Guatemalan Update #3
Friends and Family,
We are still waiting and learning in the land of the volcanoes. We are continually amazed by the needs here and the opportunities for ministry. It is a land of contrasts. There is so much knowledge of the story of the cross, but so little relationship with the one who carried it. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is fast approaching and every weekend the crowds are getting bigger to see the floats that depict particular scenes from the passion of Jesus. Each catholic church has a special part to play in the festival. Antigua is world famous for it celebration of this important holiday. One thing that stands out are the "alfombras" or sawdust and flower carpets that line the streets each weekend.
It does not look like our medical visa for Joelle is going to work out, but we are content here waiting for the Lord to work all of the details out. As it stands now, it will be at least 5-6 more weeks, before we are able to return home. At first glance this may appear like a setback, but we are really thankful for the opportunities we are having here. We do not know all that the Lord wants us to see and learn here, but we are continuing to listen to Him and follow His leading.
Last week we heard a great sermon at a conference for a group called REMAR. In Spanish the name is roughly translated "Restoring Rejected Peoples". They have some of the same heart that we have for orphans. They have works all over Latin America, helping orphans, the aged, addicts, and prostitutes. I did not get to hear all of this particular message, but the theme has really grabbed my heart - the importance of being NEAR God. I had never thought much about all of the "directional" verses there are in the Bible. We know that He is near the brokenhearted, but where are we? Where am I? It has challenged me to check the distance between myself and the places where God is. In the States I have noticed that it is easy for us to live our Christian lives like those who watch a concert. We enjoy and are challenged by those who walk well, but often we are content to be challenged, but not moved. We are finding it harder here in Guatemala to be unmoved. Please pray for us to be close to where He is.
God has been so faithful in Joelle's life. She has adjusted well and is a inseparable part of our family. I am not sure what we did without her. The church that we are attending has prayed for Joelle twice, and we have really seen God's hand at work in her little body. We are expecting God to do GREAT THINGS. We are also thankful that we have found two therapists that are going to be able to work with her 3-5 times a weeks. It is another story altogether how the Lord directed us to one of these therapists in particular. God is faithful all of the time.
We have had the opportunity of helping with a English language service here in Antigua. It meets in a coffee house. We have been blessed to feel God's Spirit moving in these services. I have also been able to take Spanish classes twice a week at an incredible Spanish school called Christian Spanish Academy. It has been good to be able to unlearn some bad habits and have learned a great deal.
The boys and Betty are all doing well. We are trying to love Jesus more each day. Please continue to pray for us.
Prayer Needs
We are still waiting and learning in the land of the volcanoes. We are continually amazed by the needs here and the opportunities for ministry. It is a land of contrasts. There is so much knowledge of the story of the cross, but so little relationship with the one who carried it. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is fast approaching and every weekend the crowds are getting bigger to see the floats that depict particular scenes from the passion of Jesus. Each catholic church has a special part to play in the festival. Antigua is world famous for it celebration of this important holiday. One thing that stands out are the "alfombras" or sawdust and flower carpets that line the streets each weekend.
It does not look like our medical visa for Joelle is going to work out, but we are content here waiting for the Lord to work all of the details out. As it stands now, it will be at least 5-6 more weeks, before we are able to return home. At first glance this may appear like a setback, but we are really thankful for the opportunities we are having here. We do not know all that the Lord wants us to see and learn here, but we are continuing to listen to Him and follow His leading.
Last week we heard a great sermon at a conference for a group called REMAR. In Spanish the name is roughly translated "Restoring Rejected Peoples". They have some of the same heart that we have for orphans. They have works all over Latin America, helping orphans, the aged, addicts, and prostitutes. I did not get to hear all of this particular message, but the theme has really grabbed my heart - the importance of being NEAR God. I had never thought much about all of the "directional" verses there are in the Bible. We know that He is near the brokenhearted, but where are we? Where am I? It has challenged me to check the distance between myself and the places where God is. In the States I have noticed that it is easy for us to live our Christian lives like those who watch a concert. We enjoy and are challenged by those who walk well, but often we are content to be challenged, but not moved. We are finding it harder here in Guatemala to be unmoved. Please pray for us to be close to where He is.
God has been so faithful in Joelle's life. She has adjusted well and is a inseparable part of our family. I am not sure what we did without her. The church that we are attending has prayed for Joelle twice, and we have really seen God's hand at work in her little body. We are expecting God to do GREAT THINGS. We are also thankful that we have found two therapists that are going to be able to work with her 3-5 times a weeks. It is another story altogether how the Lord directed us to one of these therapists in particular. God is faithful all of the time.
We have had the opportunity of helping with a English language service here in Antigua. It meets in a coffee house. We have been blessed to feel God's Spirit moving in these services. I have also been able to take Spanish classes twice a week at an incredible Spanish school called Christian Spanish Academy. It has been good to be able to unlearn some bad habits and have learned a great deal.
The boys and Betty are all doing well. We are trying to love Jesus more each day. Please continue to pray for us.
Prayer Needs
- Continued Healing in Joelle's Body.
- Direction and Leading about God's direction for us.
- Physical Protection
- God's Timing about Joelle's Paperwork.
- Wisdom in Raising Four Precious Children for Jesus.
We love each of you mucho mucho,
Josh, Betty, Abel, Abraham, Joelle, and Nathanael
posted by Joshua Scott Family at 6:30 PM
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