Monday, August 11, 2008

Heart for the nations, or at least one of them...


Oh Guatemala. I didn't even know where to find it on a map three years ago. Now I'm obsessed. Not just because it's the birth country of my little chocolate chip, but somewhere along the way, the country and it's people were sewn into my heart and brain. Our trip with the team from church was incredible and since then several from my Guate-lovin' crowd took a trip to assess the ministry needs of the country. They hit several spots we haven't been to yet and it makes me so excited to become aware of more needs. Check out Emily's blog about the Least, the last and the Lost and Chris's blog titled Seen Too Much about parts of that trip.

As Chris stated, we are now among the accountable. That sounds like it should be a burden but on the contrary, it excites me. Hence, the title of this posting.

So, here's the deal. With our amazing connections, knowledge of the city, hotels, transportation, safe restaurants, etc and Russ' God-given worship talents, not to mention our two-year old entertainer, we're kind of a package deal. While we don't feel called to live in Guate like "regular" missionaries, we would love to use our skills/resources to facilitate groups that wish to serve there. While we can't afford to sponsor each and every ministry/need that we're aware of, we can use our voices to make the needs known through organizing and taking groups to the needs there.

There's lots of you who catch this blog now and then and some who check daily. I'm asking you to take this offer into consideration. Whether for a group from your church, your small group, your family, or whatever. We would LOVE to have a few trips a year on the calendar of groups we know from all kinds of different circles. Creating experiences to change your hearts toward this country. This isn't to take away from any local missions or helping in the U.S., it's just a need that we're aware of and in love with so we're just putting ourselves out there. The Lord may have plans for us to never take another trip there or He may already know of the many groups that will take us up on this offer. Who knows. What I do know is that I can't ignore the favor He gave us in planning this last trip and how the hearts of our team were expanded to include these beautiful people. To quote Chris Wheeler again, "At this point I know that we're to be a mouth-piece, a catalyst, a bridge...to connect people here in the States with the great needs in Guatemala."

So, anyone interested?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to go. My call for missions has been loud and clear. Actually I think I would like to try and get a group together from my church. Is there like a powerpoint you could put together or something that I can show?? I am super excited!!!

Terry said...

Hey Katie!
I know I just commented for the first time on your blog a few days ago and you have no idea who I am, but I'm working with a new organization (Weaving Families) that you may be interested in. This is a new organization that provides education and support for those within the adoption community. In addition to that, I am working closely with them to launch an orphan care and family outreach program in Guatemala (we adopted from Guat as did the couple that started WF) and expect to begin our work there next year. We will eventually stretch to other countries that have high numbers of orphans and great need.

You can email me at terry dot bracey at gmail dot com if you would like more information or think you may be interested in working with us. We will soon be looking for people like you and Russ that would like to help organize teams to go to Guate with us. We can use all of the people we can get and would be honored if you would consider working with us. There is also info about WF on my blog (Adoption-The Real Truth)...I think my big WF post was written in late June or July, and I will be adding additional info on my private blog soon (let me know if you want an invite to the private blog).

Terry

Greg and Felicia Huff said...

I feel the same calling! Count us in... :)

Felicia

Sharon said...

Katie,

FYI-

That crazy Terry lady was one of my roomies after you left Casa Bella ;)

Sharon

Scott & Melissa Davis said...

Cheering from the sidelines...BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!! Love you guys!!

Anonymous said...

Loved your post... not sure what else to say except my heart has been stirred so much here!

We are really hoping/praying that our church gets connected with a ministry down here so we can start coming down regularly with groups.

Not sure how it will all play out, but I hope we'll be meeting again down here :)
Emily

Terry said...

HA! Thanks for that, Sharon! :)
(Sorry Katie...not meaning to post hog here).

Hey Sharon...we could use YOU, too! Ready head back to Guate yet?

Terry

Holly said...

Hi Katie! I think I have a donation connection for Myra's school! I would like to get in touch with you offline. I don't have your email address, so please email me at powellfamilyof3@bellsouth.net. Thanks! Holly Powell