Ivanrest Impact Ministries – Guatemala

Sunday Morning – 6:AM

Buenas dias,

As the tears ran down her cheek and her body shook from the sobs I knew that this young girl, along with the dozens of her fellow villagers standing around her, would go to sleep this night with a new found peace for the future.  As I stood there praying for her I couldn’t help but wonder, “Will I be standing next to her once again when all things are made brand new?”  I looked around at the rest of the team each with their hands lovingly placed on the shoulders of a precious Guatemalan child of God.  One that God had prepared for them to stand next to before they were even born.  My heart felt at peace knowing there could not be a better place on this night to stand, then to stand here in the midst of God’s Spirit transforming lives for all eternity.  The cries of new found joy filled the school room where over fifty people had come to hear and know the love of Christ Jesus.

The village we were at last night was really not a village at all, it was more of a compound were hundreds of people lived and worked for a wealthy plantation owner.  The air strip that we saw just above the village after 20 miles of up and down washed out roads was a reminder that the people that worked here lived far different lives than the one who profits from their labor. 

The team did an amazing job breaking down the fear that was evident in the people as we drove past the guarded gate leading into the compound.  They were fears of who we are, of what me might do, of the differences that we represent and the unknown of what was to happen that night.

The first frisbee was thrown with one daring child and then another stepped in and soon the streets were filled with gringos and Guatemalans playing games together and laughing like this was what has always happened there on a Saturday night.

As I think of the fear that was in the faces of these people and the way it paralized them I am reminded of the fear that so often paralizes us when it comes to stepping into the unknown that God has called us to.  This team of thirty has not only stepped into the unknown but they have jumped into the deep end.  Today our devotions will take us to these fears and will challenge us to let go of what we have come to trust in our earthly riches and securities.  Riches and securities that promise only emptiness when all is said and done.  Today, many of the team will be confronted with the truth that being a Christian is the most expensive thing that they will ever do, it is the most costly venture that they will ever pursue.  It is a title that will cost them their lives.

As I write this, the team is still sound asleep.  They are recharging their batteries that have been depleated.  The drive yesterday was 2 and a half hours one way with much of that being on roads that you would seldom find any car daring to travel.  We arrived back at the base in Chimaltenango around 1:30 PM.  Tonight we will again travel for the same amount of time to rescue souls for eternity.

The team has been amazing and has been incredibly positive with the long and exhausting days.  They have poured their heart and souls into doing their best for the one who called us here.  Many of you would weep if you could see the way God is using your child, your mom or dad, your brother or sister or your friend.  The stories that await you when we return will fill many hours.

I had time for my first run this morning and it looks like it is going to be a glorious day.  The sun is beginning to burn off the fog that has once again filled the morning air.  Shortly I will make a trip to the internet café down the road and Send this post along with many more pictures for you to see the stories that you will hear when we return.

Please pray for this last day of going deep into the mountains of Guatemala.  Pray for strength for the team.  Pray for passion to show God’s love.  Pray for the spirit to stir in the hearts of many.  Pray for sustained health as several are feeling the pains that come with serving here.  Pray that the team will put their fears aside and trust in the one who will not let them down.

It does not appear that we will have any connection to the internet at the base.  I assure you that everyone here sends their love and they will soon be ready to be back with you.

Again we are so thankful that you have lifted us p and carried us through thousands of miles this week.  We could not and would dare not do this with out the prayers that you share on our behalf.

In the villages, Hermano Jesus , our pastor, refers to the team as “Missionarios”.  That is exactly who they are.  But then again, aren’t we all?

I will post again in the morning.  May God bless you as you serve this day!

In His Grip!

Kevin Van Wyhe