What’s your Guatemala?
Long story short: I got a parasite, was very sick, and am now better.
Long story long: I arrived, along with my team, to ministry here in Sumpango, Guatemala last Wednesday. I then spent the following 4 days retired to my mat on the floor with a fever and a whole host of other symptoms. I made up a list of ways to describe how I felt at the time. I assure you “misery” and “Rapture, come quickly” we’re at the top of my list.
I was so frustrated and disheartened. God, how could you call me here, help me accumulate the resources necessary to get here, and then promptly allow me to get taken out by an amoeba? Each day that I was bedridden, my team was going out to ministry. While they were feeding children in the village, I couldn’t even take food. While they were washing feet, I was too weak to stand on my own.
My physical agony caused me to begin to grow and internal resentment. I read the book of Job and was too afraid to be mad at God, so I decided to just put the blame on Guatemala. I was frustrated with the lack of sanitation practices (as compared to what I am used to back at home) and with the way food is prepared. I was mad about all these things that are beyond my control and, ultimately, don’t really matter. But I was being affected by them, so I guess I thought being disconcerted and discontent would benefit me. I thought being mad would help me feel relief. Truthfully, it didn‘t make me any less sick… it just made me sick & mad.
I could recognize that it was unfair and overall unhelpful for me to be upset with Guatemala and the World Race. I prayed that God would renew my heart and give me a new love. I prayed that God would help me fall in love with Guatemala & would heal my hurt toward it. I prayed that God would give me peace no matter where I’m at or what condition I’m in.
After 4 days of being sick out of my mind, I began to feel a little improved and decided to join my team for a ministry day. We went to downtown Antigua for ATL (Ask The Lord) ministry and we had a great day. I was able to see Guatemala with new eyes. The cities here are lively and colorful. They are paved with cobblestone and surrounded by lush, green mountains. Each little street is lined with brightly colored buildings adorned with tropical plants and flowers. Live music can almost always be heard and everywhere you look, your eyes meet those of a stranger who is smiling back and ready to warmly greet you. At the end of the day, my heart was so full of peace and joy.
Guatemala is no longer the place where I have to pray to love. My adoration is fully genuine and I am overjoyed that I get to be here. I consider my time on the World Race & in this country to be a great privilege. In just one day, God transformed my relationship with an entire NATION! From dread to joy – this is a miracle! Now, imagine what he can do with you. Where does your heart hurt? Where is it that you’re holding onto pain instead of giving it to God?
What’s your Guatemala?
Do you want a new heart to love it? Do you want new eyes to see it? Do you believe that God not only CAN but that He WANTS to do that for you? Pray that God would restore your relationship with your Guatemala. Pray He would transform your heart toward what (or who) you find unlovable. Fully surrender it to Him & watch with anticipation as He does what only He can do.
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 11:19
“he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalms 23:3
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalms 51:12
Jillisa! I loved this so much. It’s so important to take a step back and look at our circumstances and surroundings. Keep up the amazing work and please don’t get sick again!
Well said, your a weapon for the Lord.
Jillisa, it was hard not have you with us. But so glad your better. You are such an important needed valuable instrument in our team. Without you we are not complete. Glory to God in how He is working in your life.
Thank you so much for sharing Jillisa! We miss you over here at 3434, but it’s obvious the Lord is already doing so much in your life. Keep the updates coming!
Jillisa!! This is such a beautiful story! I am so encouraged to hear how the Lord has redeemed your time here. I can’t wait to hear the stories of what He does in your heart & through your team!! Grateful for the surprise hug this week:) Praying for you!! xoxox, Kara
I’ve been there, friend. It really stinks! So glad God gave you eyes to see past it. That’s a gift!! He must have much in store for you in Guatemala!!
Jillisa!! Thank you for sharing in such a comedic way! You have such a beautiful outlook on life that inspires me! I am praying for your intestines and your heart!! YOU GOT THIS!!
Jillisa,
That really was A first class miracle. You had a big God ask for him to change your eyesight, your perspective your angle your vantage point. And God was so faithful since you prayed the kind of prayer that is after his heart and in the core of scripture itself.
You didn’t need an incredible divine appointment, god moment with a random stranger in Guatemala for there to be such a paradigm shift to renew value system towards the lost people in Guatamala and the brothers and sisters there that need encouragement.
Truly a first class miracle and such an encouragement. Thanks for helping me face my Goliath’s and Guatamala,’s with a renewed self-awareness to wrestle with God and get his blessing-more of his heart and his eyes/2020 vision indeed
Again great stuff Jillisa
I loved this line:
Do you want a new heart to love it? Do you want new eyes to see it? Do you believe that God not only CAN but that He WANTS to do that for you? Pray that God would restore your relationship with your Guatemala. Pray He would transform your heart toward what (or who) you find unlovable. Fully surrender it to Him & watch with anticipation as He does what only He can do.
I really believe in these prompts we give readers from afar, partly because I am afar and they are rattling my own heart! A few things came to mind as I thought through what my Guatemala is….I’ll keep thinking and praying on it. Thanks for the push Lord!
Jillisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so beyond proud of you! Your perspective when the enemy tried to take you out shows just how big our God is! We are keeping you in our prayers, love watching you walk right into your season! WE LOVE YOU!
My Guatemala is a relationship I have in my life. A relationship that I have put so much effort into to try and fix, but I still find myself still under water barely able to see the surface. I know God has a reason and a lesson from this and I am just trusting him and his guidance.
Wow!!! What an incredible reminder of what God can do, especially when we let Him. Praying for no more sickness and falling more in love.
Jillisa. You are there on assignment and it will take more than a parasite to take you out!!! Thanking God He healed you. Emotionally, Physically, and Spiritually (and Mentally) what an incredible God we serve! You are His Hands and Feet and I know He will take care of you. Love you more than you can imagine.
So sorry you got sick from the word “get-go”. Sounds like you are up and running again!
I pray you will always look on your time in Guatemala this way: bringing you from dread to joy! So cool!
Definitely relate to needing Him to continually restore my joy, granted I haven’t gotten my parasite yet. So glad to see Him working these miracles in you and the rest of us because this ministry really is only made possible by Him!
Well said hun, I definitely needed that at the right time. I love you and miss you, but know you are doing amazing work!