Guatemala Newsletter

Here is a look at my first newsletter for Guatemala! I am so looking forward to moving there! I know that is where God wants me for the next season of my life! So, take a look... Oh, and if you click on each page, it will show you a bigger version so that you can actually read it ;-)

All About Living Water Teaching

Living Water Teaching is the organization that I will be serving with in Guatemala. The picture above is from their 2008 Bible School Graduation. The heart of Living Water Teaching is the Bible Institutes. By training students in the Word of God and ministry skills LWT is able to have exponential growth in their effectiveness and outreaches. Through the Bible Institutes throughout Central and South America students are able to learn, grow and return to their home prepared to reach their community, country and the world for Christ!


Here is more background information about them, along with their Vision, and Tenants of Faith.

Background Info

After dissolving their Ohio construction firm in 1976, Jim and Marion Zirkle and their three children moved to Broken Arrow, OK. During two years of intense study in God’s Word, Jim was presented with an opportunity to minister to a group of missionaries working in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. It was during this time of ministry that the Spirit of God called him to Central America. Soon afterwards, the vision that today guides the entire ministry began to unfold.

Living Water Teaching was started in 1979 by the Zirkles. Since then, the work of this ministry has grown to include outreaches in eleven countries around the world. The Word of God is going forth by way of Bible schools, evangelistic campaigns, medical clinics, Operation Shoebox, and through the ministries of the graduates of the Bible Institutes in each of these countries.

When their Douglas DC-3 aircraft went down on November 1, 1998, taking the lives of Marion’s husband, son, son-in-law, two missionaries, and six group members from the United States, she knew that the vision was not completed. She picked up the mantle on that fateful night, and by the grace of God, continues running with the vision of changing Central America for Jesus.

On July 12, 2003, Marion married Pastor Clarence Wright and they, along with the Living Water Teaching family, are taking the gospel to Belize, Cuba, Mexico, the six countries in Central America, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay in South America.

Living Water Teaching is in its 30th year on the field and has currently graduated over 29,000 Bible school students. The ministry has seen over 700,000 born again over the last 29 years. More than 100 denominational groups have trusted us to train their leaders and young people. The commission of Living Water Teaching is to make disciples, and send them out to do the same.


Vision

The Vision of Living Water Teaching (As directed by the Holy Spirit)

• Convert My people to the Word, not to religion.
• Train them in righteousness.
• Show them by example My power to change lives by giving spiritual conditioning to their spirits, by way of the Word.
• You are to train My sent ones to go on and do greater than I have shown you by building on your errors and successes.
• The vision is transferable, but My commission is not! You are to carry it forth into all of Central America.
• Trouble the waters of Central America as the angel troubled the waters of Bethesda. Trouble them with faith, healing, and salvation.

Tenants of Faith

The program and activities of Living Water Teaching shall be based upon and at all times shall be consistent with the following beliefs:

• The Bible is the mind of Christ, and it is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 4:12.
• There is one God manifested in three personalities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Isaiah 45:5,6; I John 5:7; Matthew 28:19.
• The reality of Satan and his present control over unregenerated man does exist. I Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:11, 12; II Corinthians 4:4.
  

Christianity is based upon the following:

• The deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; John 10:30.
• Born of the Virgin Mary. Luke 1:26-35; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
• His sinless life. Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22; II Corinthians 5:21.
• His miracles. John 3:2, 11:45, 20:30.
• His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood. Isaiah 53:4,5; I Peter 2:21-24; Colossians 1:14.
• His body resurrection. I Peter 1:21; Galatians 1:1; Romans 1:4.
• His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Acts 1:19-11; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1.
• His personal return in power and glory as Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings. Matthew 24:30, 25:31; Thessalonians 1:7-10.
• The fall of man and his lost of estate, which makes necessary a rebirth through confession and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23, 5:12-21, 10:9,10; I Corinthians 15:21,22.
• The reconciliation of man to God by substitutionary death and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:5-10; II Corinthians 5:18.
• The resurrection of believers into everlasting life and blessing in Heaven, and the resurrection of unbelievers unto everlasting punishment in the torments of Hell. John 5:28,19; I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Mark 16:16.
• The present supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who bestows the spiritual gifts of: the word of Wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various kinds of tongues, in and among the believers on the Earth since the day of Pentecost and continuing until our Lords return. I Corinthians 12; John 16:7, 13:15; Ephesians 4:8.

For more information about Living Water Teaching, please visit their website at: http://www.livingwaterteaching.org/.

Youth Guatemala Trip

I just returned from Guatemala yesterday! It was an amazing trip! I had the wonderful honor of leading a team from my church's youth group. Boy was it fun! These teens are hilarious, they had me laughing, hard. They have so much joy and know how to enjoy life, moment by moment. More than that though, they truly love God! Their desire to serve God and to share His love with people is so inspiring and encouraging! These teens are seeking God each day, determined to fulfill all of His dreams for their lives, and I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to help with that!

While in Guatemala, we went to a town called Santo Tomas La Union, and ministered in parks, bus terminals, various communities and other similar locations. We performed dramas that shared of God's love, and how He is the only one that can fill that void in our lives. The Gospel was presented, and then we went and shared with the people who watched the dramas. It was so great to see the team walk in boldness, unashamed of their love for Jesus, and passionate about wanting others to experience the love, joy, hope and future that He gives! Approximately 335 people gave their hearts to the Lord! Isn't that awesome?!

My desire is to help people, and help them in turn help others. So, having the opportunity to help train teens for missions and watch what God does in their lives just brings me great joy! God used them to do so much this past week, and at the same time, He did so much in them!

God is so good and His faithful love never ends!

I'm In! I'm In! I'm In!

So, as I have mentioned I am in Guatemala doing my Missionary Training for moving here to serve! Well, this month (which is almost over, sigh, so sad), has been busy, tiring, fun and amazing! The purpose of the month was for me to learn about every aspect of Living Water Teaching and everything that they do, and also to prepare for my moving here, and everything that has to be done with that. It was also a time of observation, the leadership watching me, me watching them, living life here, seeing if it is a good fit and if I could make it.



Well, on Thursday I had to go before members of the board and answer numerous questions, it was a type of final interview before the final decision was to be made as to if I would be accepted as a Living Water Teaching Missionary. So, the exciting news is... I'm in! They accepted me, so I am now a missionary with them! Yay! Well, I will actually be moving in about 10 months, but when I return home this Thursday (sigh again, so not ready to leave), I will begin getting things in order and start the support aspect of being a missionary.



I cannot even begin to explain how great this month has been. You know how it is when something happens and you want so bad to share it, but you feel as though no words that you could use would be able to get the point across? That is how I feel!



God's faithfulness has been overwhelming! I mean, I just can't describe it! He has SURPRISED me in so many ways! My questions have been answered, my concerns, all cleared up, my doubts, turned into confidence, everything is lining up.

What is it?

So, I am getting used to life in Guatemala. I have now been here two weeks, so I am halfway through my orientation. I have to say that I am loving it here! The people are great, the ministry is awesome, and my Spanish is improving (I think). I am really enjoying spending time with the missionaries and with the Bible School students. It's a lot of fun!

I will admit that there are a few things that are "different" than what I am used to...

For instance, I have to ask someone what it is that we're eating, at least once a day. There are some dishes that I love, and umm, there are others that, well let's just say, I can force them down IF I must (thankfully, I don't have to though). It's not that the food is bad, it's just different than what I am used to and so my taste buds, are well, growing? Hmmm.

Then there is the fact that I have to get up a lot earlier than I usually do. This isn't a big deal for normal people, but then there's me... I do not like mornings. The only mornings that I enjoy waking up are the one's where I don't have anywhere to be, so I can sleep without setting an alarm and wake up when it was no longer morning ;) Don't get me wrong, once I am up and getting ready, I am fine and excited about the day, it's just the initial process of waking up. You can ask everyone who works at the Branch, they have seen me way too many times dragging in, without make-up, and with wet hair, because I just wouldn't let the alarm win.

Okay, so let's add to the morning thing. Imagine using 6 blankets (and 2 pair of pj's) because it is so cold and there is not heat in the house. Okay, so how cold do you think you will be when you finally do wake up to the alarm and have to get out of that warm bed? I mean I can't walk around with 6 blankets to get ready.

And the water. There are hot water heaters, but I don't think it gets very hot. I mean, the way I can tell if the pilot light is lit on the heater or if it went out and I need to go light it (they have different heaters here, you have to light them with a match or a lighter), is that if the water is cold but I can breathe, then it's working, if it is so cold that I lose my breath, then I need to make a trip outside to light the heater.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, so you'll know, it's really the little things that you begin to miss from home. But the main reason I wanted to talk about it is that I STILL LOVE IT HERE! I'll admit that I don't like cold showers or some of the food, or some of the other things, but so what! I would go through that day in and day out if necessary, because I know that missions is what I am called to do. Plus, I can just rejoice and be thankful because I have experienced worse conditions too.

During my orientation, I have been watching videos from Pastor Jim Zirkle, who was the founder of Living Water Teaching, here in Guatemala. One of the videos is on the burden vs. the call. He said that often times people are burdened for the nations and they know something needs to happen. But what does a burden do? It weighs you down, it makes life hard and often miserable. He gave a simple example of how you can tell the difference between a burden and a call. He said that the man with the burden and the man with the call both go on a mission trip. They both have to take cold showers, they both have to eat food that they have no idea what it is, they have to deal with the bugs, they go to wash their clothes and hang them to dry and then it rains and the clothes are soaked, they have to sleep on hard beds, their hairdryers won't work, etc. Now they both go home and the person with the burden says, "Lord, thank you for missions, I will support the ministry, I will help however I can, but please do not ever send me there." The person with the call says, "Lord, please send me back, I want to be there!"

I am that called person. I know it! Now, let me just tell you that I like my modern things, I like to straighten my hair and wear make-up and have heat and warm showers. In fact, I think people that love camping are CRAZY. Why would someone leave their comfortable home, to sleep on the ground in a tent, and have to build a fire? It makes no sense to me. But for missions, I somehow have the gift to be able to endure it, and want to have more. It doesn't mean that it is never frustrating, or that it doesn't get old. What it does mean is that I am called. True joy comes when you are walking in the plan that God has for you, it doesn't come with all the conveniences of technology and money (although I do appreciate those), but if you are right where you are supposed to be, you can look at any obstacle with a gleam in your eye, and revel in the the joy of serving the Lord right where you are!

Life isn't always easy, in fact, it can be very hard at times. But when I look back at the hard times that I know I was in the middle of God's plan, for some reason I don't see all the hard things I endured, I remember it being hard, but it has all been covered with the joy and peace and love of walking this life hand in hand with Jesus and all I can do is look back and smile!

Don't settle for convenient and easy! Go after whatever it is God has for you! Seek Him first in everyting and those desires that you have will come to pass! The life He has for you is beyond your wildest dreams! So Live it!

And the next step is...

For the past 6-7 months I have been in the application process for becoming a missionary to Guatemala with Living Water Teaching. I have always loved missions, and I started going on short-term mission trips when I was 12 years old. I didn´t necessarily think that I would become a full-time missionary, although I will admit that it was always lingering in the back of my mind. I did know that missions would always be a part of my life.

Well the past couple of years I have been leading trips with my church, The Branch and during this time, my desire for missions and consistently being on the field has become stronger and stronger. It was while I was in Guatemala this past July that I began feeling a tug that major change was coming. I began praying about it and believe that God was showing me that the time for becoming a full-time missionary was just around the corner. I prayed and prayed and also questioned. I mean, I love, love, love my job at The Branch, enjoy being around my family, and there are so many other things that I wanted to have "in order" before moving to the field. But I knew that true joy and peace comes when you obey God and walk in His will, I mean I love, love, love my current job and location because He placed me there, so I should trust His leading in everything.

I will admit that I wasn´t 100% positive at first, but I felt God leading me to apply with Living Water Teaching. I am well aware that sometimes the stepping out in faith is what the Lord is looking for as well, so I took the first step, knowing that I am led by God and that as I seek Him wholeheartedly I will go in the right direction.

All that to say, I am now in the final "step" of becoming a missionary to Guatemala. I am at this very moment in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela), Guatemala on the campus of Living Water Teaching, going through a month of missionary training. During this time I am learning about all of the areas of the ministry here, spending time with the missionaries, students and others, and praying for God´s clear direction. I know without a doubt that I will live on the mission field, I believe that Living Water Teaching is the place I will begin, but during this time, I know that I will know without a doubt if this is where I will be for the next 4 years (starting around January 2010).

My greatest desire is to help people and the greatest gift that anyone can be given is a relationship with Jesus! It is my lifelong goal of living a life of love and sharing the joy that comes with being totally and completely in love with Jesus! Wherever God takes me, I am so ready to go!

The Hills Are Alive...

...with the Sound of Music!

The Sound of Music, is pretty much one of my favorite movies, EVER! The songs constantly pop into my head, and I attempt to sing them... Suddenly, there I am daydreaming of me being in the midst of an adventure, in a place where I don't know what to expect, but I cling to the words of the songs I am singing and make them my own and I know that even though I don't understand what's going on or how things are going to happen, I am calm, because I am completely aware that "my heart will be blessed with the sound of music, and I'll sing once more."

Okay, so that was intentionally cheesy. But, in all honesty, The Sound of Music has for some reason been a constant encouragement to me for the past couple of weeks. First of all I find comfort in it. I have watched that movie since I was little, I can sing with it, I can laugh, I still get excited when the puppet show comes on, and I am convinced that the captain fell in love with Maria when he found her in the ballroom getting ready to dance.

Besides it being comforting, I can understand the uncertainty that Maria feels as she sets off on an adventure. She doesn't know what to expect, and she is hesitant, but she knows that she is supposed to go to help this family. I appreciate the fact, that the adventure is not only a risky, uncertain event, but it involves taking a chance and work. So many times people are looking for adventure, but think that those can only be found by doing something spontaneous and physical risk, like jumping out of a plane or something. Maria is willing to work hard, admit her mistakes, and know that even though she might fall that she can laugh and stand up for what she believes.

There are exciting things going on right now with me, major decisions that I have to make, and lots of uncertainty that has to be faced, but the awesome thing is that I am totally up for it. I know that whatever I do and wherever I go, as long as I am seeking God wholeheartedly, that I will make the right choices. While it may be hard work, and there will surely be challenges, it's worth it and the joy is overwhelming!

So, go watch the Sound of Music and be inspired. :) I've been watching it in Spanish, I love attempting to sing the songs in Spanish, it's special. I am fully aware that I am a nerd, but I just love it! Remember, that the plans God has for you are amazing, and though they might be risky, He will lead you, and you will walk in great joy and peace!

I will leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite songs in the movie.

I Have Confidence

What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?

I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared

A captain with seven children
What's so fearsome about that?

Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack

The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me

So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me

Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me

With each step I am more certain
Everything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me

I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me

Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!

It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)

I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!