posted by MrsLynn on Jun 21
We received this message from Pastor Abel yesterday:
“Greetings Everyone!
Its been two days now since we arrived in Guatemala. This is our third trip as a church group so I had some hopes that things would be somewhat familiar and perhaps a little more easier. However that has not been the case. In many ways we have felt like first timers. So heres the scoop.
First of all—everyone is doing fine. The veterans are jumping right in are some the first to volunteer with anything. The new ones on the trip although they are somewhat wide eyed they are very eager to get involved. No one is sick or homesick and at least for now have lots of energy.
During our first big group meeting we realized that half of the group here are first timers. There are over 15 churches represented this week. Most are Baptist churches but a few are Pentecostal churches and one is catholic. Regardless of our denominational differences each one is focused to the Act. 1:8 commission and the need to share the love and message of Jesus.
Our area for work has been the biggest challenge todate. The houses we are building are extremely high on the mountains and although we are able to drive the vehicles part of the way, there are climbs by foot carry tools to be made. And boy do I mean climbs. It feels like we are going straight up. And the paths are not straight nor are they flat and smooth. Due to the tropical storm and the rainy season the group is very soft and they have experienced lots of erosion and mud slides. So the foot walk uphill is extremely difficult! We have yet to be able to walk all the way up without stopping at least twice.
Thus far we have built 9 homes. The people are so appreciative and thankful. It is such a blessing to see there faces. We will travel back Monday morning to continue building. We have 13 to go.
Today after we arrived back at the mission house we quickly showered and left for a block party at one of the local churches. There were perhaps 300 adults and children. We played games with them and spent the time just hanging out. It was allot of fun.
Tomorrow (daddy’s day) we will attend service at a local church and one of the pastors (bro. Doug) that are with will be preaching. Afterwards we ill go to Antigua for some sightseeing. During the evening we will go out and participate in one of the two village ministry night that we will be doing. We will distribute clothes, food and others goodies for the children. I always love these times.
Well that all for now. Please continue to pray for our group and the work here in Guatemala. We look forward to our return and sharing our trip with you.
In closing let me say Thank you so much for allowing me to be your Pastor and I count in a blessing and honor to pastor the great church of FBC Freeport.”
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 19
Here is a link to a blog from Pastor Teddie Turrentine who is leading the mission trip with our folks. He updates daily provided there is an internet connection:
http://www.friendshipfamily.net/graceblog/
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 19
Good Morning Everyone,
I received a call from Pastor Abel yesterday evening. The FBC Mission Team had spent the entire day building houses together. The area in which they are working is very steep and tight surroundings. So tight, that one home had to be a 11′x12′ instead of the normally 12′x12′. Francesca and others spent time playing with and entertaining children in the village by painting the little girls nails and blowing bubbles.
At the time of our conversation, they had just arrived back at the Mission House to find that the power was out, which also means no one could shower because of the way the water system works. It also put dinner on hold.
Pray for the teams(from Texas, Alabama, & Georgia), today, as they return for another day of building. Pray for favorable conditions, strength to complete the tasks, good attitudes, and that Jesus would be exibited through their actions.
Just a reminder for those here in Freeport, we have VBS Work Day this morning, 9am-12pm.
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 17
Although it has been quite awhile since the last post, things have not been still. Between church, little league, and the end of school, no one was accused of being bored.
Our Mission Team to Guatemala left today and arrived safely to their destination. I spoke with Pastor Abel briefly as they were headed to the Pollo Campero. Everyone is well. I hope to be able to share a message from them with everyone Sunday.
Our youth are making preparations for their Mission Trip to New Orleans and need your help. They just found out yesterday exactly what they will be doing and are in need of supplies to accomplish their task.
They will be doing yard work and light repairs in the 9th Ward, as you’ll remember was the hardest hit area after the levee broke during Katrina.
They will also be ministering to the homeless around Jackson Square and under some of the overpasses.
So how can you help? They are in need of rakes, clippers, weedeaters, sling blades, etc. for the yard work. And, they are hoping to take hygiene kits and bibles for the homeless. If you can help with any of this, please email Bro. Ronnie (penaenya1@yahoo.com) or myself (info@fbcfreeport.org). We need the items before June 26.
There will be a VBS Prep Day this Saturday, 9am-12pm. We have some great plans to transform the ministry hall and other areas into a cowboy paradise!
So please lend a hand.
This week I had the pleasure of working from the Gulf Coast Baptist Association. I had the priviledge of going through some old files from associational churches. Needless to say, I found some interesting articles, letters, pictures, etc.
In particular, I found some interesting things from the FBC-Freeport file that Abel will be sharing in the near future. Good stuff that we really can apply today.
Please keep our 10 missionaries in your prayers
along with the other 34 folks from Alabama and Georgia who are there working alongside them. I will try my best to update the blog as I receive word from them.
posted by MrsLynn on Apr 5
What an awesome Easter!!! The weather was beautiful all weekend as we saw several thousand people turn out for the “Eggs”travaganza Egg Hun on Saturday. If you haven’t see pictures from the event you can check them out at http://thefacts.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=974050&CategoryID=57936&ListSubAlbums=0
We had a wonderful day yesterday, as the youth did an awesome job in presenting, through drama, what Christ did for each of us. It was a powerful visual for us all.
A big thank you to all those who gave towards our special missions offering. We collected over a $1,000 towards our summer mission endeavors! Also, thank you for all those who contributed to the Bake Sale. I hope everyone enjoyed their treats!
Please be in prayer for our folks who are sick, those who are dealing with tough life situations, and those who are serving our country.
Be on the look out this week for more progress on our building. The cement work is almost done! Now, we’re eaiting on the revised plans for the inside work. Once in hand, we can begin that phase of the job.
Have a blessed week, remember to put Christ first in everything!
posted by MrsLynn on Mar 30
The Lord is amazing in all His goodness and timing!
We will be observing the Lord’s Supper this Wednesday Night, March 31st at 6:00 pm in the Ministry Hall. I hope you will take the time to be a part of this important remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. All believers are welcome to participate.
Also we need all volunteers on hand for the Egg Hunt on Saturday at the Freeport Municipal Park by 8:30 am. This is a great opportunity for us to invite our community to our Easter Services.
The New Building is coming right along. As always, we have hit a few snags, but we know that it will be complete in God’s time.
Have a great week!
posted by MrsLynn on Mar 23
Don’t forget that this Wednesday, March 24 is Covered Dish Dinner.
Everyone is asked to bring enough for your family plus one.
Drinks will be provided.
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 26
Our Missions Team made it home safely. They will be sharing their testimonies and experiences with the church this Sunday. Pray for them as they prepare.
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 24
Our missions team was unable to post today due to electricity being out for most of the day. They were able to finish building all the homes and dedicated them this afternoon. Pray as they will be flying home tomorrow morning.
Please continue to pray for the Dalton Davis Family. Services are still pending.
If you would like to call Joan, you make contact the church office for the phone number of where she is staying. Be blessed.
posted by MrsLynn on Jun 23
Heaven Came Down And Glory Filled My Soul…..
My apologies for missing the Blog yesterday. It is good to know that many of you are keeping up with us and remembering us in prayer. As much as technology cans often be frustrating at times it’s still a wonderful way for keeping in touch. Besides that, this is my first experience with blogging and I’m somewhat intimidated. Well any who…. Here it goes.
Day 5
The territory we are working in is a new one for the Grace ministries and each morning there seems to be a little confusion as to the location of the homes we are building. This has been somewhat frustrating for Bro. Teddie as well as the group because it causes us to lose valuable time. Each day we have been divided into different groups. So, since the first day I have not had the opportunity to work beside some of our folks. I have however been blessed to serve right alongside of “mama “each day. Words can’t describe how wonderful it has been having my mom on this trip. She has been such a joy to everyone. If we can keep her from wanting to touch and taste everything she’s going to be just fine. LOL!!!
I have been building houses each day but other FBC folks have been pouring concrete as well as other jobs.
The home we built was awesome we built a double wide for a well deserving family. A young couple with seven children who had been living literally under a tarp for over a year were the recipients of the home. Despite the monsoon weather “again” we were determined to finish this home. As we worked the children peeked around the curtain that served as their door with smiles and giggles. The rain was cold but each smile brought warmth to us all.
The second home build went very fast. Jim was our leader and did a great job. Even the nephew of the lady whose house we were building joined right in. His name was Santos Garcia ( no relation)
After coming back to the mission for just a short time we loaded up and headed out to one of the area villages for food and clothing distribution. I could go on for days about this night but I’ll let the team share with you this Sunday.
After, a light meal (nothing big) we headed back to the mission house for a time of devotion and fellowship.
Day 6
Once again, we got off to a late start. We worked for a few hours and then some of the group headed off to the orphanage called Casa Allelujha. This left just a skeleton group to work on homes. As much as we needed the help, it was good for those who left to go and see the ministry at “CASA”. We were able to finish a few homes and then the monsoon of all monsoons came down.
Bro. Teddie being the fearless leader he is, felt we would be able to wait it out. With just one day away from dedication we still had several homes that had to be finished. Unfortunately we could not wait it out and had to call it a day. BUMMER!!!!!!! We came back to the mission house for a meeting (or least that’s all we thought it would be) After, Bro. teddie explained the plan for the next day we had a time of testimony that led to a time of praise and worship that led to a time of prayer and then all heave poured out! As we prayed, the heats of the saint became soft and the softness turned to tears. Tears of brokenness, tears of longing for more of God. The more we longed for God the greater His presence became.
There we were 40 people from different states and cities. We had come together to help make a difference in the lives of the Guatemalans. We had come to see lives changed. And the lives that were being changed were ours. God was at work! He was drawing us closer to Him. Bowed on our knees we embraced and prayed together. The folks from FBC Freeport prayed together. We begged God to do a work in our church. We committed to continuing to being an on mission church.
As difficult as it was we stood and closed the service with a heartfelt Amen. As we were eating supper we shared how tonight would be one that we would remember for a long long time.
As you read this Blog, please pray that today we will finish the homes and pray for us as we dedicate the homes. Our church will be dedicating three homes this trip. The homes will be dedicated in honor of the Joe Jones Sunday class, the Dorcas Sunday school Class and the Slack family. Looking forward to this time.
Good Night!
Pastor Abel