GUATEMALA MOUNTAIN MINISTRY
by Paul Kaminsky
This was my first short term missions trip. As such, there were many expectations that the Lord would work in some wonderful ways. He did His work, which often varied from what I carried in my head. Not surprisingly, His way was far better! The country of Guatemala is one of rugged beauty and we saw God’s awesome fingerprint in the evening sky on Saturday night. The sky was diamond clear and sparkled with every star and constellation I ever heard of and much more.
The local natives in the villages were kind and generous beyond anything I would have expected. It may sound trite but we went to bless and I was blessed by their wonderful countenance. They gave up their sleeping accommodations for two nights to complete strangers from another country. When it came to church (4 services in 3 different villages), they filled the seats for up to five hours and then walked home in the dark, men women and children. Such dedication is infrequently seen in America.
There are many other poignant memories but I must comment on Dr Otto and his family. They were gracious hosts, well beyond anything expected or deserved. Of much more significance, we met a dedicated servant of the Lord Jesus. Dr Otto & team attended lovingly and personally to over 300 people in 2 clinics. He listened to each need, spoke kindly to each person and I believe spoke of God’s great love for them on every occasion. We met a true servant of the Master and by his example; I pray that I will be forever changed.
God Bless,
Paul Kaminski.
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MONTHLY DUDLEY SQUARE STREET MINISTRY
by Chris Chakas, Merrimack Valley Church
The small team of 4 joined the Boston ladies as we ministered together to the needy. There are so many people on the streets that need to know the love of God and to be set free from their addictions to drugs and alcohol. Each time we go we have the opportunity to speak with individuals, just like you and I, only they have been caught up in one form of addiction or another that has brought them to a low point in their lives.
As we reach out to them through prayer and the preaching of the Word, we can see the smile on their faces that the Lord has truly touched their lives. And maybe for the first time in their life, they have experienced a touch from God and feel His love.
Our team set up the table with the sandwiches, drinks and snacks to give to anyone that came. We were also blessed by members from Merrimack Valley Church who donated 3 huge bags of men's and ladies winter coats and sweaters to give out and a donation of men's socks with a track attached to each pair. We were surprised how many people are thankful for a simple pair of socks. It's a way of sharing the love of God and it has opened many doors to minister the Gospel. Personally, I was able to share with a young man named Scott. He was wearing an old torn jacket and he didn't have any gloves.
I wanted to give him mine but he said, "I can't take those, they’re yours - you need them." I insisted that he take them, that I have others. His concern for my welfare, touched my heart and I was truly blessed by him. As our teams go out to bless others the blessing always comes back to us in such a big way.
ROMANIA ORPHANAGE MINISTRY UPDATE
We have received an encouraging word from one of our country contacts, Ana Lucacia in regards to ministry between February 22nd to March 8th so we thought to share it with you; that you can clearly understand just how important sending ministry teams can be to those receiving them.
“We have been busy evaluating the kids at the orphanage along with our foster kids. You can imagine how busy we have been keeping Jo. She has been making observations of the kids from school to play and all that is in between. She has also been giving advice to the foster parents. Just yesterday we had a meeting with the foster mothers at our youth café, The Bridge. We have already made major improvements in our orphanage from reorganizing clothes to rearranging furniture and changing the way we discipline our kids. We are working on hanging mirrors in the room and adding the alphabet to the all in their playroom.
Jo has been a major asset to us, coming every year, and helping us improve our system in every way. There aren’t enough words to express what a blessing she is to us, especially to the kids. I pray and hope she will be able to continue in helping us the way that she has throughout the years." ~ Ana Lucacia
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