would you like a new home?

today was incredible. we have a few guys here visiting from lake city, florida. the entire week has been amazing, but today was just awesome.

one of the guys and his son are here representing their youth group who raised 3k to build a family a home. another guy who is here, along with his wife and kids, donated another 3k towards a home. so over the last few days we have visited 5-6 families, allowing them to connect with the locals and determine who they'd like to build for. right away, both of them knew exactly who they wanted to bless.

today we shared the news. it was simple, beautiful, and emotional. (video here)

these families living conditions will be RADICALLY TRANSFORMED within the next couple months.

even better than that, they will witness the radical and transforming love of christ.

today i am thanking god for letting us serve him here in guatemala. what a joy to be a part of it. also thanking him for these generous people whose hearts are broken for the poor and are stepping out and responding. praise jesus!!

juaquin prays for us

today we delivered beds (donated by some friends of ours) to a family that we recently finished building a new home for. they were so excited, climbing up to the top bunk and pretending to sleep...

the father stopped to share with us his thankfulness. he said he prays for our family every day - that god will protect us here in guatemala. "this is a dangerous place to live, and these are dangerous times. so i pray for you every day that god will keep you safe."

what a blessing to know that this kind, poor, family who lives on about $2 per day is praying for our safety. they recognize that we are out of our element, that we have "risked" our own security to help him and his people.

i told him i cannot think of any better way for him to show his appreciation than to pray for us just like he does. i believe god hears his prayers, and is honoring them...