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