tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84230172764286598252024-03-14T00:08:47.822-06:00Papa JorgeHe has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? ~Micah 6:8George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-9646982280305398142018-04-24T12:12:00.002-06:002018-04-24T12:39:16.175-06:00Turning the Hearts of the Fathers<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God has been
speaking to me about so many things and it has been overwhelming. I have spent
most of the last 30 years involve in ministry to kids in some fashion. At times
I helped with youth ministry. Other times I led youth ministries or worked with
CYCM to reach the kids in the community. In Guatemala, we worked a lot at our
schools in Membrillal and Zapote and I got to build a lot of relationships with
kids. I have loved every minute of ministering to kids even when they were
angry or hard to deal with. I always believed that what I was doing had eternal
value and even if I did not see fruit today, God would use my effort. I still
believe that but God has been changing my thinking and what I see as the most
important aspect of youth ministry lately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While in
school John Arnott spoke about the lack of fathers being the largest problem
the world is facing. The likelihood of growing up in poverty and of becoming a
criminal goes up drastically when dads are not present. Drug use and alcohol
abuse are higher among kids from single family homes. Depression is higher for
this group also. In every measurable and observable category, children without
dads in the picture are more at risk. This does not mean that every dad is good
to be around their kids or that every single mom is doing a horrible job. What
is does mean is that kids take a lot of time and energy. One person, no matter
how loving and diligent they are cannot do the job as well as two loving
parents. God designed kids to have two parents because that is what it takes to
give a sense of security and identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many of the
kids I have spent my time with over the last few years come from single parent
homes. I am not pointing fingers or assigning blame on anyone. I have not lived in
their homes. I also recognize that it would have been better for those kids to
have 2 loving parents looking after them. That is not to say that their parents
were loving, just that it would be better if they had been and that they were
present and involved. That is a hard position to come to because there are so
many variables that we have no control over. We can want that for kids, but we
cannot make it happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What God has
been speaking to me about lately has been dads. They are crucial to kids
growing up and having a sense of identity and worth. We live in a society where
even our last name comes from our dad. That speaks right to the heart of our
identity. Unfortunately, many kids say their last name with shame or
humiliation. They are not leaving a legacy or a good family tradition for their
children. Many of the kids I know are just angry with their dads, and rightly
so. What is the solution?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In 2 Cor 5:16-21,
I think God addresses that very clearly. 2Co 5:16-20 ESV 16 From now on,
therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once
regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed
away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled
us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ
God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against
them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are
ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on
behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God sees
things differently. He sees people through the cross. Their sin and brokenness
do not define people to God. He created them with purpose and destiny. He saw
them and knew them before the foundation of the world. He is telling us to see
people through His eyes. He wants us to see what He loves about them and cause
us to love that about them also. When we do, He gives us a ministry of reconciliation.
As we begin to see the truth of a person, from the perspective of God, we can
call them into a relationship with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are a
lot of parents, dads especially that have been living with an ungodly view of
themselves. They may have never expected a pregnancy. Maybe they were not
stable or secure in their identity when children started coming. For whatever
reason, they bailed out on their family. Somehow, they got the idea that they
would all be better off going separate ways. They have not been there for their
wives or girlfriends and they have not been there for their children. This
becomes a never ending downward spiral. They start to blame their growing kids
for not wanting to spend time with them and being disconnected without
acknowledging that the process started with decisions that they made. There is
plenty of pain and anger to go around. Finger pointing is the norm in these
families, but it does not fix anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I believe
God is saying it is time to start recognizing the real culprit. The devil hates
you. He hates your kids. He hates your family. He will do all that is in his
power to destroy you. He has limited authority, but he knows you and has seen
who God created you to be. He has struck at the core of our identities. The
kids are being targeted but it starts by attacking the identity of their dads.
We need to start going after the hearts of the dads and speaking the truth of
God to them. They are not the enemy. They are victims of the devil’s war on
their family. They made bad choices but they were influenced by a crafty and smart enemy. They were not prepared to stand against an attack that they were
not told was coming. The devil attacked their children by lying to the dads and
pushing them away from their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is time
to say "no more". We must learn to see dads as God sees them. Their role in the
family and in society is too important. We have to proclaim their God given
identity at every opportunity. It is the one their families need them to live
in. It is also more true about them than any other identity they may have
adopted because it is the only one rooted in the truth. God sees them through
the cross. In His eyes, they are already reconciled to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He has a new identity and a new name to reveal to them. </span>That does not mean they are saved or in
relationship to Him, only that from His end, everything is in place for that
relationship. Their sin and rebellion against God are all built on lies. He
wants us to expose the lies and call them into life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As the
Church starts walking out the ministry of reconciliation and dads see
themselves as God sees them, they will want to return to their families. They will want to look after the hearts of their wives and their children. They will
live out of an identity that they will want to pass on. Children will
understand that they have a heritage and an inheritance. Our job is to minister
this reconciliation. It is to proclaim the truths of God. For too long, we have
tried to shame men into being dads but that has backfired. They have felt the
shame and run away. It is time to say that there is no more shame, only
repentance leading to healing for dads and for their families. The cycle of lies and defeats is coming to an end because Jesus is pouring love into their hearts. They are DADs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R35Hv5nSoM8/Wt9y8lkKgEI/AAAAAAAAHHY/hHDG5lBKdLg0nSrQtmw-dx78rjMYJFGjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171130_131331810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R35Hv5nSoM8/Wt9y8lkKgEI/AAAAAAAAHHY/hHDG5lBKdLg0nSrQtmw-dx78rjMYJFGjwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171130_131331810.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Mario's granddaughter Dulce. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The better
model of youth ministry God has been speaking to me about is wholistic. Kids
are not whole while their families are broken. When dad is not there, a piece
of their puzzle is missing. When we minister to kids, ignore the family and
then send them home, we only create a sense of confusion for many of them. God
loves me but my family is a mess. How do they reconcile these two contrasting
ideas? The answer is that we run after the absent father, even the abusive
father and we speak to them about the real identity that God has hidden in
them. It has been stolen by a devil that hates them and by the blinding
enticements of sin that entrap them. We proclaim the freedom that Jesus has
purchased for them. We allow God to speak new identity into them even when
nobody can see it because it is pushed so deep below the surface. We pray for
insight and wisdom into the true identity God has and wants them to receive so
that they can be godly dads. Lastly, we pursue the hearts of dads without fear
or hesitation because we know it is the heart of God for them. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Healed dads
will begin to lead healed families. They will have children with identity that
can walk in the purpose of God. They will be able to love freely and have deep,
intimate relationships because God has set them free. Hiding and shame will no
longer be part of the family life. Children will walk in destiny and become all
God has for them to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many of you
are skeptical. You do not believe that God can, or that He desires to heal these
families but Jesus, repeating the words from Malachi said that He would come
and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. Mal 4:6 and Lk 1:17. Lets
pray that today He would do that now and then run after the absent, broken, addicted and lost
fathers so they can be the dads they are called to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edl-2HUZYSQ" style="font-size: 16px;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edl-2HUZYSQ</a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Listen to this on YouTube and let God begin to reveal the depths of His love for you and for every person that you encounter.</span>George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-20590439751603452242018-03-09T10:43:00.000-06:002018-03-09T10:43:02.281-06:00What I Have Learned in 7 Weeks<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have been in
school for a few weeks now. As a matter of fact, the classroom time
is almost over. We have on week of classes left. It has flown by. We
have been frozen at times as the temperatures indoors hovered just
above the freezing mark and other days we have endured sweltering
heat, both indoor and out. We came here a group of students and staff
that did not know anybody and we have grown to love each other and be
family. In less than 2 weeks we head to Morelos for the Heidi Baker
outreach then 5 of us split off from the rest of the class and go to
Juarez for 2 weeks of outreach and ministry there. It will be a hard
day when we start separating but I have a suspicion that it will not
be the last time I see these people. I believe that many of them will
be popping in and out of my life for many years to come.</div>
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When I came to
Reynosa, I had not idea what to expect. I knew the reputation of the
city but that was it. The school is brand new and we are the first
class here. It is similar to other Iris schools but has a little
different flavor because of location. I knew that there would be lots
of time in the classroom and suspected that we would do some outreach
but everything has gone so much different than I would have imagined.
It has truly been a life altering experience. That phrase even has
taken on a new depth and richness to me. It really does mean that our
lives are on the alter and waiting for the consuming fire.</div>
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I assumed that we
would spend hours and days being saturated in Scripture and truth and
that did happen but that was only one part of the equation. The truth
is that each of us was here to have our hearts broken, to see our own
brokenness and hurts, to experience the forgiveness of God, be
delivered from shame and be free to let the Holy Spirit lead. I have
learned how limited that I was by things that I did not even know I
carried. I was guarded and protected myself at the expense of
fruitfulness, life and joy. In order to not be hurt, I closed off
areas of myself to people and used humor or withdrawal to protect
myself from entering into the hurt and being free. I hid things in my
past because of shame. I carried so much that it kept me from living
the abundant life that Jesus promised.</div>
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Over the first
months of the school I spent more time crying on the carpet than
anything. People would give a teaching and God would just gently say
“This is for you. Let me free you.” Every time that I responded,
He touched me and healed another are of my life. He set me free and
replaced my guilt, sorrow and shame with love, forgiveness, life,
peace and joy. It was about a month of this cycle repeating every few
days. I would hear, God would call, I would respond and He would
bring life to a barren place. I was beginning to wonder if that cycle
would ever end but at the same time loved the new freedoms that were
coming and learned that confession really is good for the soul It is
scary but it kills the flesh and grows the spirit.</div>
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This last week has
been quite the opposite in many regards but has been just a
continuation of the process. Last Friday night we traveled to a town
called Sabinas Hidalgo to work with a couple of Churches and our
missionary family from Nuevo Larado. There was a presence of God that
was tangible from the very beginning. People there were hungry to see
God move in their lives, their Church and the city. That hunger
brought such a charged atmosphere, like God was just waiting to
reveal Himself, and that He did in power and glory. We prayed for
people and He brought freedom but in the middle of praying for a man,
God asked me about the gold in my own heart. He asked me if I had
considered the need to mine the gold in me, to let Him reveal what of
Himself that He had put in me at creation. About that time, one of
our long term missionaries started praying for me to experience the
presence of God in a new way, in His power and freedom. My life has
been so different this week that I see the presence of God and hunger
for Him increase each day and I see Him coming to meet that hunger
every time. He prayed and I had a hard time staying on my feet for
the next 2 hours. When I was standing, I was dancing. I do not like
to dance but I have been doing it a lot in the last week as Jesus
keeps bringing more freedom and joy.</div>
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After that, things
got really crazy. I have been experiencing new levels of joy. I have
had a desire to pray in tongues and began to really see how God uses
that to break down our barriers to pray impossible prayers and set
people free. I believed in the gift and have experienced it but did
not see the daily benefit of using it. Now I understand that God uses
it to declare things into ourselves and others to break chains off of
people’s lives. He prays through us. When we give Him our mouth, He
fills it with His purposes and us speaking it is entering agreement
with Him even though we do not necessarily know what we are agreeing
about. It is just giving Him our consent to do what He wants to do.
He does not need it but He still often waits for it anyway. As I pray
for people, I see chains come off. I see them filled with life,
laughter and joy. God is just releasing Himself to them and I get to
stand in the middle and see it happen.</div>
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I also am hearing
the voice of God so much more clearly and seeing His activity much
more clearly. He desires to show us what it is that He is doing and
He shows whenever we will watch. The key is learning to discern what
He is doing and being willing to obey whatever He shows us to do. I
used to think I needed to remain in control, to be dignified to not
bring dishonor to Jesus. Now I realize that the only way I can
dishonor Him is to hold on to control and guard myself from pain. I
can enter into pain because Jesus is there. I can feel joy because I
am open to wherever He leads. I can live life because I am becoming
fearless.</div>
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We need to be rooted
in the Scripture. It is our guidebook for life. Truth is revealed to
us in it and cannot be ignored or neglected. At the same time, if we
are not walking continually in encounter with Jesus, we do not have a
relationship with Him. We only have knowledge. They are not the same
no matter what we want to believe. Knowledge is necessary but so is
experience. It is when we experience Him, surrender to His love and
set our will to obey that His power begins to flow through us. As I
pray for people, I am expecting freedom and joy to come. I am seeing
it right in front of my eyes as people’s faces change. God is good
and He is love. He is filling me with joy and it is pouring out to
others.</div>
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I will be back in
Morris soon and would love a chance to talk to you. If you are in
Guatemala or somewhere else, feel free to contact me through Whatsap,
facebook or email me at <a href="mailto:thegeokr@yahoo.com">thegeokr@yahoo.com</a>.
I welcome questions or look forward to talking anytime.</div>
George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-92195161054026591332018-02-02T08:34:00.001-06:002018-02-02T08:38:42.172-06:002 Weeks InI am just writing a short blog post to let you know what is going on with me and the school. The first two weeks have been amazing but not necessarily in the ways that I expected. God has been dealing with some deep issues in my heart, a couple that I knew and several that were hidden even to me. He has been showing me wrong motives in my heart, wrong understandings of who God in and wrong understandings of my place in His heart. As we have talked about, prayed through and seen God bring healing and new insights into these things, it has been very freeing.<br />
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The thing God has spoken to me most is that He really loves me. I, like most people would have always said that I knew that. I have read the words and believed them yet I often lived contrary to that. I based my sense of worth on accomplishment and felt like that is what God demanded. Jesus set a high standard for living in the Kingdom and then said the Church would do the things that He did and greater. That is a lot of pressure if you feel like it falls on you to make it happen. I was used to being the constant server. Whenever there was a need I felt like it fell on me to do something to help with it. My value in interpersonal relationships came from how well I served people. This made me tired and easily frustrated with people. I have done all of this and they don't appreciate it or me. I would never have voiced these things but in my heart it was a hidden stronghold. Fortunately I have a discerning pastor in Life Church Morris that knew I needed to be away in a place that God could deal with things in my life.<br />
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I have been learning the value of serving with Jesus and a place of confidence in going with Him as opposed to doing things for Him. One makes me tired. The other allows me to always be in a place of rest and lets me obey the call of Jesus to abide in His love. When I serve just from a need to serve, for whatever reason, I am not in a place of being empowered by God. I begin serving from my own strength and that is a finite resource. If Jesus could only do what He saw the Father doing, how much can I accomplish? I am learning to never do anything that takes me out of the place of rest in Jesus. If He is doing it, that rest will go into the work but if He is not, it will just be work.<br />
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I m hoping by now that you are questioning your motives for serving God. Are you walking in close relationship daily with Jesus? Are you seeing Holy Spirit actively moving in the work you are doing? Do you sense His peace or do you feel a need to make things happen? Are you content if God leads you to just spend a day, a week or a month waiting in His presence and doing nothing else? Do you get easily upset when nobody joins you to help in what you are doing? Do you need to be recognized for your work, knowledge or accomplishment? I answered most of these things in a way that made me realize I was trying to gain my identity by how much I did for God. There was no rest or peace in it and there was little fruit because it was limited to my strength to produce.<br />
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I think that it is good to examine where we are every once in a while and let our motives and heart condition to be exposed. I often do not like what is pulled up but I know this, I want to live as a son of God more than anything else. I want it more than personal accomplishment, acknowledgment, money or even ministry. I am happy to be in a place that is helping each of the students to walk through this process. If you think that this process is something that you might also need to go through in order to learn to live as a Child of God, let's talk. He loves you and wants to take you along on His adventure. He does not expect you to figure out your own. His is big enough for all of us.George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-41181190145729325872018-01-13T14:29:00.001-06:002018-01-13T20:52:21.946-06:00A Parting Note<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;">I wanted to quickly share a couple of thoughts with you and ask you to be praying about them as I head to the school in Reynosa. I will be in class until March 20 and then outreach in Mexico City and Juarez until April 12. Then I will fly back to Chicago for a few weeks with lots of exciting stories to tell of how God moved.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;">I am not sure about you but when I hear great stories about how God is moving, I am often excited but that excitement is tempered wit ha healthy dose of skepticism. I long to see God move in these ways and do believe that He desires to move also. So, why do we not see it? Why does our "normal" Christian life so often look as powerless in the face of dire circumstances as the world looks? If God wants to heal, deliver and set free, why does it not happen? Why does half the Church point to Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees as they sought a sign for the answer to this question and then come to the conclusion that sign and wonders are for a different time? They would often even say that we were wrong to look and ask God for signs and miracles. I have come to a much different conclusion lately though.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;">I believe that my tongue and my mindset are the two biggest reasons that I do not see God move more in signs and miracles. First I say the tongue because I realize that I so often use it for exactly the opposite of what God tells me to use it for. I easily fall into grumbling and complaining when things are not working to my satisfaction. We are told to praise in all circumstances. We are told to be thankful when we lift our requests to God. Too often though, I find myself complaining about how things are going or whining because they are not progressing according to my plan. My tongue is a battleground and I forget that it needs to be conquered to live in step with God's purposes. It can do more damage than I can do with my physical strength. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span></span><br>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;">[Jas 3:5-6 ESV] 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Whining and complaining go along with a wrong mindset. I often feel the need to control circumstances. I want to dictate how things are going to happen to God instead of trusting His love and goodness to do what is best. I want my way. I do this because, in my mind, God is often too small or too uncaring to be trusted with the outcome. I have set myself up to judge the motives of God. Not only is that pride, which puts me at odds with God but it is also a lack of faith because I do not trust Him to be Lord of every circumstance.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">As I go to the school, I am asking God to reveal and break every area of pride from my life. I am asking that He help me repent of a desire to be in control and the tendency to grumble and complain when things are not going my way. Most of all, I am asking Him to help me see the sufficiency of Jesus and His surpassing goodness in my life. I want to know Him as enough, as my true reward. I want to know what it means to be completely surrendered to Him without worrying about the cost. I want to live a life in love with Jesus so that others can see Him in me. I want a heart full of praise and gratitude as I learn to spend time gazing on the goodness of God. I want to learn to cease from my own striving to learn to rest in Him. Finally, I want to live in a place where people encounter Jesus because I have spent time in His presence and been fully transformed. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">I am praying these things for myself and ask you to pray them for me. I believe that we serve a God who wants to transform the world with His love and He wants us to walk that out with Him. We have a Father that loves His children. We have a groom that died for His bride so that He could lead her into life and inheritance. We have a Holy Spirit living in and on us so that we can discern the leading of God and be at rest in Him. Please pray this for me when you think of it. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">See you in the spring as I come to share new life and rebirth with you all.</span></span><br>
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George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-76108358393226874452017-12-20T11:12:00.001-06:002017-12-20T11:12:07.670-06:00Take Time for What Is Important This SeasonWhen God speaks, often it is easy to miss what He is saying. We get busy and lose confidence in our ability to recognize it is Him speaking. Fortunately, He cares for us and is faithful to repeat Himself in many ways because He wants us to know Him and His voice. God is faithful to nurture what He has planted in out hearts until it begins to produce fruit, and even beyond. The last two months have been one of those places for me and I want to share what He has been speaking. I pray that in the middle of the busyness of Christmas, He speaks to you and gives you His rest and peace.<br />
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The thing that He has been speaking to me quite clearly lately is my complete lack of ability to accomplish anything for the Kingdom apart from Him and that I can only move with Him when I allow myself to know His rest and peace. It is easy to look at all of the needs that surround us and feel pressed to do something. I have spent much of my Christian life that way. See a need and react. Sometimes it has produced okay results and other times it has fallen far short of expectations. Either way, I often came away feeling burned out, tired, frustrated or discouraged. Often I felt like nobody cared if they did not jump up to support my idea. God has been showing me that this is not a good place to minister from.<br />
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Over the last two months, I have had little responsibility and been able to spend a lot of time reading. That is good because I have 8 books that are required for the Iris/Kaleo School of Ministry I will be going to next month. Normally when I look at a pile of books that I have to read and want to finish them in a short time, it feels stressful of I feel guilty for reading when there is so much else to do. For the last month, I have been at perfect peace while I just sit and read for an hour, two or even more. Through it all, I have realized that this rest is the starting place for all ministry. It is the place where God can most clearly show us what He is doing and we can hear His invitation to join Him. A lot of us tend to jump in to meet a need before we hear the invitation. That becomes counterproductive to ministry and harmful to our personal lives and relationships. It is easy to become consumed with making a thing happen and completely missing the way that God wants to work in a situation.<br />
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In my time of reading, it really struck home that Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. He did nothing on His own. He was far more wise than I yet He did not initiate anything on His own. He waited and moved only as He saw the Father moving. Jn 5:19+20 and Jn 8:28. If Jesus needed to hear and see the Father before He moved, how much more is that true for me. I hear people say to just obey the Bible and you will be fine but Jesus is the living Word and He only moved in step with the Father. People will often say, "But I don't hear God". If we do not hear Him, how do we think that we can do anything for Him? Jesus called the disciples friends because He showed them all that He was doing and I believe that is still His heart today. He wants to show us His activity and invite us into it. He does not want us running off after everything that seems like a good idea but He wants us waiting on Him.<br />
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In Heb 4, we are told to strive to enter the rest of God and that we fall into disobedience when we do not enter it. You ask how we can strive to enter God's rest. That seems like an oxymoron; striving to rest. For most people, staying busy is a prerequisite. They cannot imaging life without some productive activity. That is partly how we are made but since the fall, it has unfortunately also become the seat of our identity. If we are not working and accomplishing things, we have no sense of worth. To determine to just be quiet, rest and let God speak seems unnatural. We give it 15 or 20 minutes, feel like we have done our duty and then jump into work. It is difficult to determine to sit and wait until we know the move God is making and then step with Him. That really is a challenge for most of us. It is one that I faced in October when, for the first time in years, I was healthy and had no responsibility. I just had the opportunity to read, seek God, put worship music on and just soak. It was an incredible, refreshing two months for me.<br />
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I can hear many already saying, that sounds amazing. I wish I could do that but I have kids. The ministry would collapse if I took time away. People would suffer if I am not there. For every reason that I can give why you should find time to rest in Jesus with no other agenda, people can find 10 reasons why it is not possible. The truth is that you probably cannot spend 2 months just seeking God. You might need a weekend, an extra hour in the morning or evening while everyone is sleeping or a day just to be with Jesus. I know this though: You need intimacy with Jesus if you are going to do anything of value for the kingdom of God. Your time spent separating yourself with only Jesus will make you more peaceful and more fruitful. It is the key to living a fulfilled Christian life. I am praying that you will find a way do be able to get quite with God and hear His call for today.<br />
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As I have said before, I am looking for ministry partners. I am less concerned about finances than I have been at any time in the past. One of the benefits of spending this time listening for God's voice is that I have a new confidence in His ability to meet my every need and a security that His love for me motivates Him to do that. I am looking for partners because I believe God is getting ready to do some amazing things and I want you to be able to join in. I am looking for 30 people to support at $25 a month and 2 or more Churches at $100 a month. I am also looking for these people to commit to praying for what God is doing and to also join in by coming, seeing and working in the future. Please pray about this.<br />
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If you would like to support, you can send checks to;<br />
Life Church Morris<br />
P.O. Box 679<br />
Morris, IL 60450<br />
Write: Mission San Lucas on the memo line <br />
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If you are going to begin supporting, I ask that you would also drop me a quick note and let me know at <a href="mailto:thegeokr@yahoo.com" target="_blank">thegeokr@yahoo. com</a>. I am beginning to plan a budget for next year and would like an idea of what that will look like. Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support for the last 5 years.<br />
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<br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-5467202592412111342017-12-06T10:53:00.000-06:002017-12-06T10:53:50.107-06:00Time to TrainAs many of you know, I will be going to Kaleo School of Missions in Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico in January. It is a three month school that has the first 10 weeks in a classroom and local outreach in the Reynosa area. After that there is an 18 day outreach. My outreach will be to Juarez, a border city opposite El Paso Texas. This School is part of Iris Global Ministries. I cannot say that the school was all my idea and I may have even been a little reluctant at first to apply. It means that I will not be in Guatemala for 4 months or even more with Christmas in the States. I love San Lucas and where I am living. It justs seems like I am getting settled into the new place and it is time to leave. As I have been going through the process, I have realized that the best thing I can do is get myself strengthened in the Lord and trained for the next stage of life and ministry and this school is the best place to start.<br />
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For the last month, I have been doing the prep work to go to the school. What that means is I have spent a lot of time reading. There are 7 books that are required for the school and many others that are recommended reading. I have read 6 of the 7 and will be starting on the recommended books soon. They ask that the required books be read before you come so that you can enjoy the free time and group activities in the afternoon. That seemed like a good plan to me so I have been reading. My eyes are sore but I have been having great insights into God's heart for us.<br />
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In the books, I have been reading about God's provision, His desire to love through us and His supernatural protection in the most dire of circumstances. These have all been good reading and they have helped me focus on purpose in ministry and in life, as well as know the confidence we can have in any circumstance. These have been areas of struggle for me. I have often found it easier to just join in someone else's work than to launch into where God is leading. I have worried about finances and safety as well as my leadership abilities. In the books, along with my quiet times and Scripture reading, I have felt the confidence of God more and more each day.<br />
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I am coming to realize the truth of a message that I heard many years ago. "There is always time to do it right". No matter how urgent the need or how big the problem, there is always time to deal with it God's way. He has the perfect plan and He knows what we need to do to walk with Him in the midst of the situation. Sometimes we need training. That is where I am at right now. Other times we need to sit quietly and let God speak. Other times He leads us into action. But always we need to know where God is at and how He would have us to move, even if it is just one step for now. We should never be willing to run ahead of God just to try and help and we should not lag behind Him and miss out on what He wants to do through us. I am learning to move at God's pace.<br />
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These last two months have been good for me in many ways and I am excited to see where the next 4 months will lead. I am expecting to be challenged and changed while I am in Mexico but most of all, I am counting on coming out with fresh vision and a Godly empowerment for the work that He is preparing for me in the future. I am beginning to get a more clear idea of what that will be but it is too soon to share it. I have been talking to Patricia about it some and also a little to Tono and I know that it will involve kids and helping them to find identity in Jesus rather than all of the identities that the world tries to hang on them and as I think about it I get excited. I wish that I could say more but it is too soon.<br />
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As I prepare to leave for the States and then Mexico, God has been showing me His faithfulness. He has provided for the next 4 months and I can go to Mexico without worrying about haw to continue paying for my rent and other expenses in Guatemala while I am gone. I know that He also has a plan to provide for the future. I am looking for 30 people at $25 a month and 2 Churches at $100 a month to become partners with me in the ministry here in Guatemala. As of now, I am only looking for these partnerships to cover my personal expenses. I will be looking for ministry partnerships also in the future but that will be sent through and organization and directed by a board and not me. If you believe in what God is going to do and would like to join in, you can send support to<br />
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Life Church Morris<br />
P.O. Box 679<br />
508 W Illinois Ave,<br />
Morris, IL 60450<br />
In the memo line write Mission San Lucas<br />
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I want to thank all of you that have supported me this year and made it possible for me to do all that I have been doing and I look forward to sharing with you in the near future what will be happening going forward. I will be in the States for about a month so if you would like to talk to me or would like me to talk to a Church or small group, get in touch with me at thegeokr@yahoo.com .<br />
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<br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-88527805263253202652017-11-15T12:50:00.002-06:002017-11-15T12:50:28.066-06:00The Father's HeartHave you ever felt completely inadequate for the things you feel like God is placing before you? Do you feel like you are being called to things that are so far beyond you that they are impossible? Do you sometimes feel like an impostor in your Christian walk, like if others knew the real you, you would be finished? I think that all of us have faced these insecurities at one time or another, maybe it was not in the Church or ministry. Maybe it was on the job or in an area that you volunteered. There is a common theme that seems to run throughout our inner narrative. "Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes?" I think that this inner dialogue may be one of the most destructive things in our lives. After all, how we think about ourselves goes a long way in determining the limits we will self impose. I hear many people say that they are not called to missions but what most of them really mean is that they feel inadequate for that task. The truth is that all believers in Jesus are called to missions, for some it is in their neighborhood or workplace, for others it is in their local Church and for some, it is far from home, friends and family. The other truth is that none of us is capable of fulfilling the task, but the Jesus living in us is more than able.<br />
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I have been thinking about this a lot over the last few months. I have considered the different ways that a appraise my own value and usually I measure my worth in the ability to accomplish though I might never admit it to others. (until writing this) My pastor back in the States has been challenging me on this. He has been encouraging me to find my identity outside of work and achievement and to rest in the work of Jesus. Also he has been encouraging me to be in a place of receiving ministry rather than feeling like I need to work and give all of the time. Because of this, you may have noticed an absence of blog updates for the last 2 months. It seemed that while I was in the States, I spent much time looking for tasks to finish while there and he spent time reminding me of my need to receive.<br />
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The task that I see next on my plate is much bigger than me. God has continually been reminding me of the widow and the orphan. We are called to reach out to them with the love of Jesus and help them find identity and family in Him. As I have talked with friends and listened to their hearts, I am realizing that his task is much larger than I would have ever thought. While the number of actual orphans may or may not be accurate as the U.N. reports, the number of children and adults living as orphans is huge. There are millions of kids growing up without any real nurture from parents or a responsible adult. It is common in many places for children to be seen fending for themselves at 5 years old. Parents, dealing with the difficulties of a life of poverty often choose survival over nurturing. This is not to condemn the mothers. They often are doing all they can just to provide a little food and a place to sleep. This is the place that we, the Church are called to step in.<br />
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The task is huge. The number of latchkey and unattended kids is beyond our ability to comprehend. There are millions in the world, thousands in Guatemala and they are growing up, at least the ones that do not die in infancy, to at best work menial jobs for little money and repeat the same cycle of poverty. At worst they are becoming the gang members, drug dealers and prostitutes that are behind much of the crime and violence that have become common. People that have grown up with no sense of worth will look for significance wherever it can be found. Unfortunately they find it in sex, money, drugs, violence, extortion, intimidation and murder. The gangs are full of people that were recruited because they were easy targets. Nobody had told them that they had value and now someone is offering the money and respect on the street. All of a sudden they have significance and an identity.<br />
Fortunately, God loves them and the message of salvation is for them. The best way to end gang recruitment and dry up membership is to introduce potential members to a loving Father before they join. I believe God is just looking for people that will say yes, we will carry His love to them and help them to find their true identity.<br />
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I have spent much of the last month resting, reading and focusing on who I am in Jesus, the identity that He wants me to carry into the world so that He can be seen. I have now applied to Kaleo Iris School of Missions in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on the Texas-Mexico border. It is my desire to learn to minister the heart of a Father to the orphans and the orphaned hearts of the world. I also realize that I cannot do that effectively without and close intimate relationship with God. Only as the perfect Father fathers us can we share His heart with others. Only as I learn to really walk in the identity of sonship will I have the confidence to be who He is calling me to be. This school lasts for 2+ months and then there is an 18 day outreach into Mexico. My intention is to return to Guatemala after this with a fresh view of Father's heart to minister here.<br />
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I applied to this school because I believe God is calling me there. I see the need to be prepared and to have my life so deeply rooted in the love of Jesus that I can be fearless wherever He may lead. My deposit has been sent in but now I have to send in another $3,600 by Dec 13 and I have to buy plane tickets, continue to pay my health insurance, rent and other bills in Guatemala and cover all of my personal expenses for the next 5 months. I am praying for $8,000 between now and the end of the year so that all of the expenses can be dealt with before I leave the U.S. This would be a huge miracle to me but I know God is fully able to provide every need. At the same time, I am praying for the provision needed for 2018 so that finances never burden the work that God desires to do. I am asking that you would pray with me and ask for God's provision and for His blessing on everything that He wants to accomplish in the coming year.<br />
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I am excited for the next chapter. I do not have a clue as to how God is going to move in my life but I know that He is looking for available vessels to reveal His glory through. He wants people to encounter His love and I want to have greater encounters with Jesus so that He can use me to show Himself to the wounded and broken, to the orphan and widow. I want to be able to be fearless and even reckless in my pursuit of God and then to be fearlessly and recklessly available to Him as He desires to make His love known.<br />
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If you would like to help support me and the plans I feel God is leading me into you can send checks to the address below.<br />
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Life Church Morris<br />
P.O. Box 679<br />
Morris, IL 60450<br />
Write Mission San Lucas in the memo line, not my name<br />
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If you would like to know more, feel free to contact my by email, What'sApp or Facebook.<br />
Thank youGeorge Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-90620460701655341682017-09-02T13:10:00.003-06:002017-09-02T13:10:57.695-06:00Who Are You?Lately, I have been writing a lot about orphans and working with them. As you have seen, my heart is captivated by orphaned children and those that feel that way. Seeing them fall into the traps of the devil with gangs, drugs, illicit sex and violence tears at my heart. As I have watched kids grow up and become distant, for many abandon the Church and their families, I asked why. Why would they leave all of the things that they grow up with? Why would they abandon everything and everyone that ever loved them? I have come to a conclusion that startled me a little and wanted to share it with you.<br />
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People that grow up confident in the knowledge that they are loved rarely walk away from families, Church or any other place that they experienced that love. Often times, the message was repeated over and over but the person did not receive it. It is possible to grow up in a loving home with two caring parents, go to a living, dynamic Church, receive a good education and be surrounded with all of the trappings of success and still not feel loved. Because our responses to love do not start with reason but emotions, they can believe very easily deceived. It only takes a few events for children to get the message that they are not loved and that they are not important.<br />
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There are a few family dynamics that can give that message in the home. Naturally if two parents are not present it is easy for them to get they idea that they do not matter to at least one of their parents. This will often set up a situation where the other parent has to work many hours to provide and meet basic life needs. Now the child feels abandon by two parents. These days, even when two parents are in the home, they often work many hours and leave the kids in daycare, with sitters or in programs so they can work, run errands or get a little alone time. Though parents man have great intentions when they do all of these things, kids can easily get the idea that they are a secondary consideration and feel left out or unloved. Our absence speaks volumes to a child.<br />
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In this day and age, most people live regimented lives. They have work, meetings, kid's sports, their own leisure activities, Church and Church activities. It gets easy to crowd out the people we love and children are especially vulnerable as they are developing. It is important to spend time with them and talk to them. They need to be heard and feel that they matter to the family. They need older family members to spend time with them, play games and teach them to play sports. Children need to be pulled into our work, especially around the house when they are old enough to help, even if they hinder the work more than help at times. Most of all, they need to know that they are loved and that the adults in their family are not just looking to farm them out to others all of the time. They are a valuable part of the family and having them around is our privilege, not an inconvenience.<br />
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It is often said that it is important to give quality time and that is true. Unfortunately that is often said because a parent is trying to justify maintaining such a busy schedule that their children do not get much quantity. Kids will remember the things that you did with them in quality time but it will be filtered through the lens of the attitude that you showed them during the majority of your time with them. We need to show our children that they are worth our time and attention. We need to get them away from their computers, telephones and TVs. We need to put ours away and focus on the little person present with us.<br />
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The Church often has issues with Children also. They get the message that the best thing they can do is sit quietly and not disrupt the service. They do not get the message that Jesus gave. Bring them to me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to them. In the Church, we tend to treat them like an inconvenience. Why would they stay round once they are old enough to make their own choice? If they are an inconvenience when they are little, they will get the idea that we only want them for their work or money when they get older. They will not feel a connection to the Body of Christ because we did not respect the high place that Jesus placed them in. Attitudes and emotions that are formed early in life will carry forward for many years. We need to be careful of the message we send to children.<br />
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I wonder why we find it so easy to minimize the importance of children and why they feel it so deeply. I believe it is because the lie of worthlessness is one that almost everyone, even seasoned believers fall for themselves. It seems that there are few that really believe there is a place carved out for them in Father's heart. Like the child that grows up and leaves the Church, we have gotten the idea that the only value we have is in the work we do or the money we give. It only takes one slip up, sin, to completely undo all the equity we have built through our efforts. It is only in really understanding the place we occupy in Father's heart that we will overcome these feelings. Only when we walk in consciousness of our place in Father's love will we be able to help others find that place of belonging.<br />
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I was reading in Lk 3 and 4 this week and realized some things. Before Jesus ever started His ministry, He was affirmed by the Father. His identity was spoken over Him in front of others. His authority was authenticated by Holy Spirit in front of witnesses. After this, He was full of the Holy Spirit and was led into the wilderness to be tempted. Every temptation struck at His identity and the goodness of the Father. He withstood every one by proclaiming truth and standing in His identity as a Son of the Father. It concludes by saying that He came out of the wilderness full of the power of the Spirit. Knowledge of our identity, tested and tried, will lead us into strength and courage. We need these so we can pass them on. Our worth is eternally determined by the cross but our understanding of it will be determined by how we walk out the trials we encounter. Our power to live in the goodness and authority of Father comes by letting our identity be tested and not backing down or running away.<br />
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Have you had your identity revealed to you? Are you searching it out in Scripture? Do you have people in your life that can identify the truths of God's word as pertains to you and speaking these truths your your life? Do you have Godly leaders that are nurturing the things of God in you? Have you allowed your identity to be tested and tried so you can have confidence in it? I hope the answers to these questions are yes and they are leading you to stand confidently before Father. Secondly, I pray that as you and I know our identity, we become confident to aggressively proclaim these truths to the next generation. I pray that we can walk in a manner that allows them to feel confident in approaching their Heavenly Father because of the door that Jesus opened for them. My prayer is that each of us becomes overwhelmed by the new identity that Jesus has purchased for us at the cross. Lastly I pray that the world begins to get a fresh glimpse of the Jesus of the Gospel because they see us living it out daily and consistently.<br />
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As I prepare for what is next for me, I am praying about a couple of options. I am asking God to lead me to the people and connections I am supposed to make for the next phase of life and ministry. I am asking Him about further education and networking. I am praying for an increase of finances because I will not have the resources of the teams and the Church that have provided so much of my support in the past. I am praying for people to join in with work, prayer, support and forming teams. Please pray about joining in. If you would like to contact me, my U.S. number is 779-227-3812. My e-mail is thegeokr@yahoo.com<br />
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As I do need to increase my financial support to go forward, I ask that you would pray about being involved in this way. My financial goal for the remainder of the year is $6,000. I am not quite half way there. For next year, I am praying and setting a goal of $18,000. This will allow me to begin working towards ministry to and for the orphans and street children as well as some of the schooling I am praying about. You can mail checks to:<br />
Life Church Morris<br />
P.O. Box 679<br />
Morris, IL 60450<br />
In Memo line: Mission San Lucas<br />
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You can also donate by following the link on this blog page.<br />
Thank you all for the love and support. Without your joining the effort, nothing happens.George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-53554899298889278522017-08-18T10:14:00.002-06:002017-08-18T10:23:05.128-06:00Identity and OvercomingIt has been a long time since I have written. As I have been in this transition stage, many things have changed and are still changing. I rented a place just before I left but there were problems with the water and electric. Micah has been there working on it and as of yesterday, he was assured that things would be hooked up and turned on soon. It is exciting for me because it a little place on the back of the property that he is moving into with the boys. It was not always easy to schedule times to get together with them to have a Bible study or talk about life but that should be easier now, as least location wise. The downside is that I will now be living across town from much of the work with the Church.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9L-FoHInqM/WZcQjEs2t8I/AAAAAAAAGy0/JsSGLJxX51skPWCpfLt2NYbxCCJLH_L3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_140138302_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9L-FoHInqM/WZcQjEs2t8I/AAAAAAAAGy0/JsSGLJxX51skPWCpfLt2NYbxCCJLH_L3gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170727_140138302_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two girls from Membrillal at the clinic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am hoping that there will still be plenty of opportunities to work with the Church. While I have not always like some of the jobs, I love the people that God has allowed me to work with over the last 4+ years and I love that many people have seen the love of Jesus demonstrated through that work. My favorite part of these last 4 years has been to spend time with the kids in the schools, build friendships with them and watch them grow. I am excited for what God is going to do with them and hope to be able to have a role in it for many more years.<br />
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The primary change is going to be in who I am hoping to serve. God has been reminding me of the call of the Church to minister to orphans and widows. [Jas 1:27 ESV] 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. In Guatemala, there are 300,000 kids that are orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused by family members. For 95% of them there is no help in sight even though the Evangelical Church claims about to be about 40% of the total population. Not everyone can take in children and the adoption process in Guatemala is very difficult to navigate but we must act to rescue these kids. This has become my heart. God says that He is a Father to the fatherless but He has given us the task of making that known to them and of showing them His love in physical, tangible ways.<br />
Two friends shared posts on facebook just yesterday that I believe will help you see the nature of this crisis and the role that the Body is called to play in ending it.<br />
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from Micah Leier:<br />Something very sad has happened in Guatemala, but I am also saddened by how many Christians reacted. Everywhere I look at people demanding the death of the attackers, or even torturing them and worse. I have had these thoughts too, and I get angry for what happened, but the God I serve is not a God of hate and death, but love and life.<br />Instead of looking for revenge, should we ask ourselves how we have failed as much as church?<br />Because there are so many people with no hope that they are looking for her in drugs and alcoholism, because there are so many without a family that is looking for her in the gangs, and so many without love to find her in the brothel<br />The solution will not be found in hatred, killing is not solved with more bloodshed. These young people often have not seen any alternatives, they do not have education or hope for the future or often food. They're looking for a way out where they find him.<br />Now I ask you, in a country where you are supposed to be between 10 % and 60 % Christian, how can you find a gang before you find Jesus and your church? How have we failed so much that although Christians are more than gang members, they " evangelize " more and " serve " more to the poor?<br />Then before we throw away our stones, let us know if we are truly loving as Jesus sent us. What are we doing to help these people, physically and spiritually? How can we give them hope? And how will we share the love and truth of Jesus?<br /><br />From Greg Giagnocavo:<br />This Father tried to Kill his 6 Children with Poison.<br />This happened right near us.<br />Here is the TL;DR version.<br />Mother was sick, and thinking she was going to die, gave away her one-year-old daughter. Simply approached the neighbor lady and gave her the child.<br />Mother dies.<br />Father is drunk most of the time and decides he doesn't want the other 6 children so he puts rat poison in their food, with the intent to kill them . Oldest daughter age 11, (who is more less in charge of the children ) notices this and tells her siblings not to eat the food.<br />Father takes up with another woman, aka, stepmother.<br />Stepmother doesn't want the children , now ages 5 to 12, so she kicked them out of the house and won't let them back in.<br />Father allows them back in but tells the children he doesn't want to see them anymore and that he's going to find people to give them away to. He gives 5 of the 6 children away, one by one, to neighbors or friends of neighbors.<br />But he can't find a family to take the Marvin, age 5.<br />Stepmother refuses to feed Marvin and kicks him out of the house ; Marvin lives three days by himself on the street.<br />Neighbor lady notices Marvin and brings him into her house; but she already has five children and simply can't take another child into her one-room house. So she approaches her neighbors, a childless Guatemalan couple.<br />This childless couple are friends of ours, and have desperately desired children. That same day, Martin moves in with them. That couple came to visit me on the weekend. They brought Marvin along - very cute and very well-behaved.<br />They really want children and I have been working with them to help them with the paperwork to go through the Guatemala government agency to adopt a child ... but it will take at least 18 months<br />The couple came over to talk privately to me asking how to do they "take in", or "adopt", Marvin .... 'as legal as possible'.**<br />Marvin already calls them Mom and Dad and loves playing with his new cousins who live nearby. He coincidentally has the same name as the "new father" and looks similar.<br />After our talk, the couple decided to keep Marvin and raise him as their own.<br />So happy for them and for Marvin. And, happy that the other children in the family -- now have loving families to raise them. <img src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f3e/3/16/1f468_200d_1f469_200d_1f466_200d_1f466.png" />👨👩👦👦<br /><br /><br />** You might wonder why we don't call social services.<br />First thing, there really isn't a proper social services department in GT, and people are not allowed to adopt anyone they have met before. Stupid and crazy rules.<br />So if the drunk biological father was reported, the government would take all the children and, you wouldn't be able to see them again. They would be separated and who knows where they would end up.<br />So there is a very large inter-family sort of informal "adoption system" in in which children are basically given to other people to raise as their own. Not a great solution, but after 40 children died in the government children's home six months ago, many people have a distrust of the government's handling of children.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEYXXuxUqg/WZcRuC3LaSI/AAAAAAAAGzA/gLE53yNS2jUqPIZBhLfWfMfHjUzCnyX6QCLcBGAs/s1600/P_20170314_154548_BF%25281%2529.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEYXXuxUqg/WZcRuC3LaSI/AAAAAAAAGzA/gLE53yNS2jUqPIZBhLfWfMfHjUzCnyX6QCLcBGAs/s400/P_20170314_154548_BF%25281%2529.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Amalia's daughter in Zapote <br /><br /><br />I know that this is long but these stories illustrate the problems that we face. Without a sense of identity found in Jesus and without families, kids are growing up unattended, unloved and fearful. They turn to gangs, drugs, illicit sexual encounters and crime to give them a feeling of empowerment. They are destroying their nations because it is only in destruction that they feel they have a voice. Only when they are feared as much as they fear do they feel a sense of worth. God has been telling me that it is time to step in and break this cycle. I o not know exactly how it is all going to work out or what my role in all of this will be but He has given me a jumping off point for this next adventure. I am excited to see how it is all going to unfold and even more excited for how I will get to see God loving the broken. neglected and abandoned.<br /><br />I have seen an increase in my expenses as a result of moving out of the Church property. I will now be responsible for my food and housing expenses. I also have an increased the need for a car because I am farther from many of the things that I am doing. Please pray about how you can help out. I know that you all have 30 people asking for money or other help so there is no pressure. Just ask God to direct who to help and how.<br /><br />If God calls you to support financially, you can send checks to;<br />Life Church Morris<br />P.O. Box 679<br />Morris, IL 60450<br />In the memo of your check write:<br />Mission San Lucas <br /><br />I am also grateful for all of your prayers and for those that maintain contact with me while I am away. Thank you and may you be blessed for your faithfulness wherever God directs you.<br /><br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-11333530594169244532017-06-03T13:51:00.002-06:002017-06-03T13:51:43.951-06:00BecomingFor the last few months I have been on an adventure that is changing and transforming my thought process. I am still not sure of the final outcome but I know where it has brought me as of today. I have shared little bits and pieces of it before but would like to share a little more today. This change is beginning to alter the course that I thought I was on and I believe, in the end, will alter it more.<br />
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A few months ago I changed my blog name to Papa Jorge. That name grew out of a conversation that I had with a leader in Life Church St Charles. He was sharing what he saw as a God given identity for me. It took a while to use this as a name but a few months ago, my pastor in Morris, Jonathan Horsfall asked me what my identity was. Those were not his exact words but that was his question. Who is it that God has called me to be? This reminded me of the words from the leader in St Charles and so I changed my blog name even though I did not have a clear answer at that time.<br />
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Over the last few months, I have prayed about this question and many other things. As I have begun to frequently pray the prayers I shared with you previously in Eph 1-3 God started speaking to me and giving clarity to the answer. I want to encourage you to reread that blog "A Challenge" and start praying these things for yourself and your community of believers. I believe that it is life transforming and eye opening. God has been speaking to me almost daily about some aspect of these verses and as He does, it opens a new understanding of identity.<br />
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I shared that God spoke to me about the orphans but this week, he took me deeper into that. He spoke to me about my identity as an orphan and His desire for me to be a son. In Jesus, He has already made me a son but Rom 12:1+2 speaks of our transformation coming as our minds are renewed. There are a lot of wrong ways of thinking that I had incorporated into my life. I had believed a lot of lies and reacted at in a wrong manner to most authority figures in my life. I had adopted a general mistrust of authority and in many ways had lived as the orphan myself. I am so grateful to Jonathan for walking me through some of these issues in prayer. Through confession and repentance, I started to long for intimacy with the Father that I had often run away from. I mistrusted His motives towards me and felt valued by Him only when I performed to a certain, artificial standard that existed only in my mind and moved frequently. I began to realize His desire for fellowship with me in new and exciting ways.<br />
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What I am starting to realize is that to be Papa Jorge is to stand in the place of Father to lost and hurting people. In order to do that, I have to have the identity of son. That does not come from my will or and act of choosing to become. It only comes from being lost in Father. Jesus came to bring us into family. Through the cross, He gave us identity. We had a wrong identity from birth, given us by a fallen world. When we are brought into the family of God, He changes our understanding of who we are but he also changes our relationship to authority. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>(John 17:20-21 ESV - 20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.)</b></span> When we know our Father, we know that we can trust Him and that His plans are good. As a son, I no longer have to make my own way. I walk with the Father and His authority surrounds me. His provision is enough for me and His purposes are enough for me. I am not on my own. I am in a family and under the authority of a Father. I do not have to make things happen, only walk with Him and obey. All the rest is a result of His goodness. I get to enjoy the full benefits of sonship.<br />
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One of my favorite verses is Rom 8:19 ESV - 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. This verse has a now and not yet aspect to it. Creation suffers when we are not living out the relationship that we are created for. We were made to live as sons and creation is longing for that to be revealed. While we know that we do not see the fullness of the Kingdom of God here on the earth, we also know that we are being transformed from glory o glory. In this transformation process, God is revealing a little more of Himself to the world moment by moment and answering more of the longing of creation. The restoration of creation is happening little by little as sons are being revealed in the earth.<br />
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I believe that the crisis we see of orphaned, abused and neglected kids, along with the rampant use of abortion as birth control are things God wants to end because every child is created as an image bearer of His. To allow the destruction of these children, either in or out of the womb is to destroy what God has created with innate and immeasurable value. The Father has a plan for ending this destruction and restoring the dignity of all life. It starts with the Church learning their identity and to stop living as servant, slaves, sinners and orphans. It will happen when we realize the authority of the Father, vested in sons and daughters. When we know who we are, we gain our voice and speak to the injustice of the fallen world that we live in. We can begin to manifest the Kingdom, as Jesus prayer on earth as it is in Heaven. It is not our work that will do this but rather it is the Father revealing His identity through the body, His children.<br />
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I do want to begin to work more with the neglected, abused, abandoned and orphaned. Even more, I believe that the father is calling me to this work. I am planning and praying about how this is going to look. I will start where I am, in San Lucas and ask God to lead me where He wants me to be. I believe that He desires to end this pain and suffering through the Church. I do not know my role in it all yet but will be talking to some friends and people that work in these areas after I get back. I believe that He is saying aim high and trust. He does not want to help a few children but to change the way that we all deal with the need and to show us that His abundant provision is enough to meet the needs foe all.<br />
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I am asking that you would join me in praying for wisdom and direction. Talk to me if God gives you insight and wisdom. Consider partnering in the future to see children delivered into the arms of a loving Father, orphans set in families and the Church walking in the power and authority that God has for us.<br />
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Col 1:9-13 ESV - 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-72260658624156105802017-05-18T10:27:00.002-06:002017-05-18T10:40:05.279-06:00Change of DirectionA couple of weeks ago I shared with you what I felt led to pray for my life and for the Church. It was mostly Paul's prayers for the believer in Ephesians 1-3. As I started praying these things consistently, God started speaking about some things more clearly to me. I should not be too surprised because one of the things I have been asking for is a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I would like to share some of this with you and then encourage you to go back to that blog and begin praying these things for your life and for the Christian community that you are part of.<br />
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A few days after I started praying these things, I had a dream. I usually do not think much about dreams but his one was different. It was clear and concise. I wrote it down as soon as I got up and as I wrote it became even more clear. I was seeing things beyond the dream but I knew that it was God opening my eyes to His heart. As I wrote, I got more insight and direction but not a specific plan. As I prayed about what I was writing I saw that there would be a time to act on these things but first there was going to be a time of waiting for God to work some things out in me.<br />
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The dream was short. I was moving into a flop house with a friend. I could not tell you who the person was other than that I knew we were friends. As we approached our room, he told me to wait. He had to check on the kids next door. In the room there was a 3 year old girl and her little sibling. They were just waking up. My friend talked to the little girl for a minute then we prepared to leave. As we turned to go, she said "I am hungry". I asked my friend if we should go get them something to eat since they were obviously left alone. He said, no, they would find something and we did not need to worry about it. This was the whole dream.<br />
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As I prayed about it, I began to see that the reason I could not identify the friend is because he was the Church. The children were orphans and our response was the typical response we tend to have. We want to look at needs and we are good at seeming concerned but we often do not go deeper to intervene in people's lies. I think that we feel the situation is too big and our help would not matter so why bother. I know that I often feel overwhelmed by what I see and it hinders my ability to intervene. I suspect that I am not the only one.<br />
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Some examples are the things that I see in Guatemala. It is hard to get good statistics because every source seems to report something different so I usually assume that the truth is in the middle. There are 300,000+ homeless, orphaned, abused and neglected kids in a country of 16,000,000. About 40% or 6,500,000 residents are part of the Evangelical Church. 1/2 of the population is under 21 years of age. 15% of the population is wealthy but over 3 times that number live in poverty, many of them in extreme poverty, less than $1.50 per day. The income of the poorest in the population has decreased in the last 15 years while their numbers have swollen. Violence, rape, molestation and murder dominate the headlines of the national newspapers. In the last week 3 bus drivers and 3 helpers have been murdered in San Lucas, a usually peaceful community.<br />
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I felt like God was telling me that this is the natural outcome of people growing up orphans. Not all that are orphans are parentless, Most have at least one parent. The orphan condition comes from living in a fallen world and believing the lies of the enemy that we have to figure life out for ourselves. It is a heart condition that keeps us from being able to receive love and manifests itself in these various destructive activities. People with an orphaned heart will try to destroy what they cannot control. People with orphaned hearts believe they are on their own and the only thing that they can count on is their own effort. Unfortunately that always comes up short, leaving them more empty and more broken, angry and frustrated.<br />
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I felt like God was saying that He was showing me these things because I was going to start working with orphans, street kids, the neglected and abused. I believe that is possible as of now. I know that God hates the fact that there are so many people He created as an object of His love who are being hurt each day because of the corruption of the world and the lies of the enemy. I believe that His desire is to stir up the Church to step into these situations and see people set free. I believe I will be working in this ministry in the future but then he revealed something closer to home for me.<br />
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I have been seeing all of the areas of my life that respond from orphan thinking. What was easy for me to see in some was hard in me. God stared showing me the ways that I respond and react that are based on the lies of the enemy. I would like to share with you this limited list, some of which have been issues for me and others that are common for many people. This is not comprehensive but they are just a few checkpoints that I have started to see so that I could recognize areas of my life where I have not been living like a son of God but like an orphan and a slave.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Self awareness: Orphans have an inclination to process every decision based on perceived personal expense.</li>
<ol>
<li>Selfish motives; If I give or share I might not have enough for me.</li>
<li>Fear of loss; If I obey it is going to cost me something, money, family, home, respect.</li>
<li>I will be taken advantage of: People will use me if I am too giving.</li>
<li>Poverty and lack mindset; How am I going to meet my needs and obligations if I obey God in this?</li>
</ol>
<li>Self preservation; I could die or be injured.</li>
<ol>
<li>Fear of suffering; I could suffer or die if I do that.</li>
<li>Fear of the future; If I do this I will not be provided for until my life ends.</li>
</ol>
<li>Anger; Orphans often respond by lashing out when they are fearful.</li>
<li>Need to be right or agreed with; Being right becomes a measure of worth</li>
<li>Need to succeed; Orphans often measure themselves by if others see them as successful.</li>
<li>Checking out; If I am destined to fail, why try?</li>
<li>Defensiveness; Orphans are often expecting rejection or chastisement so they are ready to defend themselves.</li>
</ol>
There are many more but this is enough to get people thinking. Are you living like a child of a good Father? Are you secure in the identity that you have been giving through Jesus. If we are crucified with Jesus, we have a new identity. We are sons, through creation first and then by adoption. God has given us a new identity. I am beginning to see how important it is to embrace this identity. If I do not know that I am a son, raised with Jesus and seated with Him, I cannot offer the world the one thing that it truly needs. The purpose of the Church is to make disciples that are sons of God. We are called to call others into their destiny as Holy Spirit leads us. We cannot do that while remnants of the orphan remain in us. God is in the process of removing that. It comes through the cross and embracing it for all of our old, orphaned self and then being raised as sons, fellow heirs with Jesus. This is where I am today, learning to see all of the areas in my life that I am living in and have been embracing this lie. God is teaching me to be a son.<br />
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Read the prayer of Jesus for the disciples and let it sink in as you realize it is for you also.<br />
[John 17:18-26 ESV] 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."<br />
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God wants to heal us, teach us to live as sons, united with Him and as one in Him and then to transform the world. I am called to work with orphans but it might not be how I though of it. The world is full of people that do not know they are orphans and God wants to bring them, through the cross of Jesus to the place of adoption and sonship. He also wants to use you in this ministry. Are you ready?<br />
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<br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-79824009952502267292017-05-08T11:56:00.001-06:002017-05-08T12:04:57.923-06:00An Unexpected TurnFor two weeks I had little to do but rest. There were a few small tasks but not much to keep me busy. The first week was Holy Week and we do not have any teams. The next week was the group from His Hands. They go to the school to get all of the sponsorship information for many of our students. I often dive them but it can be hard for the school when I come. Kids call out to get my attention at the most inappropriate times making it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. I stayed behind while Rene drove them out and dropped them off. It was all good because after the two weeks rest I was rested and excited to get out and work with my great friends from Hinton. It is always good to see Kelvin and his crew so I was excited to get back to work.<br />
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The team came in late on Wednesday night and we left at 7:30 Thursday morning to build a house in Zapote. I was feeling good and ready to get started. We carted all of the materials to the house and cut down about a dozen banana trees to make room for the house. About 2 hours in we had holes dug for the posts that would hold the house up and went to carry one from the gate to the house site, about 30 yards, through a narrow walkway. As I got to the clearing for the house I turned just slightly and felt a pop. I thought I was going to go down and pain shot through my knee. I had a slightly torn meniscus for about a year and a half but now something felt really wrong. Every step hurt. I was about to unexpectedly get a few more weeks off.<br />
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We has a doctor on the team and he narrowed it down to just a torn MCL or a bigger tear in the meniscus than I had previously. He checked at the sight and then again when we got home that night. I think he had narrowed it down to the meniscus that evening. Within a few minutes of this happening, I remembered that a friend, Joe Leier had a surgical team coming the next week. I messaged him and asked about the team and he told me that their was only one doctor doing surgeries that week and he was an orthopedic surgeon, the one that had repaired his son Micah's shoulder a few months before.<br />
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It is amazin whatthey can do through two small hole. $ days afte<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjf_VvI2i2E/WRCydftRetI/AAAAAAAAGB0/Of79v0ViWx0P0PZ29uJWS6-WYgnPdqvkQCLcB/s1600/P_20170505_182619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjf_VvI2i2E/WRCydftRetI/AAAAAAAAGB0/Of79v0ViWx0P0PZ29uJWS6-WYgnPdqvkQCLcB/s640/P_20170505_182619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is amazing what they can do through 2 small holes. 4<br /> days after surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went to have x-rays while the team went to work on Friday. On Monday Patrica, Micah and I made the trip an hour and twenty minutes north to see the doctor. He confirmed Dr Noel's diagnosis that it was a torn meniscus. I was scheduled for surgery the next day. Patricia and I got up early and at 5:30 Tuesday morning she again drove me to San Raymundo for surgery. After waiting for the complicated surgeries to finish, they took me to prep at about 12:45. They took me into surgery a couple of hours later and repaired the knee. It has been 6 days and I am feeling much better. I still have some bruising and a little difficult straightening my knee completely but I am almost back to normal.<br />
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When I look at all of the things that transpired, I have been amazed at how God orchestrated everything. The injury happened at the only time it could if I was going to get it repaired before I came back to the States. It happened while we had a team with a doctor and a nurse on the property to check up on me every once in a while and it happened when the best person to repair it would be available. God did not cause the injury but He allowed it to happen at the best possible time.<br />
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Many people would ask why He allowed it to happen in the first place. If God is good, why does He allow such injuries to attack His children? Why did He allow me to have cancer 6 years ago> Why do so many face such bad circumstances? I do not have all of the answers but I have come to this conclusion; He is faithful and He loves us. These seemingly bad circumstances will cause growth in us that nothing else can. Through cancer I learned that I can trust God to lead in the middle of dire circumstances. Through the knee injury I learned something completely different.<br />
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The other day I woke up praying about some things and God spoke something profound and painful to me. He showed me how selfish I am. I have done lots of things that would look like that it not true but He showed me some of my motives in doing them. They usually made me feel good about myself but I often still grumbled and complained about the actual work required to accomplish them. Often I would complain on the inside even when I said little with my mouth. I wanted the gratification of helping people and I loved the acknowledgements but often hated the work. I am sure that was reflected in my attitudes at times.<br />
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Today, as I read 1st Cor 3 I was reminded that all of our work is to be built on the foundation of Jesus and it will have to withstand a test of fire. Whatever is build poorly, with a wrong attitude and not under the direction of Holy Spirit will burn and we will suffer the loss. I believe God has led me here. He has given me a supernatural love for the people here and a desire to see this country transformed by His love through the body of believers. Unfortunately, I had let my attitude be shaped by selfish thoughts and wrong thinking. I had forgotten to be thankful because Jesus has let me have a role in the work He is doing. I let work displace relationship and is was showing. Fortunately, He has been faithful to give me time to hear His voice and begin repenting of the wrong attitudes and to move Him back to the center of all I am doing. Without Him orchestrating the events with my knee, I may still be working from the same lies. Jesus is faithful to put us in a position to hear Him even when we resist. Thank you Jesus that having a right relationship with you is more important than finishing houses, playing with kids, building stoves or even building schools and \Churches. Thank you that you bring us to where we need to be to learn that lesson.<br />
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I will be back in the States for a couple of weeks starting May 15th. I would love to share more with you about what God is doing in my life and in Guatemala and also to catch up with you all. I want to say thank you for all that have been supporting me with your finances and prayers and also to all that have encouraged me. I cannot do what I am doing without your support and encouragement.<br />
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If you would consider supporting and praying for me, I would appreciate it. I still need to raise $5,000 approximately to finish this year. You can send support checks to:<br />
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Life Church Morris<br />
P.O. Box 679<br />
Morris, IL 60450<br />
In the memo of your check write Mission San Lucas<br />
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<br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-84851421665658117522017-04-26T11:35:00.000-06:002017-04-26T11:35:20.366-06:00A ChallengeThis is not a usual post but rather a challenge foor me that I am asking others to join me in. I am going to pray the following verses from Ephesians for myself personally for the next 30 days and as they become more a reality in my life I am going to pray them over My family, both natural and Church family gor 30 more days. I am asking my friends and family to join this prayer. I am realizing how often I depend on self but want to be completely emptied of self so I can be fully filled with the Holy Spirit. The world needs the Church to walk in the power of God. The disciples turned the world upside down once. We need to see it happen today. Please join me in this prayer, first for yourself and then for all that Jesus wants to use to make himself know. Feel free to share this challenge with everyone and I will be writing a regular blog soon.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">13 In him you also, when you heard
the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were
sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our
inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 15
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your
love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the
knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may
know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his
glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness
of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at
his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and
power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave
him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness
of him who fills all in all. {Eph 1:13-23 ESV}<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 And you were dead in the trespasses
and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world,
following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in
the sons of disobedience-- 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of
our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by
nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in
mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were
dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have
been saved-- 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly
places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable
riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you
have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift
of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand, that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that at one time
you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is
called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands-- 12 remember that
you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of
Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without
God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been
brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has
made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of
hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances,
that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making
peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross,
thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who
were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have
access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and
aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the
household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure,
being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also
are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. [Eph
2:1-22 ESV]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8 To me, though I am the very least
of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ, ... 10 so that through the church the manifold
wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the
heavenly places. ... 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant
you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and
grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what
is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of
Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness
of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we
ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in
the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.
Amen. [Eph 3:8, 10, 16-21 ESV]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-4315620242221344912017-03-22T12:30:00.001-06:002017-03-22T12:30:49.554-06:00Even in the Tough TimesI have been having a hard time trying to figure out what to write this week. We spent the last week helping The Oasis staff and a medical team from Texas with a medical clinic in Zapote. It was a difficult week for many. Normally this group was led by the team coordinator Josh Ma. I have helped them with 8 or 9 clinics and he has been the lead on all but this one. He was not able to lead this time because he was very ill. He has been battling stomach cancer and it spread to most of his other organs. He lost a lot of weight because the tumor was so large he could not eat. He had a feeding tube placed in his intestines to try and get him some nourishment. Unfortunately the tube did not seal and leaked into his body cavity causing severe infection. On Thursday one of the Kid's Alive staff got frequent prayer updates and they culminated in the news that he passed away at 3 p.m. <div>
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In my home Church there is a man that has been faithful to attend and pray for many years. He was an encourager for all that were there. He always had a hug and a smile for everybody. When he prayed for you, you knew that you were loved. A few months ago he was diagnosed with cancer as well. He had been going through treatment and when I was in Morris for Christmas I thought he looked good seemed to be doing well also. Chemo destroys he immune system and he got sick. He wound up in ICU a few days ago. This morning he passed away also.<br /><div>
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Other than the fact that they were both Godly men and they both had families, their lives were very different. One was young, had left a professional position to pursue missions. The other had worked hard and lived in the same area most of his life. One had a young wife, a small daughter and another child on the way. The other lost his wife to cancer several years ago and his children were now adults with families of their own. Thy were different in many ways but the end of their life journey here has had a singular impact on me</div>
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The effect of these two deaths has caused me to question the direction of my life. I am missing time with family and friends in Morris. Someday I will loose people closer to me than these two friends. Will I regret not being there the last few years? Will I be able to be at a funeral for a close family member or friend, knowing that I was not there when their time on earth ended? I have asked myself this question before but it seemed like there was a greater urgency to have an answer this time. Fortunately, God is faithful to let us know when we are where we are supposed to be.</div>
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At Josh's funeral on Saturday, a friend< Doug shared how Josh was ready to go and be with Jesus. He had held on for his wife and children but his heart was ready to be at rest with Jesus. If he was not to be healed, he wanted to go. That type of assurance can only come from a close walk with Jesus. He loved his family but was in the place that he knew Jesus could care for them better than he could.While he wanted to be there for them, he had confidence that Jesus would walk through this with them, comfort them and care for them in the future. He was ready to hear his Father welcome him home into his reward.</div>
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We all are going to go through difficult times. We have families that may suffer when we cannot be there for them. Life on this planet can be difficult at times and we are all touched by the brokenness that surrounds us. We have to know the love of Jesus and be confident in the course that He sets for us. Even more I think is that we have to know His love and care for our families. We have to learn to trust Him with their care. He can do what we cannot. He can give them life, both now and for eternity.</div>
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I need to remind myself frequently that I am not called to live for this world. That includes the people and relationships that are dear to me. I am called to live for eternity. That does not mean I cannot have real and deep relationships here but that I cannot let them be my motivation. If I follow Jesus I can trust Him o take care of the people that matter to me. My best reward will be eternity, filled with the people I love. I cannot get them there Only God can do that. I can pray for them and share truth with them but He is the one that draws them to a life giving relationship with Himself. As for me, I choose to let go of the here and now so that I can rejoice for eternity with those I love. Who knows, if I do not obey God's voice one of the testimonies that He desires to use to draw them may not exist.</div>
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The best way to get through the tough times is to remember that we are not called to live for this world. The best way to find the courage to follow God in tough places is to focus on eternal rewards and not immediate gratification. Remind yourself that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow so we need to make our choice to obey today. God may not be calling you to leave your country but He is calling you to a risky and costly role. Obedience to Jesus will cost you but the rewards will be worth it.</div>
George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-86286564273292364732017-03-10T11:35:00.003-06:002017-03-10T11:37:53.530-06:00When Life Gets Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a busy month around here. We have had a team of women come and begin the dialogue about ending a culture of violence against women and children. We had our friends from Ohio and Pennsylvania come and help us get started on the construction of the new Church building in San Lucas and we had a group from McKinney Christian Academy in Texas come to build houses and also reach out to the kids in Zapote with the love of Jesus. Each week was different and good in its own way.<br />
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Violence in Guatemala is a major problem. Some of you may have seen the story from the government run children's home. Over 30 girls have died as a result of a fire that they set in an attempt to escape this place. They were locked in their dorm rooms like prisoners. The stories of abuse and overcrowding have been hard to read. On Monday night many of the children decided to take action in response to their living conditions. They rioted and 60 or so escaped at least temporarily. The children were returned to their rooms and locked in. That is when the fire was started. I will not share the rest of the story here but will say that you can read about it all over the internet. It is the biggest story here currently. I will say though that it is just one more sign of the need for healing in this country that can only come through Jesus. The conversations that this team of women started is a step in that direction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buses bringing people to celebrate</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeYL6reYEHQ/WMLg86shsYI/AAAAAAAAFsw/SRuhDUUCvyALmuoAoYE2NeoNuphB9d6XACLcB/s1600/1488128563412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeYL6reYEHQ/WMLg86shsYI/AAAAAAAAFsw/SRuhDUUCvyALmuoAoYE2NeoNuphB9d6XACLcB/s1600/1488128563412.jpg" /></a>After this team of ladies left, we dedicated the new property where the Church building will be built. We had people from Churches in Zapote, Santo Thomas, Magdelana, Membrillal and Chimaltenango come for the celebration along with 2 teams that were here and leaders from the community and from the CMA. They came on 8 buses and there was between 700 and 800 people. When this building is complete, we will have a much better ability to reach out and help meet the needs of the San Lucas area. It was an exciting day.<br />
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Our Fairhaven team from Pennsylvania and Ohio came next. Every year when they come it is a time for celebration. There has not been a project that Galilea has undertaken in the last 17 years that this group has not been a part of. Their history in Guatemala and their friendship are invaluable. This year they worked on numerous projects to begin the new Church building in San Lucas. They built a storage building with a living area for a guard. They removed many trees, helped establish the grade depth for the foundation, tied columns and footer grids and poured the first footers for the building. They also welded the new gates that will sit at the entrance.. Along with all of that, they encouraged all of us with their presence and their words.<br />
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Finally we worked with many of the senior class and some staff and chaperons from the Mckinney Christian Academy.. This group returned for a second year and they built three houses in Zapote along with a stove. They also went to the school and had after school activities with the kids for three days.They had opportunities for several to share their testimonies with the kids as well as play games and renew some friendships from last year. This group was generous in every way and I would like to thank them for coming and working with us<br />
In the midst of all of this, God showed me a couple of things clearly. The first was for me personally. If I am not spending time working on my relationships, first with Him and then with the people that I am with, the work is not that important. It is in relationship that our work gains value. If my relationship with God suffers because I am to busy, I am no longer working with Him and it just becomes labor. The value is exponentially diminished because the one who it is for is no longer in the middle of it. If it does not build relationships with the people that the work is with and for, it also looses value. If we are not building relationship, how can we live in the unity that Jesus called us to. We have just begun to work but without any of the things that give our work value.<br />
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The second thing that He was showing me was a different mindset that exists between a son and an orphan. One leads to a type of prosperity and the other to poverty. A son knows that he has a father, is loved and has a reliable source of provision. An orphan feels abandon and needs to try and scrape by on whatever little they can claw out of the world. A son knows that their father has enough and that they do not need to be jealous of others. An orphan always feels like someone else's success has cost them. Orphans cannot rejoice at what someone receives because they feel left out. A son knows that all they have is a blessing from father and he is faithful not just to them but to all that will receive his provision. Not all prosperity is financial but it is all in a mindset that is content, knowing that their needs are being met by someone that loves them. Orphans,in spirit always feel like they lack something no matter how much they have. Their mindset locks them into looking at and comparing their worth to others and they always come up short. I sometimes fall into the orphan category and am grateful for all of the reminders that I am a son and have received a spirit of adoption.<br />
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I am hoping to begin to send out support and prayer letters in the next couple of months. They will be more specific than the blog and will tell you how you can support and pray for me, Galilea and all for the work going on in our projects. If you would like to receive this, send me a message with your contact info and will get you on the list. ThanksGeorge Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-64437832680441711082017-02-22T09:24:00.000-06:002017-02-22T09:24:45.841-06:00What Does It All Mean?Many of you may be wondering about the name change of the blog and what I mean when I talk about the Father's love. We are all called to love so how is this love any different than what we already know, or is it? Even as I write this, I have had to think through some of these questions and reconsider what I believe this love to be. I would like to share with you a couple of my recent thoughts and observations about this and tell you how it impacts the work I am involved in here in Guatemala.<br />
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We have had 2 teams already this year but neither of them has done work that really involved me. I drove them both around but they were not doing the types of work that I normally am involved in. Our first team was a medical team from Utah. They had a 4 day clinic in Membrillal. Although I have seen many Doctors on TV and I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Select, I am not really qualified to practice medicine.I spent much of this week helping do crafts with the kids. I have to admit that I feel almost as unqualified for crafts as I am for medicine. Fortunately, God knows my heart and knows that being with the kids is enough to bring me joy and it shows them that they are worth the attention.<br />
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If I was not qualified for the medical clinic, I had even less to offer for the following team. A group of women from British Columbia came to hold forums on violence against women and children, sexual abuse and to share information with mothers in the schools about women's health issues. I had little to offer for these 7 days. Fortunately, that opened up a lot of free time for me. I did some electrical work at both schools but still had many hours to fill. God had plans for that time and He opened my eyes to help me see His heart for us a little more clearly.<br />
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One morning in Membrillal the kid's were playing and they had already warn me out with their calls to be picked up. They like to hang from my forearm and also they like for me to hang them up on the playground equipment so they can see how long they can stay up before they fall. After lifting 25 to 30 kids numerous times, my arms were spent. I could not lift the small children anymore, let alone the older ones. I went to sit down for a couple of minutes and recoup a little. While I was sitting there many of the kids crowded around me. That is not at all uncommon but on boy who is in 4th grade I think came and sat down next to me. After about 2 minutes, he leaned over and was half laying on me. It was a little awkward but then I felt like God just prompted me to pray for him. So as he sat there calmly, I prayed that he would know the love of his true Father and that he would experience His presence in his life. God opened my eyes to His heart for the boy, for me and for humanity.<br />
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God loves us as a perfect Father. He knows the reasons that we were each created. He knows and cares about the smallest details of our lives. He is working behind the scenes to draw us into His will and to release us into our destiny. He desires that each of us would know the depths of His love and walk in it. He desires the same fellowship with each of us that Adam and Eve had in the Garden. He wants us to know the depth of His love. He wants to reveal what an extravagant gift of life the cross was. The Father wants us to return His love as an expression of a heart sold out to Him. He wants us to trust and obey Him in confidence that He is working out everything in out lives for our benefit, even when we see difficulties and want to run. The Father's heart is a heart that wants us to freely return His love. He finds joy in our responses to His invitation. He does not desire to take control from us but He does desire that we would submit ourselves to His leading and prompting. The Father's heart is a heart enamored with His children and thrilled when they respond to His affection.<br />
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So often I want to tell kids to listen to me and do things exactly as I say. I want them to obey because I believe my way is the best. I feel like I can see what is ahead for them if they do not listen. I really want to control their lives. That is not the Father's way. He draws us to Himself. He tells us His desire. He lets us know that there are consequences to disobedience but He does not force us into a begrudging obedience. Jer 31 and Zeph 3:15-17 show the Father's heart toward us. It shows Him allowing the rebellion and the consequences to play out. At the same time it shows the loving Father eager to draw His children back to Himself and restore them. The story Jesus told of the prodigal is another great insight into this remarkable, selfless love of the Father.<br />
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As I ponder and pray about these things, I realize that the love of the Father frees us to become who He created us to be. It does not hold us in bondage or tie us to His will. It allows us to walk the path we choose while always waiting to draw us to Himself. My desire is that I would learn more daily how to direct my will towards walking in this love and then to encourage others to do the same.George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-13356947649622261782017-01-20T14:08:00.000-06:002017-01-20T14:14:04.192-06:00Praying for 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="line-height: 107%;">Dear family and
friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Many
of you have seen the change to my blog page. Last year I changed the title of the
blog to “Papa Jorge.” I have not become a father but I felt like the change was
necessary. The title comes from a word that a man shared with me about 3 years
ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
o. He had just met me and when I began to share with
him about the work in Guatemala, he said that he felt like God was showing him
my heart and that I was Papa Jorge. This resonated with me because of my love
for kids and desire to see them safe, happy and knowing Jesus, but it has taken
on new meaning for me in the last few months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"> I have
felt like God is calling me to invest more in the missionaries that I know.
Life in a foreign country can be difficult, especially when you have problems
arise. There is often a feeling of isolation. In November I was starting to
feel the need to begin reaching out to missionaries and looking for
opportunities to encourage them. This would not be instead of working with the
Galilea but would a second ministry. I know that most have pastoral care that
visits from time to time but life does not always wait for your care pastor to
be able to make travel arrangements. I am seeing the need to develop
connections within our community to be able to reach out and encourage one
another regularly and supplement the care being offered by the Pastoral Care
ministers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"> As I
think about it, this is not a second ministry but really an extension of what I
am in Guatemala to do. We have a loving Father and He wants to reveal His heart
of love to people. His heart is to encourage and build up. His heart is to help
His children walk out their destinies. His heart is that His children would
know His love and turn to Him always in every situation. He calls us to repent
and live. He has called His children to overcome. Most of my time to date has
been trying to do this with the children but now I sense it is also time to be
Papa Jorge to a larger group. We all need to be reminded of our loving Father
waiting to reveal Himself right now, right where we are. We all need a little
help seeing Him sometimes. As I return, I am praying for open doors and God’s
timing to begin to encouraging missionaries and building them up. I am praying
for greater insight and revelation of the Father’s heart for me. I am aware
that it is only as I receive that I can give. My desire this year is that
people would see Abba present in their life and active in their circumstances
and that I would be able to encourage them in that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
I would
like to ask you to pray regularly for a few things for this coming year:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntnkl3JLUEc/WIJrhnw4WcI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/R9XjAyHh0W4devge5U_qM0kEd7miz0ROwCLcB/s1600/1476819179384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntnkl3JLUEc/WIJrhnw4WcI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/R9XjAyHh0W4devge5U_qM0kEd7miz0ROwCLcB/s320/1476819179384.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1 </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">1</span>. </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">More revelation of the Father’s love
and discernment to minister </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> this to others.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2</span>.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Intimacy with Jesus and wisdom from
the Holy Spirit.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Eyes to see the opportunities to love
people. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Freedom in the Spirit to obey His
leading without hesitation or fear. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">A father’s heart to become more evident
in me.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 6.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Finances for the coming year, I need
about $13,500. You can read my budget in my last blog.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 7.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">A reliable car so I am not limited by
lack of transportation.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 8.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Wise use of time – Making time for
rest and for fellowship with</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> God and people during a busy team schedule.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 9.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Health and rest for all our Galilea
staff and sufficient time with </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> their families. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 10.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Good rapport with each of the teams
and fruitful work.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 11.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ultimately, my prayer is that people
would come to know Jesus through the work and outreach we are doing. I would
love to see team members that do not know Jesus become followers on their outreach this year. We also would love to see many come to Jesus in San Lucas, Membrillal
and Zapote.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Please keep praying this throughout the year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Finally, I am looking for a person that would help me from
the States. I need to send out mailings and write letters to inform people of
the work we are doing and the needs that go with along with the work. I would
also like to develop of people interested in the work from the U.S. and from
our teams that come to work and send out prayer/support letters to them 6 times
a year. If you can help with this, please let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Thank you for all your prayers and support. You are a
blessing to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">George Kresse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e; line-height: 115%;">George Kresse<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e;">1240 E Southmor Rd<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e;">Morris, IL 60450<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e;">US Phone: 779-227-3812<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e;">Guatemala Phone: 502-5354-5720</span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e;">E-mail: thegeokr@yahoo.com</span></b></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
<b><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you would
like to contribute to support the work in the continuation of this ministry,
you can send checks to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Life Church Morris<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
P.O. Box
679<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Morris, IL 60450<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="WebSiteAddress" style="line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Memo: Mission San Lucas<o:p></o:p></div>
George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-18286188024651265022017-01-04T14:22:00.001-06:002017-01-04T14:26:27.224-06:00Looking AheadLast week I shared with you a look at what we were able to do in 2016 and hopefully was able to give you a glimpse into the projects that we are working on from Iglesia Galilea. It was a very good, productive and busy year. Because so many people came, worked with us, prayed for us and financially supported all that we are doing, we saw great strides in our work.<br />
<br />
We are now looking forward to 2017 with eager anticipation. We will continue the work on all of our projects in Zapote and Membrillal. We are also looking to build a larger Church building in San Lucas. We will be looking for new and different ways to share the Gospel and to see the Kingdom of God expanded in Guatemala. We will host many teams and work with a few others also. This year we should see over 200 people come to work with us and help with the ministries we are working in.<br />
<br />
I am writing to make you all aware of my needs for the coming year. I try not to focus on finances to often but it seems like an appropriate time of year to do that. These are strictly my personal needs and expenses. In the past my budget goal has been in the $1,000 a month range. I have looked at the minimum needed for living expenses and travel and set my target just above that. It is also the minimum that the Guatemalan government requires if I am going to seek residency in the future. I have done okay at this level and have not suffered trying to live on that amount but this year I am raising the goal by 50% plus. I would like to explain and ask you to pray about partnering with me in meeting this goal.<br />
<br />
As I spend more time in Guatemala, it becomes more apparent that I need to buy some things that I have been doing without and my budget has not left room for those things. My computer is getting old and showing signs of needing to be replaced. I also would like to start getting some comfortable furniture. After a long day of working it is getting more obvious that my body needs a place to rest and recuperate. There is also the potential that I will need to find an apartment or small house this year. I need to get health insurance. I have not had it for the last few years and God has taken care of me but I still need it. The biggest expense is the need for a vehicle. I have been walking or using other people's cars for much of the last 4 years but I need transportation. The bus system is not always safe and not everything is available in San Lucas.<br />
<br />
My budget for this year follows<br />
<br />
Airline tickets $1,800<br />
Computer $1,000<br />
Food $1,500<br />
Clothing $ 600<br />
Medical Expenses $1,200<br />
Insurance $3,000<br />
Recreation $1,200<br />
Furniture $1,000<br />
Phone $ 350<br />
Internet $ 400<br />
Incidental Exp $1,200<br />
Vehicle $5,000 to 8,000 <br />
Total $13,250 plus the cost of a car<br />
This amount does not include rent, utilities or furnishings for an apartment<br />
<br />
I am asking you to pray and consider if God is calling you to partner with me in this ministry .I know that He has called me to this work and He is my provider. As I look back, He has always provided and He has done that through people that have been His hands and feet. I cannot promise you a hundred fold return on your giving but I can promise that God is faithful and He has given us all a role to play.<br />
<br />
I am asking God for the following<br />
<br />
Monthly givers<br />
20 people giving $25 per month<br />
8 people giving $50 per month<br />
3 Churches giving $100 per month<br />
and in addition, 70 one time gifts of $100 for the purchase of a car.<br />
<br />
I do not know how God is going to answer these requests but I thank you for your faithfulness to pray about these needs and if God leads you to give towards them. I do not want anyone to give from obligation but only in obedience if God is calling you. At the same time, these are the needs that I have for continuing in Guatemala. Please share this blog with your friends, family and Churches. I need your help to spread the word and keep doing this work. Thank you<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Life Church Morris<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
P.O. Box 679<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Morris, IL 60450<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
In the memo of your check write Mission San Lucas<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-3351729009471368922016-12-28T13:06:00.002-06:002016-12-28T13:07:59.463-06:00A Video Review of 2016This year was a very busy year at Galilea. We had 14 teams, built houses in 6 Zapote and also 3 others in Zorzoya, Escuintla, and Magdelena. We built about 20 stoves also. Our teams chipped up the cracked concrete floors in Zapote and tiled the school. They also repaired the underground drainage at the Zapote school and poured concrete in an unfinished part of the school yard. We hosted a medical clinic in Membrillal and worked with 2 others in Zapote. We finished the walls of the Church in Membrillal and put the roof on. The Church was dedicated in November.<br />
<br />
Teams that came did Bible Schools, Special ministries to the kids after school. They did food give aways to families in need. One team did teacher training led by teachers and a school administrator. We were able to hold an evangelism event for the workers and drivers of the company that delivers fuel to the gas stations and another one for their families later in the day. We did street fair outreaches in San Lucas and in Membrillal and we walked the streets of Membrillal prayerwalking with one team and sharing the Gospel with another.<br />
<br />
It was a year that kept us busy. There was such a variety of projects and outreaches that there was never time to get bored.<br />
<br />
We finished the year with graduations at both schools and then a gift giveaway for the students. All of the students in Membrillal received backpacks ans in Zapote they received shoes. The schools had about 300 in attendance this year and we got to share the Gospel and demonstrate the love of Jesus to them on a regular basis. This is the reason that we are here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YTUfiYEHjWw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YTUfiYEHjWw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
I am going to stop writing but I would like to share a video with you that shows some of what we were able to do this year.George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-12739600661737098572016-11-12T14:23:00.001-06:002016-11-12T14:23:44.435-06:00The Kid's are Preparing to Move On!In the last couple of weeks we had three graduations. Our 6th readers completed their school year in Membrillal. In Zapote the 6th and 9th graders graduated and finally, We got to go see Beverly graduate from law school in the city. She was sworn in on Monday at the Supreme Court and now is a full fledged attorney in Guatemala. To me, seeing Beverly's graduation was incredibly encouraging. It is not only the end of a chapter in her life that required lots of hard work to write but it is also a source of hope for many others.<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvlOklwotvI/WCdwZ3zEZOI/AAAAAAAAFm4/CeLfSKnDVJszixBhzkTW06p26e3iT7QyACLcB/s1600/DSC00563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvlOklwotvI/WCdwZ3zEZOI/AAAAAAAAFm4/CeLfSKnDVJszixBhzkTW06p26e3iT7QyACLcB/s320/DSC00563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Byron has been around since the beginning.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
A couple of times I have been in Membrillal hen the question was asked of students, "What do you want to be?" I have heard psychologist, social worker, teacher and chef along with many other things. Kids know how to dream about their future lives. It is good to hear them vocalize those dreams and get them thinking. In Zapote, Sonia, our valedictorian from last year wants to be a doctor. What an amazing dream for a young woman that grew up in a rural village and seldom ever had contact with doctors even. The first part of accomplishing anything is to imagine it or have an idea for it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, most of these kids have grown up in rural areas with parents that were field workers or laborers in low paying jobs. The parents and grandparents grew up in a time of war and had no opportunity to have a better career because education was not available or was disrupted by the realities of war. After two generations, the poverty mentality and a willingness to settle for any job that comes along becomes a way of life. For many of our kids this has become their reality.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLduBT0NpH8/WCdxeeeX6PI/AAAAAAAAFnA/BZAzo0EKzoIucgeR9u_BU3BjPKSnyh9gwCLcB/s1600/DSC00598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLduBT0NpH8/WCdxeeeX6PI/AAAAAAAAFnA/BZAzo0EKzoIucgeR9u_BU3BjPKSnyh9gwCLcB/s320/DSC00598.JPG" width="320" /></a>In our schools kids are allowed to dream. They hear about different careers that are available for them. They begin the education process that opens the doors for them to be able to continue on in school and even go to university. Most importantly, they are taught that they were created with a purpose. God did not stick them here by chance but He designed them and gave them a destiny through Jesus. They are allowed to believe that dreams can be more than just a fading hope killed by the realities of adulthood.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Romans. We all know 8:15+16. It tells us that we are adopted and that by the Spirit we cry "Abba, Father." Just after that though, there are some verses that intrigue me. Rom 8<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">:</span>18<b> <span class="text Rom-8-18">For I consider that the sufferings of this present time <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28119AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28119AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-19" id="en-ESV-28120"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>For the creation waits with eager longing for <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28120AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28120AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>the revealing of the sons of God.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-20" id="en-ESV-28121"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>For the creation <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28121AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28121AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>was subjected to futility, not willingly, but <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28121AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28121AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>because of him who subjected it, in hope</span> <span class="text Rom-8-21" id="en-ESV-28122"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>that <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28122AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28122AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-22" id="en-ESV-28123"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>For we know that <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28123AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28123AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>the whole creation <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28123AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28123AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-23" id="en-ESV-28124"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28124AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28124AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup>the firstfruits of the Spirit, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28124AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28124AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>groan inwardly as <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28124AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28124AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28124AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28124AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>the redemption of our bodies.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-24" id="en-ESV-28125"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28125AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28125AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>in this hope we were saved. Now <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28125AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28125AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?</span> <span class="text Rom-8-25" id="en-ESV-28126"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>But if we hope for what we do not see, we <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28126AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28126AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>wait for it with patience.</span></b><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SR71A3NOwg/WCdxeqX1K5I/AAAAAAAAFnE/T22A7bw5rYs0YRCsKtLW-5bfk7V32ebDQCLcB/s1600/DSC00540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SR71A3NOwg/WCdxeqX1K5I/AAAAAAAAFnE/T22A7bw5rYs0YRCsKtLW-5bfk7V32ebDQCLcB/s320/DSC00540.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25">In these verses there is a now and not yet sense. We read that we have received the Spirit of Adoption but there is also a waiting. Many read this to mean that it won't happen until we physically die and are in Heaven but I do not believe that. I believe that we are progressing into the reality of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Creation is longing to see what each of us is going to become as we more closely resemble Jesus and as our position as sons becomes a greater reality in our lives. The world is missing many things that it needs, partly because of sin but partly because sons of God are still trapped in thinking that they are just fallen men and servants. The world is longing and eagerly waiting for what you are called to be.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-25">I believe that Jesus wants us to know who we are in Him and then to help others discover their rightful places in His Kingdom. To make disciples means to help people walk into the revelation of their place in the Father's heart. It means to see people released into their gifts, callings and anointing. It means that they provide the things to the world that it desperately needs because the Father has entrusted it to them to give, in His name. The world is longing for sons to be revealed. Our job in the schools is to help them to know what their life is to look like as a son of God. Jesus was the firstborn but through the cross He made many others sons. We need to help our students and then their communities to realize this.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuDV1BHz8vE/WCdxee8qD8I/AAAAAAAAFm8/r9HckfmqH18_twzidUIZuuT1v77CgPBRwCLcB/s1600/DSC00619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuDV1BHz8vE/WCdxee8qD8I/AAAAAAAAFm8/r9HckfmqH18_twzidUIZuuT1v77CgPBRwCLcB/s400/DSC00619.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 6th and 9th grade graduates at Zapote singing<br /></td></tr>
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<span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-25">In Ps 139, David had this revelation of who he was and more importantly, how good the Father was concerning him. I believe that it was this revelation that empowered David to be king. He faced lots of hardships first from his older brothers, then Saul and even some of his own sons. In the end, he continued on and trusted God. He became on of the wealthiest men and maybe the greatest human king ever. When we know who we are and we are secure in Whose we are, we can do almost anything. With Holy Spirit leading, we can remove the almost. We can fulfill every purpose God has for us. The world will be changed because sons of God knew who they were and they walked that out.</span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQsUz1Bu7xE/WCdxrKrUojI/AAAAAAAAFnI/-PMQZ-3OcswivuUgMK0MGkVPRseXdYowwCLcB/s1600/DSC00643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQsUz1Bu7xE/WCdxrKrUojI/AAAAAAAAFnI/-PMQZ-3OcswivuUgMK0MGkVPRseXdYowwCLcB/s400/DSC00643.JPG" width="400" /></a><span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25">I believe that Guatemala and Latin America will be changed as our students come to know their place as sons. They will bring transformation as they become secure in the Father's love. They will become fearless in ministry when they see how God wants to use them. They will bring glory to the father as the name of Jesus is proclaimed in all that they do. I am looking forward to many graduations and even more to seeing how they bring the Father to the world.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-25">I believe that this work is worthy of time and effort. These kids need us to be faithful in our lives so that they can see Jesus shine in and through us. I love the role that I get to play but I need your help to continue. It is not expensive to live here but it is also not free. Soon I will be coming up with a budget for next year but I want to plant the seeds now so you can pray about your role if any in the support of this work. My personal needs for next year will be between $12,000 and $15,000. This includes food, travel and normal living expenses and most likely housing and utilities. It does not include transportation. I am still in need of finding a reliable car and raising $7,500 or so for it. Please be praying for these needs.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-25">Other things to pray for:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Where our graduates will be going to school or working now</li>
<li>Reliable transportation for me</li>
<li>New Church building in San Lucas</li>
<li>Sale of the property in San Lucas</li>
<li>My housing for next year</li>
<li>Finding and hiring the right teachers for the next school year</li>
<li>The teams that will be coming and the work that they will be doing next year.</li>
<li>Health of the Galilea staff has been attacked.<br />
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</li>
</ul>
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<span class="text Rom-8-25">If you would like to contribute you can send checks to:</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><span style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;">Life Church Morris</span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><span style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;">PO Box 679</span><br style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;" /><span style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;">C/O San Lucas Mission</span><br style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;" /><span style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;">Morris, IL 60450</span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><span style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-25"><br /></span>George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-61197929854104257572016-10-26T15:10:00.001-06:002016-10-26T15:12:35.699-06:00Papa JorgeA few years ago I wrote about a word that a man gave to me. When he told me that he thought God was showing him something about me, my naturally skeptical self was a little doubtful but as he shared, he spoke words that were right out of my heart's desire and prayers. I have always loved children. I often can be seen talking to them and paying attention to them and ignoring the adults in the room. The word he had was simple. He told me that he felt I was Papa Jorge and that showing the love of the Father to children was a primary calling in my life. I received that word with joy. It really did speak to me.<br />
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It has now been three years and several seasons of work in Guatemala later. After working with many teams and with the school children, that word still rings true for me today. I see kids without fathers or with absentee fathers, I hear stories of abuse and neglect and I want to step in and help each of them. I want each child I come in contact with to know that they have a Heavenly Father that loves them regardless of their earthly fathers role in their lives. Spending time with the kids, being their jungle gym and climbing wall brings me energy and life. I want to do this forever. I pray that my strength and stamina hold up for many years so I do not have to stop. I think the kids feel the same way. I cannot walk through the schools without hearing my name being called out repeatedly. When the kids are free, they are looking for attention. I think that it is a mutually beneficial relationship I have with them. Best of all, I know that they are having the opportunity to see themselves as people with value, worth and dignity. They see me and others going out of their way to make time for them and just show them love.<br />
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Today in my Bible reading, part of my reading was John 13. In this, Jesus washes the disciples feet and shows Himself to be a servant to men that were about to abandon Him, deny Him and betray Him. Jesus did not serve them because they deserved it or because they made it easy. He did not do it to make them feel good. He did it because He knew the Father and wanted them to know Him also. The Father's love was at the center of all Jesus did. He concludes the chapter by telling us to love each other the same way and by doing so, the world would know that we are His disciples.<br />
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Reading this reminded me of the earlier word. It is not just children that need to see the Father's love. He was also working tirelessly to show it to these grown men that had just spent over 3 years with Him. His intimate connection to the Father affected everything about Jesus and controlled His interactions with the people in His life. He loved others as the Father had loved Him. He gave of Himself freely. He served people even when they were unlovable. Jesus lived in love to make the glory of the Father known.<br />
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A week and a half ago I got to go out in Membrillal and share the Gospel with people on the streets. Some of the team was doing a teacher training for the school but 3 of us had little to do so we decided to go out and share Jesus with people and pray for them. For the first half hour I was the best Spanish speaker available. It was incredible to share Jesus with these people. It was great to hear the man who told us that he loved to tell people about Jesus, that Jesus was in his heart and mind, in his mouth and ears. that Jesus was in his eyes. Jesus affected everything about how He interacted with people and you could see it on his face as he talked. Sadly, we met another man that said he knew Jesus but could not come to Church because he drank. He did not know of the transforming love of Jesus that draws us in and then changes us. We invited him on Sunday and shared the Gospel with him but I think he still believes he needs to get his act together to come.<br />
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As I have been thinking about my experiences and these words, I realize my role is bigger than I imagined. The world needs a Papa Jorge, at least the part of it that I live in. Broken, hurting people are not just kids. People of all ages need to see the love of the Father demonstrated through our lives. Jesus is calling us to a deeper intimacy with Him and a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit so that we can effectively show the love of the Father. He has called me to be Papa Jorge to all I come in contact with. He is calling me to become more familiar with His love so that it overflows out of me to others. This is not just for me but for all followers of Jesus. The world is a scary place. Our job is to step into it and reassure people that it is going to be okay. Papa is here. We are just a stand in but since Jesus is in us, we can do a pretty good job and the real Papa, Father God can be seen and restore His children to the lives He created them for.<br />
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I often need to remind myself of who God is calling me to be and also of how I can effectively do that. I have changed the name of this blog as a reminder. It is now Papa Jorge. I hope that as I see it I am reminded to remain close to the Father so that His love can be seen in me. I also hope that as you see it, you will pray fro me to see an know the love of Heavenly Father more today than I did yesterday. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings and I pray yu are touched by something that you read also.</div>
George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-89803269116097739562016-09-27T11:49:00.000-06:002016-09-27T11:49:26.373-06:00RadicalLast November I spoke at the Church camp one afternoon. The theme for the camp was radical and I spoke on Gideon and Esther, 2 people that were radical in their pursuit of God's call at one moment in their lives. They both had to set aside their own plans to fulfill God's at a time that was not particularly convenient to them. They both saved their people because of their radical obedience at the moment. The question that I had to ask myself was "What does radical mean?" The answer is that it means from the root or to return to the original purpose. They both accomplished their purpose because they allowed God to direct their activities.<br />
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I do not know about you but sometimes I get tired and burned out. I feel like my efforts do not make any real difference. Some days I dream that it would be nice to go back to the 9 to 5 world, have a 401K and employer paid health insurance. It would be nice to just go someplace for relaxation and enjoyment rather than to travel someplace to work. It would be nice to have a steady income. Those thoughts come but fortunately they do not last. I know that I am where I am supposed to be and doing what I am called to do. As for tomorrow. God has that planned and I do not need to worry about it. There is however something that I need to do regularly and that is become radical. I need to return to the root or the original purpose of God for my life. He has called me to know Him and walk with Him.<br />
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My theme verse for this blog is Micah 6:8<br />
"He has told you, O man, what is good;<br />
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<a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v33006008"></a><span class=""> and </span><span class="">what does the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class=""> require of you</span></div>
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<a alt="esv_18" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v33006008"></a><span class=""> but to do justice, and to love kindness.</span><span class="footnote"></span></div>
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<a alt="esv_26" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v33006008"></a><span class=""> and to </span><span class="">walk humbly with your God?"</span></div>
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<span class="">God calls us to do justice. There are many people that are oppressed, voiceless and powerless in society. It is our job as Christians to listen to them and encourage them. We are to point them to hope when they have none and to help them receive it. We are also called to love mercy. There are many people that feel like they are beyond redemption. They believe that the only hope they can have is for God to go easy on them because they know that they deserve punishment. It is our job to help them find forgiveness and freedom. God's desire is not to punish people but to redeem them and restore life in them. As the Body of Christ, we get to participate in both of these high callings and it is amazing to see how God works when we become involved in these ministries of justice and mercy.</span></div>
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<span class="">There is a final part to this verse and some days I forget that it is the most important part. We are called to walk humbly with our God. We need to maintain a closeness to Him. We need to position ourselves to hear His voice. We need to remember that we are 100% dependent on Him for strength, wisdom, and favor to be able to fulfill the other two parts of this verse. Without the direction and involvement of Holy Spirit, we cannot accomplish anything. Unless we spend time in His word and seeking Him in prayer we will nit have wisdom when situations that are beyond us come up. Without being filled to overflowing with the love of God directed at the people we are working with and for, our efforts will seem hollow and be ineffective. Humility demands an acknowledgment of dependence.</span></div>
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<span class="">In the final segment, there is another operative word. "walk". While there is certainly a time and place to rest in the presence of God or sit at the feet of Jesus, we are called to walk. God is moving. He is at work in the world. He has called us to move and work along side Him. He has the power and authority to accomplish the work. The resources for the work are His also. Our job is just to go and obey whatever He says. We often want to pray about situations but God calls us to walk into them with Him. Prayer is the beginning but not usually the end. Gideon feared the enemy and wanted to hide in a wine press while trying to work, God called him to get just enough men to go and testify of Israel's deliverance. He needed to be on sight where God was at work. He needed to trust God and participate but the victory came in such a way that only God could have done it. We are called to be like Gideon and walk or go with God.</span></div>
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<span class="">Sometimes we have a hard time hearing God's voice. We do not always feel as close to Him as we do at other times. There are days or even weeks when it feels like He is silent. For those times, we need to be like Esther. We need to find a Mordecai , a person that is in tune with God and has His heart for people. We need to align ourselves with him (or her) and let them lead until we hear God again for ourselves. I think sometimes God lets us be in a place of dependence on others so that we can learn to function as a body. This dependence is part of learning humility. In the west, we have a strong desire to do it by ourselves and to prove we can do it on our own. This is contrary to God's plan. He called us to work in unity. He created us to need each other and to depend on one another. He also created us to work under authority, first His, but also under a structure of leadership that is submitted to Him. As Esther listened to the wisdom of Mordecai, the Jews were saved and an evil authority structure led by Haman was brought down.</span></div>
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<span class="">I guess I just want to close by asking how you are doing. Are you working for justice while showing mercy? Are you walking in dependence on God and moving with Him? Have you seen Him move lately and bring victories to hopeless situations? Do you have a Mordecai to help you discern the will of God when you are struggling? I go through time that I need to return to these question, return to radical and I find that it re-energizes me. I get a fresh viewpoint. I have renewed expectations. I come back to believing in the importance of the things that God is calling me to. I fall in love all over again with the life that He has me living. I came back to Illinois tired and grumpy. I am returning to Guatemala next with with a sense of anticipation and excitement for the last couple months of work for the year. I hope that you too experience these things in your lives. I pray God directs you to move with Him in ways that you maybe never have before and that you sense a fresh excitement as you discover the radical you.</span></div>
<span class="end-line-group"></span>George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-30061172828349647692016-09-17T11:29:00.000-06:002016-09-17T11:29:50.835-06:00Bloom Where You Are Planted.A couple of years ago I was talking to Peter Furler. He had come to Guatemala with an organization called Lifelight to do a concert. He is an avid motorcyclist and so he and several members of the band rented motorcycles to tour a little of the beautiful countryside. They were riding up and down mountains on highways on motorcycles much smaller than anything I would feel comfortable on even on Illinois flat roads. He normally rides a BMW or at least that is what I see him on in pictures. Bigger motorcycles do present their own challenges but I never feel safe if having power to escape a situation is not an option. I commented on that and he told me that you have to bloom where you are planted. In other words, you cannot change every circumstance but you can choose to grow wherever you are and in whatever situation you find yourself. You attitude is a choice.<br />
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I have been involved in the Christian Youth Center of Morris since it began. It is a ministry that is close to my heart and always will be. I miss it and especially the kids when I am away from them. When I come back to Illinois I always spend whatever time I can there with the kids. I love it but I must admit that it is changing. The kids that I have known for many years are getting older. Many of them have stopped coming because they are out of school, moved away or left for other reasons. Now I often feel like I barely know most of them. Even those I know I wind up getting names wrong. It is an awkward situation. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just not bother and I wonder if it would really matter.<br />
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Over the years I have worked with hundreds, maybe thousands of kids in this ministry. Many left a lasting impression. Some because they were so involved and were an encouragement to me in the way they chose to pursue God. Unfortunately there were others that left the lasting impression for different reasons. They came but they chose to live life on their terms. They were angry, hurting, self destructive young people. They could not allow themselves to feel love or compassion from anyone because their trust had been betrayed too many times. They were wounded and nobody was going to break through the walls they put up. No matter how often they were told and shown that they were loved, they could not receive it. I watched countless leaders try to break through their tough shells but they would not open up because they thought that they were being set up. Their lives to that point had told them that was all they could expect. Their was no such thing as selfless love. People only wanted to get close because they wanted something from them. It was heartbreaking to see how deeply they hurt and how much their trust had been violated.<br />
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I have thought about many of these kids over the years. Occasionally I will see something about them or be reminded of them. Sometimes this prompts me to pray for them. Occasionally I will see something on Facebook or hear something from one of their friends and it will encourage me. There is one that came to CYC for a couple of years and I know that they struggled with some things. I did not know how to help but I tried to be there when needed. I realized that they needed more than I could do but still wanted to help when I could.<br />
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A few months ago I saw a post on Facebook and I realized that God had intervened in their live and things were changing. Since then I have seen many other posts and realize that God has a plan for each of these kids and we may not ever see fruit from it. We may never know how He reached them and did what we could not but we need to keep praying for them. I do not know if the time at CYC had any part to play in their decision to follow Jesus. We need to keep making ourselves available to wounded, hurting kids, even though it can be painful or frustrating. We need to live beyond our understanding and share love and truth with them as often as possible. Holy Spirit is the one that is leading them to their Father. Our job is to be available when we can.<br />
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I do not know how every kids story will turn out. I do not know what percentage of these wounded, confused kids will look to Jesus for the answers in their lives. I do not know what will happen. I can just choose to bloom where I am planted. Let God use me however He wants today. I can choose to let Him redeem my time whether in Morris or Guatemala. I can remind myself that God's timing and mine are not always the same and I can continue to pray for those that have crossed my path over they years. Jesus loves each of them more than I ever could. He is at work on their behalf. Lastly, I can be His hands and feet to demonstrate His love wherever He places me today.George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-33916330729085472972016-08-30T12:55:00.000-06:002016-08-30T12:55:06.694-06:00Summary of the first 8 months of 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq3GRBNxVyI/V8XU4_qshpI/AAAAAAAAFk4/JTf9ibEZteAaze8Swnez-7Jpwk-xoPE9wCLcB/s1600/Life%2BChurch%2BGuatemala%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vq3GRBNxVyI/V8XU4_qshpI/AAAAAAAAFk4/JTf9ibEZteAaze8Swnez-7Jpwk-xoPE9wCLcB/s640/Life%2BChurch%2BGuatemala%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Church came to visit and work for a week. Thank you Life Church Morris.</td></tr>
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This is not the sexiest title but I thought that it was time to review the first 8 months of the year. It has been very busy and we have all been through some tiring weeks but we are grateful for all that God has allowed us to be part of this year. I wanted to give you a brief summary and then let the pictures share the story.<br />
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This year we built about 5 houses in Zapote. I cannot recall the exact number and built about 10 stoves. We replaced much of a home in Magdelena that had water issues and built another house and stove in Escuintla, a new town for us to work in. Just this would have seemed like a busy summer a few years ago but now it is barely a start. We had so many other projects we worked on that I am not sure where to start. I will try to break it down by location.<br />
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In Membrillal we had a lot of work at the Church and school. Our biggest task was to finish the walls and the drainage system and then put the trusses up and the roof on. This task was heavy, time consuming and occasionally dangerous. I cannot count how many buckets of concrete and mortar we had to lift over our heads to finish it then we had to raise the trusses. That is the part that might have been dangerous but they are up and the roof is on. We also painted the outside of the school, replaced the netting around the playground with chain link fence, installed the office doors and worked on walls on the second floor.<br />
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In Zapote we had just as much to do. We needed to pour concrete in an unfinished part of the playground and install drainage to eliminate standing water and mud. In the process we found that much of the existing drainage needed to be replaced. We also needed to repaint the school,inside and out because the volcanic dust and frequent rains (not to mention dirty little fingers) turn everything black in a short time. We refinished all of the doors and white boards also. Our biggest task was the first floor flooring. Initially it as rough concrete with a skim coat of smooth cement over it. That is a normal process here. For some reason though the skim coat did not bond and it had many cracks so the decision was made to break off the skim coat and to tile. Several teams took hammer to cement to remove it all and to begin tiling the first floor. The rooms and hallway are complete but the cafeteria still needs to be finished.<br />
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Along with all of these things, we also hosted a medical clinic in Membrillal and helped a Kid's Alive team with another one for a week in Zapote. We had after school programs and Bible school programs run by a few teams. We had street fairs in San Lucas and Membrillal, and a few other evangelism events and a food distribution to needy families in the schools. Most of all, we have 300 kids in our schools and 600 people in the Churches that hear the proclamation of the Gospel every week because of your ongoing support and work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">It was a long and busy year. I want to thank all of the Churches and groups that came to work with us this year. I hope that you enjoy the pictures</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Program for kids in Membrillal<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to break up a rock to big to move.<br />(It eventually got moved)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a whole house but now is just a kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSvRalxRLyA/V8XLVkgQnEI/AAAAAAAAFic/ejFWK-Xv5bYF6_tdYaQKGIeiQDKQvesPwCLcB/s1600/P_20160706_142856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSvRalxRLyA/V8XLVkgQnEI/AAAAAAAAFic/ejFWK-Xv5bYF6_tdYaQKGIeiQDKQvesPwCLcB/s320/P_20160706_142856.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stove being built in the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The replacement house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfYg9Kwn7EY/V8XLX_LlP4I/AAAAAAAAFik/ism6gJMw9a0m39oSyLlFD9SMVKa8AK_LACLcB/s1600/P_20160707_160448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfYg9Kwn7EY/V8XLX_LlP4I/AAAAAAAAFik/ism6gJMw9a0m39oSyLlFD9SMVKa8AK_LACLcB/s400/P_20160707_160448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Program for older students in Santo Tomas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4-2NpaEsuk/V8XLiOez3KI/AAAAAAAAFis/7TKvseb8SacUilGacE-Ignm09H0B_FZtgCLcB/s1600/P_20160720_163112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4-2NpaEsuk/V8XLiOez3KI/AAAAAAAAFis/7TKvseb8SacUilGacE-Ignm09H0B_FZtgCLcB/s320/P_20160720_163112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street fair in Membrillal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSJd8wI14Fs/V8XLiMBxVVI/AAAAAAAAFio/HExJ-qnC1KwnBIykbK3CCYVaJKOx6uFBACLcB/s1600/P_20160720_164233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSJd8wI14Fs/V8XLiMBxVVI/AAAAAAAAFio/HExJ-qnC1KwnBIykbK3CCYVaJKOx6uFBACLcB/s400/P_20160720_164233.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't hit me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20dMQh05Opc/V8XLjj-N5CI/AAAAAAAAFiw/_t8_f9TbfjkhcWa69HzjBjBmdpp9SPlgQCLcB/s1600/P_20160720_163234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20dMQh05Opc/V8XLjj-N5CI/AAAAAAAAFiw/_t8_f9TbfjkhcWa69HzjBjBmdpp9SPlgQCLcB/s320/P_20160720_163234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street fair in Membrillal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6csEKj55HA/V8XLtiTHzlI/AAAAAAAAFi0/eS4pcrZH-nwwVYszHswV-vhsI5JXe_tgQCLcB/s1600/P_20160721_141132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6csEKj55HA/V8XLtiTHzlI/AAAAAAAAFi0/eS4pcrZH-nwwVYszHswV-vhsI5JXe_tgQCLcB/s400/P_20160721_141132.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing pegamix for the new tile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPeTfRh_kes/V8XLt45P7oI/AAAAAAAAFi4/K5YJ5bUi3HMYfI8wfgHejTeFLfORGfsZQCLcB/s1600/P_20160721_141146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPeTfRh_kes/V8XLt45P7oI/AAAAAAAAFi4/K5YJ5bUi3HMYfI8wfgHejTeFLfORGfsZQCLcB/s320/P_20160721_141146.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiling a classroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street fair in San Lucas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanding new chair rail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting around the tilers<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding the ladder in place</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris reuniting with Pastor Mario</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A house ready to be torn down</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The replacement</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the work started</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the drainage system</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEP1z3zjrrs/V8XMqxpIn7I/AAAAAAAAFjk/ScS1Wm5PljIOOkLPr5_9R3hux7jIa1kqACLcB/s1600/P_20160525_143813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEP1z3zjrrs/V8XMqxpIn7I/AAAAAAAAFjk/ScS1Wm5PljIOOkLPr5_9R3hux7jIa1kqACLcB/s320/P_20160525_143813.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to pour </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS_eovYBEvA/V8XMq7dRe8I/AAAAAAAAFjo/KR93wsLjg54eKWKunYaHDMwu5etXo_6QQCLcB/s1600/P_20160527_132424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GS_eovYBEvA/V8XMq7dRe8I/AAAAAAAAFjo/KR93wsLjg54eKWKunYaHDMwu5etXo_6QQCLcB/s320/P_20160527_132424.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poured new pad with drains<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etUkojnfE-c/V8XMrewWIcI/AAAAAAAAFjs/iyzNZEM741AJCJAgYXhzu0DLH22EaaD4QCLcB/s1600/P_20160527_132527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etUkojnfE-c/V8XMrewWIcI/AAAAAAAAFjs/iyzNZEM741AJCJAgYXhzu0DLH22EaaD4QCLcB/s400/P_20160527_132527.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting outside a classroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUkomWS4XA/V8XMyBJNLtI/AAAAAAAAFj0/kjrtpnGeRlIztCJ5uRJKX8u8TH9upsKXwCLcB/s1600/P_20160527_132546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUkomWS4XA/V8XMyBJNLtI/AAAAAAAAFj0/kjrtpnGeRlIztCJ5uRJKX8u8TH9upsKXwCLcB/s640/P_20160527_132546.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids want in on the action</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTiPN83mxz4/V8XMxeF63iI/AAAAAAAAFjw/q7t5ika5bzEyPqaI09nEym5NVngkw5NRACLcB/s1600/P_20160527_132606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTiPN83mxz4/V8XMxeF63iI/AAAAAAAAFjw/q7t5ika5bzEyPqaI09nEym5NVngkw5NRACLcB/s640/P_20160527_132606.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ8TOZuRyJk/V8XMzEdBNaI/AAAAAAAAFj4/tE4o-sX89kwQyLOwBJcufpZVT2vVfjIrwCLcB/s1600/P_20160531_105755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ8TOZuRyJk/V8XMzEdBNaI/AAAAAAAAFj4/tE4o-sX89kwQyLOwBJcufpZVT2vVfjIrwCLcB/s320/P_20160531_105755.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the second floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV5ZvPruAos/V8XM4nB8KII/AAAAAAAAFj8/LrXad6XlGlsE7eDvwbPUlKuLZGXnfpR4QCLcB/s1600/P_20160607_115039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV5ZvPruAos/V8XM4nB8KII/AAAAAAAAFj8/LrXad6XlGlsE7eDvwbPUlKuLZGXnfpR4QCLcB/s400/P_20160607_115039.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the metal to make trusses</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OHqSKKcZWU/V8XM5xsfplI/AAAAAAAAFkA/mqucfy2ZBOgdyH0KKj31-glXKUr9oablQCLcB/s1600/P_20160607_115054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OHqSKKcZWU/V8XM5xsfplI/AAAAAAAAFkA/mqucfy2ZBOgdyH0KKj31-glXKUr9oablQCLcB/s400/P_20160607_115054.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the gutter system for the Church</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc12b8n2_34/V8XM7S5uk0I/AAAAAAAAFkE/fgBH3BKS6XMM1ISdth0AfP4dZqZVg5UzwCLcB/s1600/P_20160607_115248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc12b8n2_34/V8XM7S5uk0I/AAAAAAAAFkE/fgBH3BKS6XMM1ISdth0AfP4dZqZVg5UzwCLcB/s320/P_20160607_115248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welding Trusses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ie6bK19Uk/V8XNAuCMi7I/AAAAAAAAFkI/dFPjEkW4a14_KPk5jtpHsoex3PoLfNXOACLcB/s1600/P_20160607_155718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ie6bK19Uk/V8XNAuCMi7I/AAAAAAAAFkI/dFPjEkW4a14_KPk5jtpHsoex3PoLfNXOACLcB/s320/P_20160607_155718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting in place to set the first truss</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_bI1pNRz9c/V8XNBoJQB_I/AAAAAAAAFkQ/0qATLi2u8M8-2L-gnXtck9QZ4nPz0z2ogCLcB/s1600/P_20160607_160700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_bI1pNRz9c/V8XNBoJQB_I/AAAAAAAAFkQ/0qATLi2u8M8-2L-gnXtck9QZ4nPz0z2ogCLcB/s320/P_20160607_160700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truss going up (first attempt)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6M9tacgUg/V8XNA8vdk4I/AAAAAAAAFkM/7jxDhbqEzzgn39YML3ub6sez44xyAFcBQCLcB/s1600/P_20160608_092132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6M9tacgUg/V8XNA8vdk4I/AAAAAAAAFkM/7jxDhbqEzzgn39YML3ub6sez44xyAFcBQCLcB/s320/P_20160608_092132.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got to get higher</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4I3wvLNq_8/V8XNH8mmgBI/AAAAAAAAFkU/Xer3D0qJeLsFVfGU-Sug_CpcSm7N3EobQCLcB/s1600/P_20160608_100109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4I3wvLNq_8/V8XNH8mmgBI/AAAAAAAAFkU/Xer3D0qJeLsFVfGU-Sug_CpcSm7N3EobQCLcB/s400/P_20160608_100109.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost got it</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlmYQzGtnK8/V8XNIRaFUhI/AAAAAAAAFkY/bRlbn7PE98wfECFHrxnZswim8vIdLY2_wCLcB/s1600/P_20160608_100125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlmYQzGtnK8/V8XNIRaFUhI/AAAAAAAAFkY/bRlbn7PE98wfECFHrxnZswim8vIdLY2_wCLcB/s400/P_20160608_100125.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1XnU-vqxpY/V8XNJodbP1I/AAAAAAAAFkc/z3jbo0YTqPc9R-dUV7E8VrC9acQWSkLVgCLcB/s1600/P_20160608_102626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1XnU-vqxpY/V8XNJodbP1I/AAAAAAAAFkc/z3jbo0YTqPc9R-dUV7E8VrC9acQWSkLVgCLcB/s640/P_20160608_102626.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success, only 4 more to go</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FROvVtifJ4g/V8XNNeFqnsI/AAAAAAAAFkg/MBhjjEZCVo4WjNdrVApwqC0sTcWecSw7QCLcB/s1600/P_20160609_123205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FROvVtifJ4g/V8XNNeFqnsI/AAAAAAAAFkg/MBhjjEZCVo4WjNdrVApwqC0sTcWecSw7QCLcB/s400/P_20160609_123205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not for the faint of heart</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sz7FLcbzlOU/V8XNPIV0yYI/AAAAAAAAFko/hoJA1bOC5ZsLL9FO6ShSymyaE0aYr695ACLcB/s1600/P_20160609_123237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sz7FLcbzlOU/V8XNPIV0yYI/AAAAAAAAFko/hoJA1bOC5ZsLL9FO6ShSymyaE0aYr695ACLcB/s320/P_20160609_123237.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a while but they did it.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIirE_4dxg4/V8XNOd_IUdI/AAAAAAAAFkk/YZ5KLjWlU4gYm6u-PCTF2ig_hDEm1XIsQCLcB/s1600/P_20160610_144506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIirE_4dxg4/V8XNOd_IUdI/AAAAAAAAFkk/YZ5KLjWlU4gYm6u-PCTF2ig_hDEm1XIsQCLcB/s400/P_20160610_144506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof going on</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in Membrillal</td></tr>
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George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423017276428659825.post-10474613474285092302016-08-07T12:08:00.000-06:002016-08-07T12:08:08.960-06:00"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."I would like to share the direction of my thoughts over the past weeks and pray that they give you something to think about as well. I have been challenged by these same thoughts many times over the past years and they directly relate to my being in Guatemala. Even though I often forget what I am about to share, God is faithful to remind me regularly.<br />
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Lat week my Life Church Morris family was here along with a medical team from HFL. Much like the team from Fox River and Three Rivers Churches, I anticipated this week on the schedule for months. It is great when friends come and many people have become friends here over the years because they continue to come and our friendship has grown out of that. Even more, when the people that I have worked and minister with in the States come to work with us in Guatemala, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation. It is always good to remember our shared past and also to see that there is still a future together in ministry.<br />
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Unfortunately these friends leave also. While I am where I am called to be they are called to a different life and a different ministry. We are all working for the advancement of the Kingdom of God but in different places and different ways. We have a common goal but not the same roles. Because of that, we cannot always be with the old friends that we love and cherish for the time being.<br />
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This is also true for our natural family. In missions, we do not get to be part of everything that goes on back on the home front. We miss birthdays, graduations, weddings and funerals. We only get to spend time with those we love a few weeks a year. For some it is even less. Going where God calls means leaving behind many people, places and things that we love.<br />
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I am not writing to this to whine or complain. God has brought many new friendships and other blessings into my life. He has filled my life with lots of laughter and occasionally some tears. He has let me see and join in with people in their triumphs ans well as in their defeats. My life has been filled many times over beyond all I could ever ask for. God is good. His plans are good but leaving and separation still hurt. Being reunited with family and friends, while a huge blessing just leads to another goodbye.<br />
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Now, on to what God reminds me of frequently. Paul told us that to live is Christ and to die, gain. He understood that our life on this earth is not about looking for comfort or luxury. It is not bout avoiding pain and suffering. Our purpose here is to be aligned with Jesus and to walk in His plans. We live here for the purpose of Jesus. He is to be Lord of every area of our lives. Sometimes that may lead us into painful places. Because there is sin in the world, people suffer. To be the hands and feet of Jesus means sometimes we suffer and other times we enter into their suffering. It also means that there will be times of separation from those that we love. We are not called to live for this world or to hold on to anything in this life. We are called to have the attitude of Paul who said that He counted it all rubbish or dung for the surpassing joy of knowing Christ.<br />
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When we start to realize that we are called to live for eternity and not the here and now, we are set free. We can become fearless in the face of danger. We can run at adversity. We are able to go anywhere, do anything and fear nothing because our current circumstance is temporary. God has eternity set as our destiny and as our reward. We are not holding fast to what we cannot keep because He is giving us an inheritance that we cannot loose. God has a plan and He is bringing it together but the focal point is not here and now. It is Jesus and eternity with all of those that surrender to Him.<br />
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We are all going to say goodbyes to people. We cannot hold onto them forever in this life. Some will move, change jobs or Churches. Others will just loose our bond of common interest. At some point, we all will die. We cannot escape the temporary nature of our relationships in this life. All we can really do is surrender to the purposes of Jesus and trust Him to work in the lives of those we love. We can obey Him and pray that He draws our family and friends to Him. We can live for the day that we will never have to say goodbye again. We can live for Jesus and for eternity. We can walk in obedience to Christ and in His power and authority in such a way that those who see us can come to know the reality of Christ in us the hope of glory.<br />
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My blog title is "He Holds My Future." I cannot live for today because there is too much at stake. There are people that I love that will only see Jesus if I am willing to obey Him wholeheartedly. There is eternity and all of the promises of God that await. Me. I do not know about you but I am not willing to miss out because I demanded to much now. I want to live for the big picture, life unending and the rewards of my Father.<br />
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Are you living for a big enough purpose?George Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00101472422677124533noreply@blogger.com0