Tuesday, August 27, 2019

WRITTEN BY ROBERT MERTES

Working with the people in Mya Itza to pour the new concrete floor for the church became very symbolic for me later in the trip. Concrete is made up of four key elements; rock, sand, water and cement. Although cement is the lightest and least of all the elements in the mix, it is what gives concrete it’s strength. While rock, sand and water are available in many places in the world cement is a rare element. Cement must be mined from deep within the earth, milled into a fine powder, dried for days on a large table and placed into bags.

Corinthians 3: 10-11 teaches us “Like an expert builder I built the foundation of that house. I used the gift that god gave me to do this. Others are building on that foundation. But everyone should be careful how he builds. The foundation has already been built. No one can build another foundation. The foundation that has already been laid is Jesus Christ”.

The teachings of Jesus and the love of God are like the cement. We have taken many years to learn the teachings of Jesus and realize God’s love but if we do not share this with others it is like a bag of cement stored in a warehouse, useless to anyone. Mixing large blocks of concrete and sending them out to others will not build a strong foundation. Only when we bring the cement to others, combine it with the rock and sand and then add water can we form a solid concrete foundation in God. A relationship without God is like concrete without cement. It forms a very week mud brick that cannot be built upon and can easily wash away.

WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE

Yesterday was our last day to unwind before heading back to. Guatemala City.

I went downtown with a group to finds some pictures to take home. It was a beautiful day to walk around.

We all seemed to unwind and relax more yesterday eventually gravitating to the pool for some heavy laughs.

In the picture, Pastor Steve was encouraging Jeremy to breathe underwater using the cup quoting Martin Luther, “If your to sin, sin boldly” :)

Last night we debriefed with the ILAG staff the week. Provided input and feedback for next visit. (ILAG, Pastor Karen and the staff did an amazing job!)

We finish with all sharing one word to describe our experience and what we’ll do with it?

Mine was “forward” as in “Pay it forward.”

Today we head back. So very grateful and in awe of our experience. I look forward to sharing that experience with all of you!