Little Country Church - Saying Good-bye

Dear Family and Friends,

Today was our final day of ministry in the village. It is hard to explain how attached we have become to the people here. At our bye-bye party, the village leaders came and prayed over us and spoke words of appreciation for each of us. As they spoke, our hearts were filled with joy to hear the impact our team has had on their lives.

To experience their welcome and their bye-bye is to experience the love of Christ in a way that we rarely experience in the U.S. Each of us have shaken more hands while here than most people do in a lifetime. You don’t walk past these gracious people without speaking to them and shaking their hand.

Sherry has been the mother to many of the women and the babies. She was our source of laughter.

Joanne was recognized as a special teacher to the children. Some say they saw Jesus in her as they watched her washing the ladies’ feet.

Janet has had a huge impact on the women she did massages for and today we had the AA meeting. There were over 50 alcoholics or brewers who attended. We are told that around 30 of them accepted Christ. They are now starting a new ongoing AA meeting group.

Tiffany has fit in so well. Though she is the quiet one of our group, she is also the one who made a great connection with the children. She seems to have become an integral part of the community. Africa may have a call on her life.

Vic has been learning patience as he has been having to wait for parts and people to do his job. He has a new name - it is Pembe. It means bull horns. The children call him this because of his mustache.

Pastor Dennis was a huge blessing to all of the people here. He was also able to spend some quality time with Juli. He is a wonderful team leader and we all feel blessed to have been a part of his team. We got to see the heart of this man of God, and it is awesome!

We will arrive Monday at 7:00pm in Sacramento. This will be during our 34-hour day. It will be the conclusion of 20 plus hours of flying.

To Donna,
I love you, miss you, and I am so excited to be with you. Jodi & Josh, I love you and have been praying for you. Everyone here sends their greetings. Love, Dennis (Dad)

Debbie,
I got your Zebra and love you! – Vic

All is well, see on Monday night. Much love for you all. – Sherry

Bill, I will be looking for you in Sacramento. I love you and miss you. – Janet

Bart, I can’t wait to exchange Guatemala/Africa stories in August! – Joanne

Mom, Dad, and All, I am having a great time. I am safe and healthy and will see you soon. Love, Tiffany