When we are weak, He is strong

Yesterday was nothing short of a miracle. Five out of the eight of us were experiencing digestive distress (I'll spare you the details), three of whom were sharing at the church services. During our morning devotional time we read 2 Corinthians 12:9 about how God's grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. God showed up with His strength in a big way. After a night of interrupted sleep, unpredictable stomachs, and the loss of pep in our step, everyone who planned to share was able. God confirmed to each of us, the purpose in what we had shared. 

God had prompted me to share a "sermon" when Amy first mentioned the idea. He was specific that it should be about the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians and remaining in Christ as the vine to produce that fruit found in John 15. I balked a little, thinking who am I to give a sermon? I'll just let someone else do it. But when God wants you to do something, he doesn't quit at the first sign of rejection. So he kept on me until I finally mentioned to Amy that I may be able to prepare something if no one else wanted to. When we arrived in Guatemala, I secretly hoped she had forgotten I volunteered, but when she asked if I still wanted to give a message, God whispered yes so yes is what came out of my mouth. He helped me prepare what he wanted me to say, and I felt like my message went well. After the first church service, pastor Manuel shared that he wasn't sure if we were planning to give a message so he had also prepared something, just in case. It was the same passage in Galatians. 

One of the coolest experiences yesterday was being prayed over. The church heard of our illness and wanted to pray for us. When Guatemalans pray, they really pray. It was a beautiful chorus of voices lifting up praise and thanksgiving and petitions all at once. They laid hands on us and though we couldn't understand everything they said, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room was palpable and there were few dry eyes among our team members. 

After the church services were complete, we headed back to Betty's house and she told us her story. She told us about her life before God, God's pursuit of her, and her life since surrendering her life to Jesus. She had a difficult childhood that God redeemed and used to prepare her to care for orphans and children who have been abandoned. She heard the testimony of a short term missionary that was similar to her own story and planted a seed that God blossomed in to a life dedicated to serving him. Now she works with short term teams and is able to encourage them (us) that even if we don't see the fruit of what we share, God will use it for His good purpose. And God has prompted her to adopt a little boy named Miguel, which has stretched her faith and increased her joy. Her story is a true reflection of how God takes what is broken and makes it into something beautiful. The name of her ministry is Breaking Cycles: breaking the cycles of poverty, breaking the cycles of abuse, breaking the cycles of alcoholism, and relying on the power of God to redeem what has been broken. It has been such a privilege to serve with her this week. 

Today is our last day of ministry. We are a little battle weary but desire to finish strong. Please be praying for continued restoration of health for the team, that the seeds we planted this week with grow and bear fruit, and for the pastors and missionaries were have been working with here. Whenever God's people mobilize, there is opposition and we have experienced that opposition. Thank you prayer warriors, for moving and fighting with us for the hearts and souls of the people in Sumpango. Victory is His!!

I realized yesterday that I neglected our "Where's Flat Cathy?" segment. Here is a collage to make up for it. Have a great day!