The 2013 Guatemala Team at the New Under-Construction Global CHE Training Center
2014- Happy New Year!
2013 Year in Review and Guatemala Updates!
What a CRED-ible year!
As you have supported me and my mission, I pray along with you with the complete belief that God will answer.
When you pray, pray with faith that answers will come as they did this year, that is why this year has been CREDIBLE!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! This email contains lots of answered prayers, and updates on what God is doing thus far in my life and others that you helped touch. Keep with the faith that prayers will be answered in amazing ways and that YOU have a huge role in how prayers are answered.
Thank you, God bless you and your family and spiritual life.
Elisa
NEW MISSIONARY TESTIMONY Kristina R.- Middle School Spanish Teacher- First Guatemala Mission Trip
"This mission trip was a wonderful experience and really opened my eyes to a new culture and way of life. I loved meeting new people, teaching children, and playing soccer with them. I saw how many things we can take for granted in our daily lives so I've learned to be more appreciative of what I have. I've also learned that it doesn't matter where we are in life or what is happening around us; we can still find joy and happiness through Jesus."
We enjoyed having Kristina and she enjoyed it so much that she will be joining us again this summer! Please pray that this is possible!
BIBLE SCHOOL We were able to come to two schools and reach lots of kids with a missionary story, Bible story, and music! This was the first time that I attempted to lead this program and train others in less than a week, due to Mrs. Alica Kelly's (CEF evangelist) health problems that prevented her from joining us. Everything went smoothly, the team was so pumped and edifying, and blessed so many children and leaders in the school! We are invited to go to another school this summer! Please pray that our team is large enough, and that time permits to do so!
MUSIC MINISTRY ** (FULL CONCERT AVAILABLE)** In all the hustle and bustle of school, packing and God knows what, I was not able to prepare music for Guatemala. Almost every year they ask us to give "un especial" or a special. These brothers prepared music in English and Spanish (they learned it on their own!!!) and brought chords to play, and rehearse with the pastor at the Guatemalan Church! What a blessing it was to everyone to sing in their own language and, as my mother says, in the language of God: music. Watch below for the full concert!
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE Felipe (right)- Trainer and friend through Global CHE Many of you know that Felipe, a trainer from Global CHE and pastor of his local church, was affected by the earthquake in Guatemala last year. I called him New Year's Day and was delighted to know that we were praying for him. He was able to buy a new truck and has currently been able to repair 50% of his home. I was able to buy him new working boots while I was in Mexico, which fit him perfectly! What faith he has and what encouragement he gives me! Please continue to pray for his ministry, church, family and home.
FUNDRAISING! Start now! I am hoping to bring more interpreters, who are also first time mission fundraisers, than myself to this trip! I am bringing along some firstimers to mission and fundraising. Could you help make our trip possible?
LIFE I thank God for Life - Snow Day, January 29, 2014
I thank God for my privilege to teach amazing kids among amazing staff and community. Pray for us as we are still learning to use iPads and teach through this new digital age!! [PANIC] My kids are funny and we do funny things. Check out my tumblr page dedicated to the silliness education brings.
Thankful that I was able to spend time with my siblings and family friends this past Winter break
Thankful for three snow days!
My Dad- "I want to be free" This picture is from Christmas and he is very smartly wearing a cravatte that I bought for him. Isn't he handsome?
Continue praying for my father who has been suffering from early stage dementia at 60 yrs old, for 5+ years. He is slowly losing independence, starting with the loss of his driving ability. Every day that I can spend with him and hear about his childhood in Mexico is amazing. I was able to go to his cathedral where he served as an altar boy in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and was able to get a personal tour from him.
It is still hard to hear things like, "I can't do anything I want", "I am a disturbance", "How many kids do I have?", "I'm tired of being like this". These moments are few and slow and infrequent, thank God. Thanks for all of you who have kept touch with your friend and who still pray for him. I believe in healing. Pray for healing if God is willing.
And now...A Word from Our Sponsors (YOU) Throughout the Years!
Note: This is not to praise myself, but to serve as proof to you all that this is not done by my own effort, but by God's grace, and thanks to ALL of your prayers and support!
"Elisa...we're thankful to hear that you could see God working!" -Clara
"I rejoice in God's leading you to Guatemala!"- David
"Que alegre recibir tus noticias y saber lo que Dios sigue haciendo con tu vida y deseo de servir!"- Vivian
" Praise the Lord for what you are doing for Him there to the people in Guatemala...We have lots of hotel shampoos/ lotions that we saved up for you...God bless."- Kathy
"So excited for you!! God is doing great things through all of you!! We will be praying for your remaining time and for a safe trip back! I am also praying that some of us will be able to join you next year! Can't wait to hear all the praises when you return! Love you!" -Betty
"So excited for you dear sister! Sounds like you are off to an incredible start! May the Lord do above & beyond what we could ask or imagine!!!" -Rebekah
"...que Dios te bendiga en tu andar"-Tio Eddi (Uncle Eddy!)
"I am thankful for how God has provided & am praying for you! Blessings in Christ" -Karen
"Girl, I'm praying for ya!" -Catherine
"What an exciting opportunity! Praying for you as you're getting close :-)" -Joy
"Blessings to you!"- Randy
"Greetings from all of us here in SC...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK" -Adrian
"Hey we are soooooooo proud of you...Take care!!!"- Rob
"Muchas gracias por compartir lo que enviaste acerca de misiones a Guatemala con nosotros GCE...BendicionECS AbundantECS y abrazECS a todo el equipo misionero de Focused Living Ministries!!!" - Dr. Hugo E. Gomez
"Hola Elisa que alegría me da saber que estás en Guatemala me gustaría verte! ... que Dios te proteja y tengas buena salud. Abrazos." -Alex
"Estimada Hermana Elisa, que su tiempo en Guatemala sea invertido para la bendicion de muchas personas. Estoy orando por salud, cuidados y sabiduria. Que el nombre de nuestro Senor sea glorificado."- Nilo
" May the Lord bless your trip to Guatemala!"- John
"Que bueno saber que vas otra vez [a]... Guatemala. Se ve que lo disfrutas y doy gracias a Dios por la obra que les permite hacer." -Vivian
"Hi Elisa: I'm so proud of you! God bless you on the trip! Greetings." -Arnold
Philemon 1:4-7 "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers..."
