Day Five: Kid's Event in Santa Maria de Jesus

After lunch, we got in the vans and headed up the side of one of the volcanoes to a village that is about 98% Mayan.  Many of the older residents don't speak Spanish!  Steve, our coordinator, explained to us that until about 5 years ago, there wasn't a paved road going to this area so very few people went in or came out.  Iglesia Del Camino has only been working with Pastor Gabriel and his church for about 3 months now and this was the first children's event that they had done with this community.  Pastor Gabriel is currently is seminary and once he completes his studies, he will be the ONLY pastor in the entire area up there who has gone to seminary. 

The people are indigenous to the area and we saw alot more traditional dress.  You could also tell that this area was extremely poor....even more so than the other villages we had visited.  But just the same as the other places, it seemed like a signal went up and we have over 200 kids come to play with us! 

We set up stations in the church and in an outdoor area.  The kids got to color, get little heart sticker tattoos, play soccer, play with beach balls, and make cross bracelets.  They absolutely loved the activities!  Jason shared some words about Jesus and His love for all of them.  He spoke with them about faith and how Jesus died for our sins.  Our prayer is that his words and all of our actions will have a profound effect on their lives at some point....whether we ever see it or not!

We had a hard time saying good-bye....and the hugs from the children made it even more difficult.  As we drove back down the mountain, I began to wonder how in the world do we go back home after this?  I know that we have all been changed in such profound ways and I pray that the changes are permanent. 


For day six, we will be traveling to see the Mayan Ruins in Ixymche and getting a chance to shop at the local Mercado (market).  This will be our final day in Antigua.  Please continue to pray for our team.  This trip has been an experience that we will never forget!

In Him,
The Guatemala Team