Unfinished Business

2016 has been a year of changes. Some very good, some sad. My dad past away in March and God has opened doors to new opportunities in my personal life that were unexpected. I believe the latter has provoked some stirrings in my spirit that needed to be addressed. I'm excited about the faults in my personal belief system that God has shown me that will and are bringing me life and a closer relationship with Him.

I am presently in the states staying with a lovely couple, Ken and Sheila Matthews. I have my own room and private bath. What I appreciate most is the welcoming spirit here, the sweet presence of Christ in every room, the quiet, even as continuous teachings and soft Christian music is heard from the radio, Sheila's sweet hospitality and Ken's humble spirit. God prepared this place and time to do some unfinished business with me.

Here I was at 68, now 69 being groomed by God to walk into a new chapter of my life and in the midst of this marvelous and miraculous answer to prayer,  I'm praying someone else's prayer. "Lord, I believe, help thine my unbelief." Why!? God had unfinished business with me. I am thankful for the word of God and for a strong, no none sense, sensitive, loving man in my life that loves the Lord and does not hesitate to speak the things of God even when it may hurt...."the axe is at the root of the tree".

I know I am and have been blessed by God, been delivered, set free and healed so why is, no, why was I walking in any unbelief. One scripture helped me a lot ..."God is near." Since He is near why should I not believe Him totally. He is near to me. I am not talking about near to us. He is near to me personally through His son Jesus Christ, because I am important to Him. He loves me...Myra. He knows me...Myra. He has given me great and wonderful promises....Myra. He died and rose for me...Myra. He has given me power, resurrection power....Myra. He will never leave me or forsake me....Myra.

I am thankful for this time away from full time ministry, in this perfect place of peace and tranquility prepared for me by God to deal with this area of failure in my life. Yes, failure because there is no failure in Him. I thank Him for His pardon so sweet and good. I thank Him that He is not finished with me. I thank Him that with every lesson I can be used in life to His glory.

Brave New World?

My heart has been weeping over the supreme court decision but not because of their changes in the law. I have been weeping over how so many people are rejoicing over a lifestyle that God is against. Everyone can find a scripture that supports their views. I remember long ago when talking to a family member about their choices and she saying to me how Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery,  period. She failed to read the next phrase spoken by our lord to go and sin no more!

God does not distinguish between white, black, Jew, gentile, Native American, foreign born, Arab, rich ,  poor, short, tall, fat, or skinny. Jesus died for everyone and we belong to Him. To deny that homosexuality is not a sin is to deny that murder is not a sin. It is written.

I so desire that my oil lamp will be full when he comes so I can go to Him and abide with Him forever. I pray that for all men. I pray that for my president who stood in a church one day preaching about God and another day praising the supreme court decision on the basis of civil rights.

This is not a civil rights issue. This is a moral issue.

Everyone has the God given right to choose the path they want to follow but no one has the right to circumvent the standard God has set for mankind. That is a dangerous precedent.

Yes, as so many have spoken from the Christian community…we love everyone…and they shall know we are Christians by our love.

I believe in the God of miracles and I declare that His love will bring many who may now feel triumphant in this day. God is not through with me yet nor is He through with any of us. His love will cover, heal, deliver, bless, convict, bind, uproot, and triumph over all.

Love, Myra

Tribute to Catherine Monticello - She chose me.

Catherine Monticello died the day my 4th great grand child was born. Two lives have begun…one on this earth and the other in heaven.

She is a special lady to me because she chose me. We have never met. We have never talked to one another. I don't know the sound of her voice or of her laughter. I have seen her smile in photos. I have wished to meet her faced to face... but not yet.

Her son, Brad Lewis, told me one Sunday in passing, "My mom is supporting you." I looked at him and smiled. In my mind I wondered why she chose me. At my church we support probably  100 missionaries. The church has a prayer book with each missionaries name and information about their ministry. I believe that's where she found me.

She faithfully sent a donation monthly for the past several years. Watching her on Facebook through photos gave me joy to see who this woman was who chose me.

Today when I read about her death, it touched my heart. Reading some of the comments from her family spoke volumes of the kind of mother she was.

I never had an opportunity to thank her face to face but I think she knows how her faithfulness blessed me. Her faithfulness was tempered by kindness, prayer and her love for the Lord. I knew her and know her in the spirit. That's how strong her presence is to me.

She chose me and made me glad.

Holy Week Tribute

Today is Saturday. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. As so many people have been resting and playing Daniel and I have been recovering from colds, sunburns (he went to the river with his friends to swim), fever, aches and pains from chinkengunya (a nasty virus from a mosquito bite.) Consequently we have spent most of holy week catching up on Bible teachings from my home church Immanuels, downloading videos like "Unbroken", "The Imitation Game", "Annie" and the last of  "The Hobbit" series. 

In our prayer time we continue to pray for family, friends, missionaries near and far, individual countries in the world and for the Boko Haram, Isis, Hamas, Al Shabaab and terrorists in general. Why? Because we feel led by the spirit of God to pray for our enemies. We were all made by God but not all are sons of God. His desire is that none should perish.

The past weeks we have been praying for my son in law in the tragic murder of his only son. Also we have had more to pray about for the families of the people who died in the alleged suicide crash of the plane in France. Now we are praying for the families of the  147 people murdered allegedly for being Christian. 

I read a Face book comment that expressed anger about the silence over the death of the people in Kenya. The comment stated that when the people were killed in France in the magazine office the world stood still and leaders gathered together. 

I believe its not important that the "world"  acknowledge our deaths because the "world" makes decisions based on their personal concepts, doctrines, beliefs and prejudices. 

I believe that the people who died as Christians in Kenya are known by God and that is the greatest accolade any of us could hope to receive. Let us pray for their families and also rejoice in the midst of our tears over the death of those saints because this world was not worthy of them.

It is sad that so many tragic things are happening near and far but my question is Does God know our names? None of us knows when we will find out the answer to that. It may be tomorrow, next week, next year, ten years or more from today. No one knows. 

We are a people of faith and one thing we do know. We know how it will all end and become new. But we must stay the course in prayer with our hearts and eyes open to the truth that is written in the word of God. We must pray for our leaders, our nations, our enemies, our friends, our families. Do not focus on our daily complaints and problems but focus on what He would have us focus on. Seek Him, Love Him, Adore Him.

So as a Holy Week tribute to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let us pray that all men would be saved. 

Love, Myra

Being thankful when the "stash" is getting low

I am so broke…but not really. I always have a "stash"! My "stash" is getting dangerously lower and lower these days and if something doesn't  happen soon,  there goes the stash.

I was with a friend the other day who was repairing some things in the new building while some other workers, whom I have to pay, are digging and digging and looking to solve another building glitch (huh!) and this  friend looked at my face and said "Myra, be patient." I opened my mouth and said "I never pray for patience. It only brings "pruebas",  trials to help us be patient. I pray thankfulness! I am thankful for my problems because being thankful brings multiplication. I am thankful because I love the Lord who called me and he loves me and I know all things will work together for good in the end."

I surprised my own self by my response. I see God has been working in me.  Being thankful is in me even when its  not clearly showing on my face all the time. I have confidence in Him because of His love for me. So forget the "stash".  My father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He's about to sell a few for my benefit!

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

It's been too long

Happy New Year 2015! Every week or so since October 2014 I have thought about writing a blog.

So much has happened, so much is happening and so, so much is going to happen. I returned from a wonderful trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wando, South Carolina, Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.

I'd never been to Alabama before and I just loved it. it was like a little, big town where everyone speaks to each other or maybe it was because Pastor Sutton talks to everybody, everywhere. I was hosted by lovely Ann, the belle of Tuscaloosa. I've decided if the Lord ever said "You can live in the states"…I'd move to Tuscaloosa!

Then on to Wando, South Carolina where the lovely pastor Porcher and her husband kept me in grand style…a huge bed that I needed a step ladder to get in and out of. They have a small church with a large heart for missions.

I wound my way via the Megabus from South Carolina to Washington, Dc to pay my respects to the Sothern/Sanchez family in the loss of their daughter, sister, mother and wife, dear Sharon. I am so glad I know them and could be there to spend some time with them.

Then on to Baltimore to see family, share at a few local churches and attend my 50th class reunion which was a blast!

While I was gone I kept in daily touch with my son Daniel, who preached his first sermon while I was gone. He was so ready to share the Word when an opportunity presented itself. I was surprised and delighted.

When I  arrived home in early October, I asked him to preach again because I wanted to hear him. I was blessed because it was not my Daniel sharing. It was the anointed of God! I am not exaggerating. This boy is on fire for the Lord!

He now has his own male youth group. He is mentoring two to three young men who are older than him. They respect him even though some do make fun of him. He just laughs it off and says, "I am not going to let those things bother me. I have too much that needs to be said and I am trusting God to help me to share more." Which he does EVERYWHERE!!

While I was gone he prayed for a dying man and led him to the Lord just before he passed away. His first day at a new school he spoke to anyone who would listen to him about how God is working in his life, including his teachers. He is friendly and open to anyone so he can share the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Our relationship is awesome. He treats me like a queen. We go for walks together, he cleans the kitchen for me, we watch Christian teachings together via internet, and pray together at least once or twice a day. He is my encourager when I feel overwhelmed. He responds with maturity when I need to pull him up about something. He tells me that I am the head in this ministry and if I see him doing anything that is incorrect to please tell him.

He just graduated from the 9th grade in 2014 and is attending a trade school this year for air conditioning and refrigeration 6 days a week. He is taking a Bible course from my home church, Immanuels,

Youth group

translating at VBS

Graduation

one day a week, reading a book about church history, teaching a youth class every other week, preaching on Sunday's, reading the Bible personally 2 to 3 times a day, doing his school homework, visiting friends in the neighborhood to pray with them and to encourage them, and taking guitar lessons because he wants to start a praise and worship team for the church.

My life has changed so much because of him. He has taken some of the weight off of me in ministry. He, as I said, encourages me so much. I have had to reevaluate my walk with the Lord and I have found it wanting…being too busy ministering and not spending more time with the Lord.  I relish this time in my life with this young man knowing that one day he will be gone on to his own life, ministry, and family.  I am a blessed woman.

Thank you Lord for reminding me how it used to be between You and me.



                                            Do not despise the days of new beginnings.

                                                              My Daniel

A year ago today my momma died...

A year ago today my momma died. I seem to be doing okay. I did cry last night, actually it was today at 1am,  but I do that any day or night. I have learned to let my tears flow whenever they like. Its not a hard sob, its just a soft warm flow that says "mi mamma" in spanish. As I write this tears are filling my eyes but that's okay because I'm learning to live with this because this is the way it is.

In January I wrote in my journal:

"I do not know how to bear this grief. It comes as a wave that washes over everything. It hovers over me like a helicopter telling me there is danger near. What danger, death?  Death is no danger when I have Christ.

What power can this grief have over me? Its a mystery. Even as I know that death is life in Christ some part of rejoices and the other part grieves over my loss. Yes, My loss! Others knew her -  my mom  -others loved her  - my mom - BUT this is my grief - personal, intimate, visible and tangible.

Lord, how do I abide -no- how do I leave this grief behind. I want so much to abide in YOU always but this grief creeps up on me and steals my joy. How do I sorrow but also rejoice? Teach me, I pray."


Eight months later the grief  does not have its power over me. The remembrance of Him storing my tears in a bottle because of His love helps me.  I can  both sorrow and rejoice with warm tears that don't tear me apart but flow as water washing over my soul. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers.

 Its still a mystery but He is the master of miraculous mysteries.

A Tribute to Sharon

My greatest supporter died the other day. She was a friend, a mother, a wife, a sister, and a strong believer in Christ. I first met her about 12 years again fresh faced and always smiling. I once saw her frown but even then there was a slight curve to her lips that said, I am always ready to smile again. She brought warmth to wherever she came. She came into my life through her sister Donna who volunteered with the Children's Home  for over a year. 

Later Sharon married and through much struggles finally started a family. What amazed me was one year she started to donate a large sum monthly to the ministry. I was blessed by her generosity but thought she may have made a year long commitment only But every year she continued and increased the amount yearly. What blessed me more than the money was the sense of encouragement she gave me  in this ministry. Those who are missionaries know the struggles we face financially and spiritually. How we rely on the caprice of others when we really need to rely on God himself. 

Sharon's anointing was not the money but the spirit of encouragement that accompanied her every action. She made me sense that God was for me and He was using her to send that message. 

She comes from a family that loves to help and encourage. Being in touch with her family always gave me hope and comfort. She exemplified that so much. She will be sorely missed by me and I know I will see that smile again. Her smile is etched on my heart.

To her family and friends I can only offer mere words of condolence but know this that the God who loves us all is in the midst of even this loss.

A World view through God's eyes

Years ago my board said I needed to have cable so that if there was an emergency in my country or in the world I would be aware of it. Never did I think that this assess to news would become such a major part of my prayer time.

I  recently changed my Face book profile picture to reflect my prayer support for Christians and other religious minorities being persecuted by Islamic terrorists. I wish there was a profile photo that could express my preoccupation with the state of our world overall.

I see in Missouri a young black man who was recently shot by a white policeman. I don't know all of the facts and have only seen snippets  of the coverage. I did see the video that I believe was him boldly facing down a store clerk over a few dollars of stolen cigars. I can also see in my imagination a young boy with his arms raised, fear in eyes,  pleading not to be shot. What a contrast!

I can see a man who is white pointing a guy at a "criminal" who was walking in the middle of the street thinking perhaps fearfully that "if let my guard down, he will overpower me, so I must shoot him like a wild animal or I'm a goner." I don't know!!

I only know that in the hearts of these two men there is an illusion of right and wrong that is not taught in the Bible. There is a scripture that simple says. "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind and soul... Love your neighbor as yourself." Simple but so not real in this world.

I see a president, whom I did not vote for, but do pray for trying to please man while fighting against the wind on every hand. I pray for his heart to be softened and for forgiveness for his world view that abortion and same sex marriage is the people's right. In part he is correct but in the divine scheme of things he is so wrong.

I see another president (Guatemalan) asking for "money" from the USA to solve the problem of immigration instead of  seeking the face of God for wisdom on how to overcome the disparity of the people, to change the hearts of the delinquents, to give them a future and a hope, to provide the basics of clean water, food and education for all of the people. Money is not the answer. God's wisdom and guidance is the answer.

I see men, religious men, who worship Allah and believe they have a mandate to "convert" the world to their way through murder,  rape and plunder. I pray for them to have an encounter with the real God in the form of Jesus Christ.

For every situation in this world God is the answer. Not the God of our flesh that says we deserve this or that, but the God in whom we find forgiveness when we repent and the Holy Spirit who will enable us to shed His love abroad.

The times are growing darker but the light of Jesus Christ is not getting dimmer. It is burning deep into the hearts of men who are praying for the day when all of Gods people will rise up in one accord in fellowship, harmony, love, and agreement that we are His people, united in love for His purposes,  so that the Kingdom of God will one day dwell forever more in our hearts, minds and souls.

I am still here!

I haven't written in a while since my mom's death last September 2013. I have been busy keeping in touch with my family. I went home in October for my yearly visit. Daniel was with me and it was good seeing family again while making my rounds at churches sharing about the ministry. I went home again in March 2014 for 10 days to celebrate my Dad's 91st birthday. I will be leaving for home again in September, in November and in January 2015….but I'm still here in Guatemala.

September I will be in Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland sharing about the ministry. In early October before I return to Guatemala  I will attend the 50th anniversary reunion of the class of 1964 of Easter High School! How time flies.

In November I will be home for 10 days to celebrate a Thanksgiving Family Reunion.

In January 2015 my daughter Lee wants me to officiate at the renewal of her vows with her husband Terrance.

I have never traveled as much since moving to Guatemala in 1995 but this is a special time in the life of my family and I need to be there more. We are closer now than we've ever been, including my dad. My mom left a hugh space in all of our lives but her leaving left us more determined to honor her memory by loving each other more. That's her heritage.

While these past months have been hard personally,  the ministry still continues. I am learning to rest more and I can still see that the work does not go lacking. God is faithful! I am praying for more helpers. I have an excellent guatemalan staff in Gilma, Graciela and Andrea. What is lacking is someone who will take the reigns when I am gone. So I need prayer for interns, be they Guatemalan or North American, whom God may lead one day to oversee this ministry.

I am enjoying seeing my son Daniel (16) grow first in his relationship with the Lord, his studies and his passion as an athlete as he says "for God!"

The Lord has continued to be faithful in meeting the needs of the ministry through the donations from the states and continues to open doors for more connections. Just when I think something will go lacking, He provides the answer. Living by faith can some times be nerve wracking but when I just trust and leave the ministry in His hands I am amazed at how well he handles things. My boss leads His servants well in the path of peace! In all this I am content because He is with me.

I ask your prayers for my family especially my oldest sister Janice who is ending her treatment for breast cancer. She has been a real trooper and the prognosis is excellent. I will try to do better in communicating through this blog. Blessings to everyone, everywhere.

Love, Myra

Hilda Green August 19, 1923 - September 1, 2013

My mom died today. She was 90 year old. I haven't really cried a lot. Been thinking a lot about my family especially my sister Sheila who is closer in age to me. We are five sisters. Janice, Sheila, Myra, Robin and Terry.

In Guatemala  I work with poor people who have no electricity, no water, or toilets. People who live in shacks made of tin and wood with dirt floors. People who are not always recognized by their own people as valuable. I tell them about my family history to give them hope. Today its all about my mom.

My maternal grandmother was born a slave towards the end of the civil war. She died at 100 years old in 1966. She could not read or write. Her children,  one of which was my mom's parent, were born free but could not read or write. My mother had a 12th grade education and worked as a secretary in NSA in Ft. Meade, MD. She ended her career with outstanding awards.

Her five daughters all finished High school and some studied in a junior college. Her 15 grandchildren all finished High school and some finished college and all had good jobs, homes and the majority are saved! Her 22 plus great grandchildren the majority finished college and her 10 great great grands are progressing well in school. Every generation got better. What a heritage!

I remember when I had already purchased my ticket to go to China to smuggle in Bibles back in the 80's. She was diagnosed with blockage in her veins leading to her heart and was scheduled for an emergency operation. My dad said to me " You can't go to China. People will say you have abandoned your mom." But my mom spoke up and said "Let her go. She is doing God's work." She was proud of me and that made me glad.

I remember taking vacations with them going to New York city, watching a Broadway show, eating out and hearing tales about how they met. She talked about their early years when they had their first girl, Janice. How she dressed her like a doll baby. She was their princess. She was so beautiful to them. She talked about how then came Sheila who didn't look like them at all but like her aunt. Sheila who was feisty and tried to tear my eyes out when I was born. She told me how she gave birth to me at home and how the young doctor was so proud that his first delivery was such a huge success. I weighed 9 1/2 pounds and filled the bassinet. How the neighbors came and looked at their newest child. I remember when Robin was born with dimples in her knees and how I helped to care for her as mom went off to work. She taught me how to starch and iron her ribbons and pinafores and when I had my little girl I never ironed ribbons again. I remember when Terry graduated High school and momma said "that diploma belongs to me."

I remember Christmas Eves when I was the oldest at home with two smaller siblings 11 and 13 years younger how we stayed up all night trimming the tree with ice cycles that had to be put on one by one by one until there were no spaces to be seen. She wanted everything to look perfect.

I remember rising on Saturdays, the day I wanted to sleep in, having to do my chores from washing clothes, hanging them out on the line, polishing furniture, vacuuming,  but not alone working side by side with her making our home neat and clean and presentable.

I remember taking her out to lunches after she retired and always introducing her to my friends. She was so happy because she was being acknowledged. Old age makes us some times feel useless but not my mom. She has always been a special woman.

She was a working mom from the time I was five. She did the best she could to teach us to follow her example. A woman who seldom if ever raised her voice. A woman who dressed with style and taste. A woman who kept a fine house. A woman who was a faithful companion to her husband of nearly 71 years. My mom, my friend, my lunch buddy, my reading companion, my heart. I am crying now.

"Sometimes I Cry"

The past two weeks have been especially challenging and with each challenge I stoutly said "God has the answer!"...but today was different, I just wanted to cry. I thought I had had enough. I was wrong. As I prayed with my son tonight I suddenly started to tear and cry even as I continued to pray. After I had finished he prayed and the Lord moved. It seems that we both have been in a battle and some of it was between us. I did not realize how hurt I was as I stood strong with him during the week about an issue. He acknowledged in prayer that even though he did not like my advise he knew in his heart that he was struggling and needed to heed my words. I then remembered how I can walk through things and be strong and when its over that's when I cry.

So, not only the challenge between my son and I is ended,  but all of the other  challenges I have faced  are coming to an end in Christ Jesus!

Some good things have happened. The last few weeks I have been teaching on Sunday in English and my son has been translating in Spanish? It was his idea. The comments have been impressive from old and young alike, not about my teaching,  but about his translating and how they understand the teaching.

Last Sunday a couple accepted Christ and one young woman was reconciled to Christ!

More people are attending the church services!

My 90 year old mom came home from the hospital and both parents have someone who is taking care of them at home!

In our pig project one of the ladies has sold her pig. She had raised it to a good size and weight.  She came by and gave me her tithe for the profit she had made off of the sale. She now plans to buy two pigs with the money.

I realize that I am only human and my natural self needs to expel the stress and bother of the challenges that arise. I love the song "Sometimes I Cry". It tell about a Christian who believes and stands in God but sometimes cries. Its healthy and cleansing and some of the crying is for joy.

Everything was in order

"Heal me Oh God and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved."

Jeremiah 

Sixty five has really kicked me in the rear end. My body has gone through some major changes. My sugar levels which had been under control via diet for years became unstable. My pressure which had notoriously been low rose and refused to lower. I am now on medication for both. 

One night,  after 10 episodes of vomiting and not being able to sleep due to  pain, at 3:30 AM I went to a local private hospital for  some relief... a needle or some medicine. What I received was an operation. One hundred or so stones were removed from my body as well as my gallbladder. The doctor, unbeknownst to me, was a specialist in gallbladder laser surgery. Within 5 hours of my arrival,  I was in surgery and 32 hours later I was home. Some of the stones were the size of a ping pong ball, but God....guided me to the best hospital and the best doctor to solve my problem and literally save my life.

It reminds me of another occasion when God had every thing in oder to meet a special need. Daniel and I made a day trip with some friends when he was about 4 years old. Previously he had shown signs of allergic reaction to bee stings,  but only in the area affected. That day we were at a  pool and I had glanced away from him for a moment and suddenly heard him cry. When I approached him I saw a pair of black rimmed wings pinched between his finger.

I forced his fingers open and saw 2 or 3 red bite marks on the finger. Suddenly his face and eyes became puffy and his cheeks streaked with red lines. I always carried benedryl because I also had allergic reactions to bites. I forced the pill down his throat and his symptoms calmed but only for a few moments. Suddenly his cheeks flared red again and his face and eyes swelled more than before.

It was a Sunday where usually no doctor can be found in the public hospitals in rural areas of Guatemala. We were not in our town but two hours away in another location. The bus driver of the excursion quickly and easily found a doctor at his home having dinner who generously opened his clinic to care for my son. 

On the way home, as I held my sleeping son with his still slightly puffy eyes and face, asked, "God, why did this happen? He could have died." He spoke to my heart and answered "Myra, I had everything in order to meet your every need".

How good is That! There is none good as God. 

As it was with my little Daniel so many years ago, so it was with me on June 21st when my need arose...He had everything perfectly in order! God is good!

                                                      After surgery photo

                                                         My gallbladder stones!

Risky Business

Risky Business

After being on the field and living in Guatemala for the past nearly 18 years, I am still surprised at the disappointments I sometimes experience. Even as  l work with poor people, my greatest sorrow comes from some Christian believers, the more educated and learned folks. It seems there is that mentality in some that we (missionaries) are “rich”! Ah, so where is my new car? Why am I still riding the bus or walking in the hot sun when I have so much money to ride in an air conditioned car?!?! 

This is a risky business because I must remember that we are all God’s creation and as believers we are called to be son’s. What son has not disappointed his father? 

Some may think the more  obvious disappointments  may come from the poor but I learned a lesson well when I was in a Christian camp in MN. with 10 awful ten year old Indian girls way back over 25 years ago. I went there to serve and these girls gave me much grief daily...But God said love them. I tried but one day after a really bad episode ...A pretty little girl reared back and broke wind in my face....I said self righteously, “ This is a Christian camp and I did not come here to be treated like this.” The sweet little thing said and I have never forgotten, “I am not a Christian”. I was expecting something from her she did not know how to give. The story ended well with much patience , resilience and love.  We got through the week and my 10 little Indian girls said to me “ You were so kind to us. You didn’t holler and speak mean to us.” That was God’s  love.

So in this risky business I have learned to love those who were lost but with those who say they love God and are  sons of God I have sometimes walked in disillusionment.   How He must grieve over us, his sons and daughters, who are not always walking in the light. 

Lord help me to learn this lesson you want me to take hold of. I’m not clear sometimes what it is but I know when I speak out of my flesh even when I feel justified it pricks me. Am I the one who needs to pray more and speak less? I am still learning more about me and more about Him. Every day there is a new revelation and I know that in this risky business there are no guarantees but one...He is here and He is responsible for this ministry and for this life He has called me to and I can rest in that. 

Its a new year

Its a new year but somehow it went from 2012 to 2013 without much significance to me. Oh yes, I am thankful for another year of life and health but I am thankful every day for that, the date doesn't make it any different. I did turn 65 on the 2nd of September 2012 and I do believe my life has changed a lot. My perspective on things, my concentration, my prayer life, my moods, my hopes, my desires etc. and so on.

I am thankful for the ministry that is not too big because relationship means a lot. I know everyone's name and where they live. I've seen the families change over the years, mostly for the better. I've prayed with them, agonized over their troubles with them, rejoiced in their new babies (one named after me ),  helped provide new homes, helped pay for funerals, rejoiced over their children's achievements in school, encouraged those who wanted to quit to continue and taught with tears about forgiveness of wrongs done to them.

We have 42 families that come to the ministry site for the feeding program, Women's Bible study, teen mentoring, youth programs and the church services. All of the young adults in Junior and Senior High and one going to college this year receive full scholarships. The future holds possibilities. All is possible in Christ!

Only an intimate relationship with Christ can change lives and I cherish my relationship with Him because it keeps me going. Yes, I am tired, overwhelmed, flustered at times but I go on in the strength of knowing I am just where He wants me to be. I am amazed at His love for me and feel duty bound to share that love with others. How easy can life be in Him. I am not doing the work. He is! So I take another breath, read some more of the Word, take a short nap and get up and keep going.

So happy New Year to all because that's our custom but every day is a new day in Christ, that's our reality.

Home again

I just returned from the states on the 8th of October. It was a great trip although some parts were bitter sweet. My family celebrated my parents 70th anniversary and my 65th birthday. My parents are now 89. Somebody is getting old. Sometimes I feel that it is me...but then I remember that this is only a small portion of my life eternal and that makes me glad. I wish and pray that for my parents to realize that this is just a small portion of their eternal life. It was a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. I was refreshed and blessed on every hand.

                                                            Myra with sister and parents

                                               

                                                       Myra with sisters Janice and Sheila

Returning home was great for a few days and then I wanted some time off....doesn't take much to get overwhelmed here sometimes. I'm catching up and trying to slow down. My ear infection is finally gone. I only have to use alcohol before and after I swim to avoid any problems. I love the exercise.

Speaking of exercise, my son Daniel is taking judo lessons on top of running two hours a day and doing push ups and crunches endlessly the rest of the day. the boy is an exercise machine. He says it makes him happy and thankful to God. So glad God is into exercise.

I have been to three graduations since returning and have two more to attend in November and one in December. God has provided assistance to these young people to continue on in their education. What a blessing that they are doing just that and some quite excellently.

My dear Gilma, my right arm,  lost her sister to cancer upon my return... another bittersweet moment. Her sister is a strong woman of God who never wavered in her beliefs during this last year of physical struggle. Now Gilma is caring for two young boys as she cared for her sister. She has such a servant heart.

Please remember Rene and Dora in your prayers. Jeffrey, their 7 year old son, died shortly after I arrived home.

Carlos is taking a two year Bible course from Lee and Carol Short's Vida International ministries. Daniel and I, along with three other workers, are also watching the videos. Its done by Spanish speaking teachers and will be a great tool for the future education of the church. I am so excited about having this material.

Coming home is great but I miss my mom and dad more now than ever. I may be coming home atleast twice a year for a month at a time. I have made some connections in the southern states and already have some mid and upper states connections. I can divide my visits into those two areas and also have time to visit with my aging parents.

I thank God for where he has placed me and the people whom I have come to know and love in Guatemala.

                                                                 
                                                                          Gilma

Rene's family

This is Jeffrey. He is 7 years old. He cannot walk or talk. He wears diapers and needs assistance to eat. His mother carries him most of the day. When her husband comes home from work he helps.

                                                                                             JEFFREY

His parents Rene and Dora are a loving Guatemalan family that has seen their share of struggles but they keep going on. They have two other children Jakeline 3,  and David who will be 2 in November. David is malnourished and cannot  walk as yet. The mother because of a childhood mutilation to her breast cannot give milk and the father’s income is very small. They have medicines that they buy for Jeffrey to control his spasms and now have a special milk they need to buy for David. It is overwhelming!

I met them this month through a referral from one of the families that are part of our ministry. Rene came in lovingly carrying  Jeffrey and told me his story. His wife sat by quietly holding David and lovely  Jakeline just sat and smiled. 

RENEE, JEFFREY (SMILING),  JAKELINE, DORA AND DAVID

Jeffrey has had a neurological problem since infancy. His body is contorted to the extend that he cannot have therapy because one of his limbs may break. He needs an operation to correct that. He has been taking medicine for over 4 years for his spasms but when he take it his eyes glaze and he appears delirious. The family wants to consult with a private neurologist to see if he needs another kind of medicine. They are currently attending the National Hospital which provides free service but usually does not have the nedications  they have to buy. 

Renee sells dishes, furniture and other household goods  which is not a very secure or well paying job. He earns about $10 a day. He used to drink but three years ago he gave his life to the Lord and has been a faithful family man. Dora, spends her days carrying the two boys from place to place in their rented house with one bed, one table and no chairs. Their youngest son, David, is malnourished and the hospital has prescribed a nutritional milk that is very expensive to buy. Both boys need diapers.

Please pray about helping this family. As a ministry we can provide beans, rice, corn once a month as well as vitamins, nutritional peanut packets and incaperina, a nutritional drink. They need much more. As a ministry we'd like to provide the  special milk for the baby boy, diapers for both boys , incaperina , eggs, oil, vegetables, beans, rice every week. Their special needs costs about $150 a month. We need 6 people who would consistently support this family at $25 a month so their children would have the basic necessities to survive.

We are also looking for a wheelchair for Jeffrey that hopefully we can find here. We are contacting a orthopedic doctor here to see if he would give us his assistance and also a private numerologist. Please pray that we will be able to provide help for  Jeffrey's health needs. 

This place called Chiquimula

There are many people I have come to admire in my life. My dad for being such a great role model for our family, my mom just being a great lady at all times, my daughter Lee for her strength and determination, my daughter Aimee for her laughter, my son Dan for his ability to mingle with all kinds of people, dear Adam for his purposeful life in Christ, dear Ruth for her consistence in prayer, my pastors Charles and Dottie for making the word of God alive and vibrant in their teaching and so many others.

I have found more unlikely people to admire in this place called Chiquimula. Women like Alicia, with broken bones and cuts inflicted by her husband, who stands in prayer and fasting for him and her sons.
O'Mara who has lost three babies and still smiles at age 20. Ernestina who lost everything, lived in a cave with her youngest two children for a while and does not complain. Juana who has struggled for many years and now has a decent home and is a motivator in her neighborhood to clean up the garbage, working towards making their homes better. Gilma, a widow, who has such a servant heart.

I believe God placed me here to be a help to these women, but I have learned and am learning so much from them. They are my heroes in this place called Chiquimula.

Mother's Day 2012

Another Mothers Day has  come and gone. This Mother'sDay was very special this year because our young ladies were a vital part of the event. They made small canastas out of tongue depressors so that each mother would receive a gift. Inside flowers were placed to make a pretty arrangement for the moms. The girls wore their best clothes and had a fashion show. I also wore one of my best dresses and strutted down the runway too. After the word was shared we had food and gifts. I was given water glasses by my workers and a cute wooden box Aimee made especially for me and received a cooked chicken from one of the ladies!

                                                                Myra with her girls

Andrea and Gilma were recognized as leaders in the ministry by receiving a exhortation license. They are exhorters in this ministry and they clean, prepare, share the word, pray and encourage the people daily. I am thankful for their presence along side of me.

I love my three children. My Lee is a wife, mother and grandmother. I am very proud of her and although we are far apart in distance she is always close to my heart. Talking to her always cheers me on especially since I know she has my back!

Aimee, separated mother of 3 boys, is closer and more in need of my counsel and prayers. She is a good mother to her small tribe. I have confidence in God that He will restore to her what the canker worm has stolen.

My Daniel at 14 is a challenge that only God can help me with. I recognize the call on his life and know that the enemy is not happy when he does well BUT GOD is in charge and is the father who loves Daniel as his own dear son.

I miss my mom most of all and at 89 years of age and in delicate health,  I wait for that final call to come home one last time. I rejoice in the times I can talk to her by phone and hear her voice nice and strong. I rejoice when my sister tells me how she deals with my sometimes cantankerous dad with "I love him any way".  My prayer always for her and for my dad is that their latter years to be better than their first.

I pray you all had a blessed day and remember this celebration is nothing compared to the one in heaven.

I'm on the mission field

April has brought some new changes in my life and the life of my son Daniel. He is no longer attending school in the home. He was dong very well with his lessons but being home all day and not going out much was wearing on both of us. This month he was transferred to a small school in Chiquimula whose purpose is to be a blessing to the students be they special needs, poor or just shy. Daniel at 14 is not an out going person normally but when he gets to know you he can be very talkative. He loves and respects the director of the school who loves the Lord and is always open to help anyone. What a great testimony! Please pray for this transition for my Daniel.

A fellow missionary was scheduled for surgery this month in Guatemala City where she had to stay for another 3 days after her surgery before returning back to Chiquimula. I volunteered to stay with her during the week so she would not be alone. What a blessing for me. The first night we both shared her hospital room which was not too bad considering they woke us up in the middle of the night for her to take her meds. The next three days were spent in a very nice hotel, free breakfast buffet, nice rooms and pool privileges! I only needed to pay $20 a day as the second occupant. God is good. Her recovery went very well and she needed to move around as normal minus heavy lifting so we went to the pool every morning, went walking, had quiet times of reading, window shopping at a great mall nearby, saw a movie and just relaxed. I've never just gone away on a vacation and even though the purpose of the trip was to bless her I was blessed in return with quietness and peace.

I also started pool exercises this month. As many of you know I don't swim and am (was) afraid of water. Not anymore. Two of my guatemalan friends invited me to accompany them to a local pool early each week day morn about 5:15 am. I went and am going regularly. Its been great for my knees which I injured over a year ago and have been using a bike to exercise. The water is less trauma and I feel great. Even though I concentrate on water aerobics, learning to actually swim is a big possibility too. Its never too late.

Coming back to Chiquimula  after 4 days away was an adjustment. I wondered what do I do? I needed to be a mom, a counselor, teacher, preacher, accountant, secretary, etc. So where did that question come from? So many times I don't realize the many hats that I wear and why I get so tired. My biggest roll apart from being a mom is to mentor the hearts and minds of these young girls and boys directly and indirectly. The smaller ones see more of Gilma and Andrea in the feeding program  but they do know my name as I walk through and greet them. "Seno Myra", they cry out. Some of the older girls come several days a week to help with the activites of the feeding program and one day of an intense Bible study and prayer.  My heart is that the light of the word will shine in their hearts and illumine their souls. Lofty words but oh such a lovely God, Who can only do the work in their hearts and souls. I am a instrument that plays a tune to draw them nearer to the living Word.

So pray for me as I am on the mission field and some days are harder than others not in the physical but in the spiritual. I am thankful for a God who "has begun a good work in (me)  will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ!"