back over the month, I cannot believe all of the lives we were able to touch - by His power, not our own. We can visit with the children for a day, or even a week, but it is hope in Him that will last them a lifetime. I am so blessed to be part of a team with such hearts for the Lord's service and such a passion for loving His children.

Erin, Senior Intern, Guatemala

Dallas, TX

Tate Springs Goes on Mission

Peru Interns Final Update

Our plans are not always the same as God’s…so we found out this week at Sagrada Familia, an orphanage for 700 children, babies to 18. The story behind this home is really neat; a man named Miguel lost his son, a devastating blow to any parent. But instead of closing his heart, he opened it to the abandoned children of Peru. He began to give things out to street kids, and one day, one of those kids asked Miguel to take him home. So he did. Then one day, the kid disappeared and returned with all his friends from the street who needed a home too. And thus was born Sagrada Familia, which has grown to enormous proportions. These kids don’t have much-but they are joyful. They are safe off the streets, have a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and are receiving an education. And most importantly, they know about Jesus.

But anyways, I am getting off track…this week, God had a few different plans for us than we anticipated. We thought we would be working with 100 girls, ages 8-12. Well, we showed up Monday to find that we would be working with the 5th and 6th grade girls and boys. Our princess stickers and friendship bracelet crafts that we had planned didn’t quite fit this demographic. HOWEVER, God was prepared. We just “happened” to have a box of boy stickers that we hadn’t used during the month and some “manly” colored foam (a small thing I know, but God is in the details) We rearranged things a little, and it all came together (not without a little chaos, to be sure). But God reminded us that He was in control and that He had gone ahead of us and would go behind us.

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12

Our week at Sagrada Familia wrapped up our month here in Peru. It has been a wonderful month, full of joy and pain, and some laughter and tears too. Thank you for your support of us and for the orphan children around the world.

~The Peru girls…Allie, Meredith, Dawn, Robyn, Emily and Kelli