Dan's Lemonade Update

post-trip reflections

2011-04-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

My year in Guatemala was transformative in a number of ways. Often times people say that those that go on a short term mission trip leave more transformed than those they went to serve. I can't speak to anyone's experience but my own. Personally, I would love to say that during my year in Guatemala I saw radical transformation occur in the lives of countless individuals. I would love to say that there was a marked change in each of the approximately 12 boys I was personally investing in during my time there. I would love to say that the community of La Limonada was more secure, less poor, and healthier because of my time there. Yet I cannot honestly make any of those claims. When I left at the end of 2010 things seemed to be worse than when I started. Yet I experienced only 1 year of a 50+ year work that God has been doing and will continue doing in La Limonada. I invested 1 year in the 20+ (Lord willing, many more) years of life these kids will live. I experienced short scenes and chapters of the greater story that God is telling. I was blessed to play a minor role in the stories both of individuals and the greater community of La Limonada. The beautiful and encouraging fact of the matter is that the story is God's. Since it is His story, not my story, I know He will continue to write, add/remove characters, transform both the protagonists and antagonists, and whatever else necessary in order to accomplish his overall purpose.

Although I was not able to see the finished product I was blessed to see glimpses of hope. A man, who shortly after I arrived had begun rehab, when I went back to visit in January had preached his first sermon in one of the house services. A growing faith community of believers meeting together for fellowship, biblical training, and worship. The child I sponsor making radical life changes, going back to school, and desiring to make a difference in his community. A dedicated Guatemalan staff, who despite the constant threat of danger, low pay, and lack of resources continue to invest daily in the lives of the children & families of La Limonada. These are the glimpses of hope that keep the work going and contribute to the greater work that God is doing.

The most tangible transformation I can attest to is the work that God has done in my own life. God used my time in Guatemala to stretch me, shape me, mold me, and ultimately to get my eyes off myself and face the realities of our world. I know that brokenness is not unique to La Limonada. It is universal. We are all born sinful, broken, and in need of restoration. We all need reconciliation to occur in our relationships with God, ourselves, the people around us, and our world. God has created each of us uniquely to play a unique role in his greater story of reconciliation. He has placed each of us in a unique sphere of influence and wants to use us to help transform the lives of individuals, families and communities where we live. It needs to start here but does not need to stop there. Ultimately, we are called as Christians to take the transforming message of the gospel to the ends of the earth. We each have a role to play in the global purposes of God.

Those are just a few of many things that God showed me during my time in Guatemala. I was blessed to work with a team of people from Guatemala and around the world that were working toward that end. More than anything, I learned from them and was changed by them. My time in Guatemala was an awakening for me to the purposes God has for me and how he wants to use me in the place he has placed me, West Michigan. These past few months I have been able to see how God has been orchestrating long before my return and upon returning I have been able to see the various pieces move into place. I have been blessed with an exciting opportunity to practice the things He has been teaching me starting with my home church. It is the culmination of the passions, gifts, and abilities God has given me and allows me to live out the things I learned in Guatemala while training, equipping, and encouraging others to do the same.

I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to spend a year in Guatemala. It was quite easily the best decision I have made and would not trade the experience for anything. Had I not gone life would be a lot different and certainly not as exciting. I am grateful for the way God has led me up to this point and look forward to trusting Him as He continues to lead each step along the way. A big thanks to everyone who has played a role along the way through support, prayer, and encouragement.

missionary life

2010-09-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am at the 9 month point of my year commitment here in Guatemala. As I´m looking at what may be my final 3 months here I´ve been thinking a lot about what God has next for me. Over the last 9 months of ministry, meeting new people, building relationships, getting used to a new culture I feel I lost sight of my original intention for coming to Guatemala. It has become like home to me here and I admit I allowed myself to forget about my home back in the states. For that I want to apologize.

I have found myself coming back a lot to this question, Why did I come to Guatemala? There are many ways I can anser that question, some of them noble and some of them selfish. However, I feel the heart of the reason I came here is to be apart of something amazing that God is doing and learn from that to be better equipped in ministry. Here I am surrounded daily by strong Christian men and women who are amazing examples of what it means to walk by faith, follow the Spirit´s leading, and be God´s love in a hard place. A book I had read said something about finding a place where God is working and go there. I found that in La Limonada.

Now, what do I do with that? My first instinct was to latch onto it. I was ready to stay here as long as possible, grew cynical of the way things are in the States, and prayed that God would not send me back there. Now, God is starting to remind me of why He sent me here and where my home is. In the states.

The harder thing is not going on a mission trip, but going back afterward. Here it´s easy to live missionally every day because I am walking alongside others that do the same and learning from them. While I´m here everyone praises me for leaving my country and ¨being a missionary.¨ Sure, I´m a missionary but no more than the person who lives out their Christian walk while working a normal job in the states. We are all called to be missionaries in the places we find ourselves.

When Jesus sent out his disciples in Acts 1:8 he told them they would be his witnesses ¨in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.¨ The point is they are to start in their own neighborhood and expand from there. Both are important.

My challenge for myself right now is how can I live missionally here in Guatemala City and La Limonada? And when God calls me back to Michigan, how can I take the things I learned and be a missionary in the context of Grand Rapids, Michigan? For those reading this, how can you be a missionary in the context you live every day?

not so little blessings

2010-05-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday I left Guatemala to come to Michigan for a two week visit. It was difficult to say goodbye to everyone there, but helped to know I would return. I was excited to come home for a visit, but there was a big part of me that didn't want to leave my home in Guatemala. However, with my visa I was required to leave the country and return before 180 days. What I did not realize was how much I needed that break and what a blessing it would be to come back for a visit.

Since being back I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement I have received from my friends, family, and church here in Michigan. You guys are the ones that make my ministry possible and I want to give a big thank you. Without your prayers and financial support none of this would be possible. You have encouraged me in so many ways during my visit and I know I will continue to be encouraged.

I am encouraged by the story of a 6th grader who was in my small group who prays for me and my ministry every night without fail before he goes to bed. I am encouraged by the kids in the children's ministry who bring in money they earned each week to help support the kids I am working with in La Limonada. I am encouraged by the fact that almost 6 months later they have not forgotten about me but continue to pray weekly for me and my ministry. I am encouraged by the many people who have told me they are following my blog and praying for my ministry. These are reminders that the work I am involved with is so much bigger than me. There are people from around the world praying and supporting. Those prayers are what have kept me safe these past 6 months as I walked the streets and used the buses. Those prayers are what have kept me healthy despite eating food that normally makes Americans sick. God is answering your prayers and is at work in the lives of the people I am blessed to minister to. To HIM be all the glory.

It has also been cool to see the connections being formed between the ministries and kids I was involved with in Michigan and that I am now involved with in Guatemala. Here are some pictures of the two groups writing letters back and forth:
Here's an update on the things I have been involved in. Please continue to keep each of these in your prayers:

Carpentry Shop: I have built good relationships with the 8 gang members that come daily. In addition to eating breakfast with them every day, I have begun to play on their soccer team in the weekly soccer match versus the guys that stay in Shorty's rehab. I also joined a local league with a few of the guys and play every Sunday afternoon with them. We have a devotional time with them every day and they are very interested and asking questions.
Discipleship Groups: This is my favorite part of my work. Two days a week I pull the 10-12 year old boys out of their class for a 30 minute Bible teaching/discussion time. These are the guys I feel led to pour the majority of my time into. They are at the age where many of them decide whether or not to join the gangs. Most of them are without fathers for a variety of reasons. The focus of our study right now is the Redemptive narrative and God's plan for restoration. In addition to meeting in the school we have met in the homes of the guys and I have a special activity planned for after I get back.
Faith Community: A good majority of my time is spent with the pastor doing home visits and services. I love getting into the homes of the people of the community, hearing their stories, and sharing with them from God's Word. Once a week we have a worship service in one of the homes. So far we have had a different location every week and a slightly different crowd. I can see that God is working powerfully through His Church, which has become an active part of La Limonada.

building up, not tearing down

2010-04-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

One of my highlights from the past few weeks has been getting to know the guys from the carpentry shop. This is a group of guys ranging from 17-36 years old. The dream is to teach a skill which will provide additional opportunities to work rather than be involved with the gangs. When I first started my work in La Limonada this was only a dream in the minds of Shorty and Tita. It has been amazing to be a part of seeing the dream become a reality and so much greater than originally imagined.

Since the carpentry shop began about a month ago the group has been involved in building a house, learning carpentry in the school, receiving English lessons, studying the Bible with Shorty, playing soccer with our team, and more. While they were building the house our team made frequent visits to see the progress and spend time with the guys. Someone from our team made the comment that this may be the first time these guys are building, or giving life to, something. Many of them are more accustomed to tearing down, stealing, taking lives. I am reminded of the verse in Ephesians which says:

"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" Ephesians 4:28

This is exactly what I have seen happening. They are spending their time to help others, learn a skill, and make honest money rather than steal and destroy.

Some of my personal favorite opportunities have been eating breakfast and playing soccer with the guys. Every morning I am blessed with the privilege to eat breakfast with them and build relationships. This morning I had a great conversation with one of the guys that came earlier than the rest. He has great interest in learning more about the Bible and was asking good questions.

Another thing I have enjoyed is playing soccer with and against the guys. We have had two soccer matches. Now the guys want to start a team to play in a local league and invited me to be part of their team. I love to play soccer and am excited about this opportunity to play weekly and continue to build relationships.

It is evident that God is at work in the lives of the guys through the carpentry shop. The guys are opening up, taking turns praying, and worshiping God together. I look forward to seeing what God continues to do through the carpentry shop.

grace flows down

2010-04-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

"Remember that formerly you who are called Gentiles by birth...at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." Ephesians 2:12

Right now I am reading through the book of Ephesians. I can't help but read it through the lens of the work I am involved with in La Limonada. There are so many beautiful truths I am discovering that apply to all of us, whether we call ourselves Christians or not.

As I walk through the streets of La Limonada I am constantly faced with hopelessness. People "dead in their transgressions and sins," trapped by addictions to drugs, alcohol, stealing, murder, or whatever else it may be.

I'd like to introduce you to Saul. Just about every day when I walk through La Limonada I see Saul in the streets. Usually he is either sniffing glue, smoking marijuana, or drinking alcohol. It is rare to find him sober. We have invited him countless times to go to the rehab for the help he needs, but he always turns us down. Yesterday when I saw him he was excited to introduce me to his brother who is visiting from Chicago. After talking with him a bit he admitted that the reason he doesn't want to go is because he is afraid he will die there. Then, for the first time, he hugged me and didn't let go for a very long time.

Saul is a concrete example of someone who has not yet encountered the freedom found in Christ. Right now he is believing the lie from the devil that this is the way to live. He can't imagine a life free of drugs and alcohol. For him that is death.

We can all relate in some way or another to Saul's story. Paul reminds us, "All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath" Ephesians 2:3.

However, despite our past or present, there is hope. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:3-5

Grace is such a beautiful thing because it is completely undeserved. Our sin blinds us to the truth, leaves us feeling hopeless, and unable to change. But God delights in rescuing sinners from such a state. Only he can reach down to those we consider the most unreachable and lift them out. He has done it countless times in the past and he can do it again. I know he can do it for Saul and so many others in his same condition.

Please join me in praying for Saul and others like him that have not yet experienced God's grace. Paul prays a beautiful prayer for the Ephesians that I am echoing for those God has put into my life this year:

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" Ephesians 3:17-19

video update

2010-03-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

I put together a slide show video to show, rather than tell, the work I am involved with here. Enjoy!

3 months?!?

2010-03-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon I went to pay for my 90 day visa extension. I am now legit to be here another 90 days. After that I am required to leave the country and return. Lord willing, my goal is to find a decent price for a plane ticket and visit everyone in Michigan at the end of May.

It's hard for me to believe I have already been here 3 months. The time has gone by quickly. I have enjoyed my time here immensely and am constantly praising God for bringing me here. Any doubts I had about coming here have faded away and been replaced with the joy of being a part of His work here. Daily I am reminded that I am exactly where God wants me to be. Even though I officially have 9 more months, I already cannot imagine returning to the states long term. Should it be God's will I am ready to stay here as long as he would have me. Here are some highlights of things that have happened the past few months:

Meet Jonathan.

He is the boy that God laid on my heart to sponsor and focus on developing a deeper relationship with. God is definitely working in his life. A few years ago he was guarding the barrio with a shotgun, but now is attending the Mandarina school as well as studying in another school. When he grows up he wants to be a police officer. The last few Sundays Jonathan has come to church with me and I have had some great opportunities for conversation with him. Please pray that God will continue to work in his life, that he will make good decisions, and that God will use me to point him toward Christ.

"Grupo de Vida"

A few weeks ago we began to meet together in homes for a time of worship, fellowship, and sharing from God's Word. This is a huge answer to prayer and a major step in the development of a community of faith. We are using the name "Grupo de Vida" (life group) for the gatherings. Each gathering has been a joy to be apart of. I can see that God is moving in the lives of the people here and it is such a blessing to be able to worship Him together. In the midst of the pain and darkness of La Limonada His light is shining. For more information visit the blog for the community of faith: http://comunidaddefe.wordpress.com/

My New Apartment:
For a while now, it has been on my heart to move closer to La Limonada because I knew it would open doors for many more ministry opportunities. My work is primarily focused on the faith community and ministry to the children. During normal school hours it is difficult to get to know the kids and do things such as a discipleship group. After sharing what was on my heart with a few people things moved quickly and the apartment was a huge answer to prayer. The location is perfect, the price is significantly less than what I was paying, and a teacher from the school helps to keep me safe. Now I am able to hang out more one-on-one or with a small group of kids after school, learn their stories, share with them, and begin studying God's Word together. The apartment will also be used as a place for discipleship groups and a tutoring clinic on Saturday mornings.

Relationship Building:

This past week, after moving to my new apartment, I had a few great opportunities to build relationships with the children and families of La Limonada. On Wednesday after school I went to the park with 3 of the boys and then to my apartment for dinner. On Saturday myself and one of the female teachers took a group of 7 boys to the playing fields, Pizza Hut, then to my apartment for a time of sharing from God's Word. Today (Sunday) I was invited to have dinner with a family from La Limonada. Each of these were great opportunities to build relationships and plant seeds. I look forward to many more opportunities in the days and weeks to come.

God has continually been faithful in leading me and using me during my time here. Daily I am reminded of His faithfulness and love for us. It's not always easy, but no matter how hopeless things may seem, I know He has a plan for the people of La Limonada. I am so grateful to be a part of the work He is doing here. He is the one working and He is the one who deserves all the glory. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. They are definitely felt and appreciated. Please continue to pray for guidance, wisdom, and the finances to continue my work here.

"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."
Romans 16:25-27

Partners with Christ

2010-03-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

I have been avoiding as much as possible using this blog to ask for money. However, the fact is we need money to continue meeting the needs here. Today, as we were praying together, I was made aware of some great financial needs and felt led to share the need and see what God does. God has blessed me with an amazing network of people supporting me and interested in what God is doing here in La Limonada. If God leads even one or two people reading this to help fill a need that would be a huge answer to prayer. We believe God can and will provide the needs and He invites us to partner with Him in the blessing.

Yesterday as I was visiting with a family the mom told me she is worried about her son and wanted prayer for him. He is 17 years old, doesn't work, and just hangs out on the streets all day. He wants to study to be a chef but the family doesn't have the money to send him to school. So instead of studying to pursue his dreams he hangs out on the streets, which often leads to a life of drugs, addiction, and violence. The cost for him to study to achieve his dreams is 130Q a month, which is less than $20. That is only pocket change in comparison with the money we pay to go to college.

This is just one example of the needs we encounter every day. There are so many youth that want to make something of their lives but lack the funds to be able to. In addition to education there are needs for medicine, health care, food, and other basic necessities for living.

The link I am attaching is the easiest and best way to get involved and make sure the money is put to good use. If you would like to support the work being done in the schools and community I am involved with select the "Vidas Plenas" fund from the dropdown menu. If you would like to help support a specific need, like the one mentioned above, please contact me and I can let you know how to direct your money.

Please prayerfully consider helping to meet a need for the people here.

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/LemonadeInternational/OnlineDonation.html

backstory

2010-02-24T04:43:00.001-08:00

Last night I learned a little more of the history behind the work I am doing in La Limonada. It helped me to understand better where the kids are coming from and also reminded me of the amazing work God is doing. Basically, it all centers around one man and the work of redemption in his life.

About 4 years ago a man from La Limonada returned from the states and quickly rose to the top of the gang for the barrio in which I am currently serving. Under his leadership countless people were killed and the people of the barrio lived in constant fear. I have heard many heartbreaking stories from kids of relatives who were killed. All their stories seem to take roughly around this time.

Tita, had already been working faithfully in another barrio and she felt led by God to talk to this man. There was a specific scripture she felt led to share with him. After a lot of hard, and I'm sure frightening, work this man eventually gave his life to the Lord and gave permission to Tita to open a school on the "Mandarina" side. This man, despite all the bad he did, is the reason we are able to share the gospel in this barrio today. Now, in addition to the school, there is a vibrant faith community forming. God is powerfully at work shining his light through the darkness.

Only this man and one other from the original gang are still alive today. The rest have been killed off. However, a new generation of gang members has taken over. Please join me in praying for the other original gang member, as well as the new generation. The kids I work with daily are deeply affected by this reality. There is one boy in particular heavy on my heart. He is the son of the other gang member and a part of the schools. Pray that God will continue to transform lives. Pray that they will understand the truth of the gospel and that there is hope. Pray that they will be able to break free from the cycle of violence and addiction they have grown up with.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Timothy 1:15-17

Praise God for his ability to transform lives and bring beauty from darkness.

Lead me, Holy Spirit

2010-02-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

This week has definitely been my best week so far of working in La Limonada.

I had been a little bit worried about what I was going to do this week. Normally I am with Shorty (the pastor) and I just follow his lead. However, this week he is in Nicaragua and I was forced to figure things out myself. Well, that's not quite accurate. I was forced to rely on the Spirit's leading for the things I should be doing this week. That's not something I am used to doing. Normally I have a general idea of my tasks and daily schedule. My life has always been scheduled and I just go about my week following my routine and crossing things off my to-do list. Here things are different. Every day I arrive in La Limonada having no idea what I am going to do. I have a general idea that I will be visiting families, hanging 0ut in classrooms, and helping where needed. Apart from that I have been learning to follow the Spirit's leading for the families I should visit, the kids I should spend time with, the classrooms I should visit, and the work I should be doing.

Here's an example of how a typical day looks. I arrive at the school and pop in the classrooms to say hello to the kids. Depending on what time I arrive I will sometimes eat breakfast with one of the classes. Around 9:30 we go out to visit families for a couple hours. This is the part that worried me. Although I have made many home visits I don't remember where a lot of people live. There are people I would like to visit but don't know where their house is. Marcos, a friend of Shorty, was with me this week so I had some help from him. We decide together to visit a family we have visited before that we can remember where the house is. After saying a prayer together we go out to visit. A typical home visit usually involves conversation, finding out the needs of the family, sharing the Word, and praying for the family. On the way to or from our visit we see some people in the street and will start talking with them. At times that will lead to a home visit. As we are walking down the street I am praying for the people I see and that the Spirit will lead me in the people I talk to, along with giving me the words to say. Every time we find people to talk to and more homes to visit. Around 11:30 I head back to the school for a lunch break, tutor a kid from 1-1:30, hang out in a classroom from 1:30-2:00, then go out for more home visits in the afternoon.

This week has been my favorite because I have learned to rely more on God, rather than others. I had to be the leader and initiator. And He led me into many amazing experiences. So often I feel incompetent on my own with my Spanish abilities, life experiences, and knowledge of the Word. But no matter how incompetent I may be, I know that God is more than able, and through Him all things are possible. I have seen him give me the words to say and lead people to make changes that are impossible apart from Him. He has also been faithful in guiding me every day by providing opportunities to minister. Every day was filled with amazing home visits and Friday morning I was able to have a great relational time with a couple of the kids at Burger King.

"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6

To give everyone an idea of the community I am working in, here's a picture of La Limonada. The community is broken up into various "barrios." I am involved with the faith community, which is focused right now in only one of those barrios, named the "Mandarina" side. Mandarina is the area front and center. The houses are all right next to each other and on top of each other so we don't have to walk too far to get from house to house.

"Yo Quiero Tener un Padrino"

2010-02-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Padrino (def.) -
(a) Godparent
(b) A person who sponsors a child here in La Limonada

Last week there was a group here from North Carolina. Many of them had been sponsoring children and were able to meet them face to face for the first time. Some of them met and fell in love with children here and chose to begin sponsoring them. I was blessed to be able to be a part of watching them meet their sponsor kids and tell them they are or want to be their "padrino." For the kids here it means so much to know there is someone in another part of the world that loves them and cares for them. Apart from meeting basic needs such as hunger, health care, and education, child sponsors are able to share love with the children here through letters, pictures, and gifts throughout the year.

Although child sponsorship is not part of my job description I wanted to write a blog explaining the need. There are many kids here in need of sponsorship. These are kids that I work with every day in the schools. This week I helped to pass out some gifts from the group that was here. As much as I enjoyed that, it was also sad because a lot of the kids do not have sponsors. A lot of them have been asking me when they will have one. All I can tell them is hopefully soon and to pray for one.

Please consider being a part of the work being done here by beginning a special relationship with one of the children through child sponsorship. In many of the homes I visit the children show me pictures of their "padrinos" hanging on the wall. For me it was difficult to choose which child to sponsor because I know them all and would love to sponsor them all. However, I could only choose one and chose the one I felt God leading me toward. For the rest I trust that God will lead others to begin sponsoring a child. Every child has a story, most of them very sad. Through child sponsorship you have the opportunity to get to know a child and share the love of Christ with them. For more information and to begin sponsoring you can click on the link below:

http://lemonadeinternational.org/blog/2008/08/sponsor-child.html

"Who then can be saved?"

2010-02-16T05:43:00.001-08:00

This is the question Jesus' disciples asked him when Jesus was explaining how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus' answer? "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)

I have been feeling slightly overwhelmed by the amount of need in La Limonada. There are so many people struggling with addiction, sickness, finding honest work, providing for their family, abuse, and so many other things. Many times it seems hopeless. Like there's no way out. That we can never do enough. Unfortunately, many of the people here have believed the lies from Satan:

You can't change. There's no hope. You will always be this way.

If we were truly alone in this world that may be true. On our own it is impossible to change and be truly liberated from the addictions we all struggle with. But we are not alone. The truths of the Bible negates all the lies from Satan:

We can change. There is hope. We don't have to remain as we are.

Yesterday when I was walking the streets with one of the pastors a man came up to us wanting to go to the rehab. He has been struggling with addictions to alcohol. After talking with him he went home to get his stuff together and then met us at the school. While there another man walked past, obviously drunk, with a bottle of alcohol in his hand. He started criticizing the man seeking help,

"You want to change? Why do you want to change? You're never going to change."

This is the attitude of so many people here. They are stuck in a rut of addiction and can't see a way out. But praise God he is in the business of bringing about change. In the month I have been here I have seen 5 people seek out help and go to the rehab to change. I have heard stories of kids who were mixed up with the gangs on the streets who are now studying and seeking to make something of their lives. I have seen God moving in so many ways throughout the community, bringing hope, and changing lives.

After the drunk man left I talked with the other man seeking to change and told him that with God change is possible. I told him it takes a strong man to want to change. Please pray for him. This is a big step that many are unwilling to take. Unfortunately, he was not able to go yesterday and needs to wait until the weekend. Pray that he will still have the desire to change and will not buy into the lies he is being fed.

All things are possible with God.

"grupo de vida"

2010-02-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

On Thursday afternoon we held our very first "grupo de vida" (life group). The goal is to begin these gatherings throughout the community in various homes. Right now there are 3 families that have offered their homes. These will be great opportunities for fellowship, worship, testimonies, and sharing from God's Word. Many people are excited to be apart of this genuine worshiping community that we are working to establish. God is at work in the lives of the people here and it was great to be able to worship Him together with them. Below is a clip of our worship time during our first gathering.

My Top 5...

2010-02-09T19:10:00.001-08:00

...Things I have been learning since beginning my work in La Limonada. In an effort to efficiently share some things I'm learning without boring you too much I decided to go with the classic list format. Here, in abbreviatd form, are a few of the things God has been teaching me:

1. The power and necessity of prayer (there are so many needs and only through God is change possible...prayer is the driving force behind all we do here)

2. The beauty of living in community (sharing joys, sorrows, experiences, and a common vision...regularly praying together and for one another)

3. The power of God (he is definitely at work here in the business of changing lives)

4. Dependence (on God and other people)

5. Patience (waiting on God, scoping the situation, and praying to receive God's wisdom for the best way to spend my time here...after 3 weeks I am beginning to receive some clarity)

God has definitely been teaching me a lot already. It has been so exciting to be apart of the work here. Every day I go to La Limonada I feel blessed to know these people and share God's love with them. I look forward to sharing a little more in depth the things God is teaching me at a later date.

Mi Casa

2010-02-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures of my house so you can see where I am living. I am blessed to be living in a secure area with other workers from La Limonada. We are about 15 minutes from La Limonada and drive there together in a big van. It has been great to be able to live in community with other workers. There are regular times of devotions and prayer.

Community of Faith Update

2010-01-31T10:52:00.001-08:00

(team of pastors and others involved with the church plant)

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

---Luke 4:18-19

These are the words Jesus read from the book of Isaiah toward the beginning of his earthly ministry. After reading, he closed the scroll, sat down, and proclaimed that day the Scripture has been fulfilled. Although he was rejected in the temple, his earthly ministry proved time and time again this statement to be true. Not only that, but because of his death and resurrection, this statement is just as true today.

There is good news for the poor.

There is freedom for the prisoners and sight for the blind.

Those who are oppressed can be set free.

This is the work I am blessed with the tremendous opportunity to be a part of here.

Community of Faith Update:
It has been exciting to finally be in La Limonada these past couple weeks. I came with the intent to be involved with starting a church/community of faith. However, upon arriving I quickly found that there is already a vibrant faith community. Shorty, a local Guatemalan pastor, has been faithfully involved with building relationships and sharing the gospel with the youth and families of La Limonada. Tita has been faithfully working in the community the past 10 years, shining a light, loving the people, and sharing the hope of the gospel. There are two schools, each with a team of teachers, that love and care for the children and youth of La Limonada, along with their families. There is light shining in dark places and beautiful work being done. The church is living and active. All that is lacking is a building and the things we normally associate with church.

This past Wednesday-Friday was dedicated to future plans for the church plant. A team of pastors from the U.S., who are investing financially, came to hear from Tita and Shorty a report on the progress these past few months. We also talked about steps to move forward. The report was very positive, but also a little different from what everyone expected. We learned that Shorty has been well received by the youth and families of the community. There is a lack of male influence so the youth have gravitated toward him. Plus, he has an amazing story which is very similar to the stories of many kids in the community. It is evident that there is a need for positive male influence and the hope only God can bring. I have been blessed to experience working with Shorty these last couple weeks and see him at work. A normal day involves walking through the community, interacting with the people we see in the streets, visiting families, sharing truths from God's Word, and praying for those we talk with. God is definitely working through him in amazing ways.

Although there is a need for the church, Tita and Shorty do not believe it is in the way we traditionally think of church. Rather than having a set location and worship time we expect people to come to, they feel it is best to go to them. We are working toward a community of faith that involves building relationships, sharing the gospel, and living out our faith in the community. At this point the plan is to focus more on homes and find families that are willing to open their homes for worship and teaching from the Word.

I am excited about the opportunity to be involved in this faith community. Already I can tell that it will be a great learning experience for me. Normally I like to have details and everything planned out. It has been a little frustrating for me to have to go day by day, never really knowing what I will be doing or where I will be going. I want to have a specific job and responsibility. Although I was hoping this meeting would solidify some of those details, I know that God's plan is the best plan. I fully trust the wisdom of Shorty and Tita. They are godly examples of lives led by the Spirit. I am learning to rely more on the Spirit's leading and to be obedient to His leading. Right now it is just Shorty and I as the core team. He will focus more on the youth and adults and I will focus more on the children. These past couple weeks I have had many opportunities to get to know the kids in the schools and community. Things are slowly but surely falling into place.

One outcome of the meeting was that I was put in charge of creating and maintaining a blog with stories and updates of what is happening with the community of faith. That will be done separate from my personal blog. Once that is up and running I will put a link here. I look forward to sharing stories of the work God is doing through the community of faith in La Limonada.

Please continue to pray for God's will and direction for this faith community. So often I feel inadequate to meet the great needs of the people here. However, I know I serve a mighty God who is more than able. May he work in and through me. I pray I will be used by him to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, help those that are spiritually blind see the light of the gospel, release the oppressed from the bondage of addiction, and proclaim the Lord's favor.

One Step Closer

2010-01-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

God has been very good to me here in Guatemala and continues to watch out for me and provide for my needs. Your prayers are definitely felt and appreciated. I am reminded and assured daily that I am where He wants me to be. It's hard to believe I have already been here a month. The time has gone by quickly. I have just over one week left with my family and language school before moving closer to La Limonada at the end of next week. My work there will officially begin January 18.

Today I went to La Limonada for the first time and was able to learn more about the work I will be doing and see the house I will be living in. It was good to be back in La Limonada and be reminded of the reason I am here. Praise be to God, my Spanish continues to improve daily. I am able to speak and understand pretty well now. There is still a lot of room for improvement, especially with my verb tenses and expanding my vocabulary. However, I feel prepared and comfortable enough to begin my work. I will have plenty of opportunities to continue to learn and improve my Spanish.

My holidays here went extremely well. It was very interesting to spend them in another culture. They included a lot of visiting various members of my Guatemalan host family, food, and fireworks. My favorite part of Christmas was the fireworks at 12:00 am. The whole city was filled with fireworks. My family and I watched from the roof of our house. God has blessed me with a great Guatemalan family to enjoy the holidays with and help me with my Spanish. It will be hard to say good-bye next week, but they will not be far and I can continue to visit while I am living here.

Please continue to pray for me as I learn Spanish and for my work in La Limonada. Pray also for the people of La Limonada, that their hearts will be open to the good news of the gospel. Everyone here is surprised to hear that I will be working in La Limonada. It is very dangerous they tell me. I knew this before coming, but I also know that I serve a mighty God who is able to save and transform lives. He has been faithful in watching out for me thus far and I trust that He will continue to watch out for me. There are a lot of spiritual needs in La Limonada and beautiful work being done for the people there. I feel blessed to be able to be a part of the work and am excited to begin my work shortly.

God bless.

Adios Michigan. Hola Guatemala.

2009-12-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Florida!

For those who are wondering why I’m writing from Florida when I’m supposed to be in Guatemala…I do have a good reason. I am here visiting my sister for a few days before heading to Guatemala on Saturday. This has been an amazing blessing for a few reasons. Besides the obvious reason of escaping Michigan just before winter hits, I also get to spend some quality time with my sister Sarah and get some much needed rest and relaxation before heading to Guatemala for a year. These last couple months have been quite the whirlwind of activity as I have been preparing for my time in Guatemala, which includes, raising support, making sure all my bases are covered at home, continuing to work at my jobs, and saying my goodbyes. After all that, I am grateful for the opportunity to recharge these next few days.

It still has not completely sunk in that, despite months of preparation, this is actually about to happen. Even though I said my goodbyes, it still kind of feels like it was more of a “see you later,” and I will be back again next week. But knowing that it will actually be a full year has been somewhat difficult on me. However, I know that I am where God wants me to be. He has been so faithful in guiding me and providing for my needs. Looking back at these last couple months, following my decision to follow God’s leading to Guatemala, I stand amazed at how greatly He has provided. Time and time again He has assured me that this is exactly what He has been preparing me for.

Currently, I have raised just over 50% of the amount I need for the year. $6,625 has come in so far and money continues to come in. I trust that God will continue to provide for my needs by stirring the hearts of His people to be a part of the work He is doing in Guatemala. My home church, Chapel Pointe, has been a huge blessing to me by allowing all funds to be directed through them and they have really come behind me to help see this through. I am so thankful for the encouragement and support of my church, friends, family, and everyone at the YMCA I worked at. It was hard to say goodbye, but has been so cool to see everyone come beside me to be a part of this exciting opportunity. I look forward to keeping everyone updated with what’s happening once I am in La Limonada.

On Saturday I will fly from Tampa to Guatemala. Please pray for safety in travel and that I will be able to quickly find with the person picking me up. I am somewhat worried about traveling alone, without a cell phone, and being able to speak only limited Spanish. At the airport I will be picked up by someone from the organization I am working with and she will take care of me from there. On Monday I begin my language school and will be living with a Guatemalan host family during that time. Please pray for safety as I travel back and forth by bus. Those first 6 weeks during my language school I will most likely have limited internet access, but I will send out an update when I am able. After my language school, I will move to my semi-permanent residence for the year and begin my work in La Limonada. For those who have asked about an address, I will be able to send it to you once I am there.

Thanks so much to all of you for your support, both financially and through prayer. It is only by the power of God that any of this is possible, and I have been blessed to see His many answers to prayer. Please continue to pray for me as, in just a few short days, I will finally be in Guatemala and able to begin my work there. I am so excited for this tremendous opportunity, but also grow more nervous the closer I get. Pray that God will grant me strength, and that I will be a reflection of His goodness and love to the people of La Limonada. Pray also for the people I will be ministering to as it is only by God’s power that hearts can be changed. Thanks again for partnering with me as I serve Christ in La Limonda.

In Christ,

Dan Hoffman

F.Y.I – If anyone is interested in financially supporting my work in Guatemala money can continue be sent to my home church. They will then deposit the money in my account and I can access the funds from Guatemala. All contributions are tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to Chapel Pointe and do not write my name anywhere on the check. Address the envelope with the following address to ensure that the money will be put in my account:

Dan Hoffman
Chapel Pointe
3350 Baldwin St
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Ministry Needs

2009-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is list of items that would be helpful to the ministries where I will be serving. For those looking for non-monetary ways to contribute, there are many ideas below. If you get them to me before I leave I will include them with my luggage and make sure they are delivered to the appropriate ministries.

Here are some suggestions:

FOR THE STRATEGY OF TRANSFORMATION:
Blank CDs
Blank Dvds
Binders
Office Supplies
Envelopes, tags, blank labels.
Ball Pens
Whiteboard Markers
Permanent Markers (Sharpies)
Paper Bags - All sizes
Paper Plates - All sizes
Disposable tableware
Ziplock bags - All sizes

FOR CHILDREN MINISTRY:
Spanish Resources
School supplies.
A complete list of suggestions from one of the ministries, here: http://www.plantiodejehova.org/downloads/ListadoIngles.doc
(The same kind of supplies can be given to several of the ministries with kids, like Limonada, Cubriendo mi Nacion, Kairos, etc.)
Used or new shoes (especially for children) and socks!!
Small children’s size blankets for the highlands areas where it gets really cold at night
Bubbles for children
Hard Candy

FOR STREET YOUTH MINISTRY:
Cooking Supplies.
Gloves.
long sleve shirts.
Sweat pants.
Used Backpacks
hand warmers
Coats
Feminine hygiene products
Underwear (men and women's; new, – all sizes)
Deodorant

FOR GANG CHAPLAINCY MINISTRY:
Large and X-Large Clothes, specially jeans and sweaters (I know that it will make the suitcase heavier, so keep that in mind).
Men Personal Hygiene products.
Boxers and plain white tee’s.
(More soon)

OTHERS:
toothbrushes
antibacterial hand gel
First Aid kits, or anything that should go on one!
Chap sticks
toothpaste
small trial size of Shampoo/conditioner and toothpaste.
Sports Equipment, used in good shape.
Bibles and Christian literature in Spanish
Christian music CD’s
Vitamins: Adults and Children

Thanks for your support!

Total Surrender

2009-10-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

6 months ago I was convinced I had my life figured out...
1 month later I began to wonder.

3 months ago I was again trying to figure things out on my own...
1 month later I made the decision to surrender.

Now...approximately 1 month from today I will be leaving behind everything I have ever known to follow God's leading to Guatemala for 13 months.

One year ago I would have never imagined that I would be moving to another country. I was convinced that I knew God's will for my life. But God had other plans. In order to graduate from Kuyper I needed to fulfill a course called "Ministering Cross-Culturally." The only way to do that and graduate in May was to go on a May-term trip to Guatemala. At the time I did not want to go and tried my best to get out of it. The cost, the timing, and the length of the trip all seemed far too inconvenient. I had to force myself to have a good attitude and be open to whatever it was that God wanted to teach me through the trip.

During my trip to Guatemala God began to open my eyes to life outside my comfortable bubble. I encountered living conditions far below the comforts I enjoy. But I also encountered godly men and women making a difference. They saw beyond their present circumstances and lived out the hope of the gospel. They were willing to make tremendous sacrifices to show God's love to the people they served. They were living examples of Christ and the way we as Christians ought to live. I was confronted with my own selfishness and shortsightedness. I was reminded of commitments I had made to follow God wherever he may lead.

God used that trip to lead me to new and exciting places, places I would have never imagined had I continued to follow my own plan.

A lot has happened these last couple months, since deciding to go back to Guatemala. It has definitely been exciting, but has also included plenty of doubt and anxiety. I am continually amazed by how faithful God is and how He is working everything together. My decision to go back to Guatemala was not easy by any means, but was made after many months of prayer, seeking God's will, and exploring various options. Although I came back from Guatemala in May excited and ready to go back, as time passed I began to doubt whether it really was God's plan for me. I questioned whether God would really call me to leave everything behind...my church, the ministry I am involved in, the relationships I have formed here, my family, and the way of life I had grown so accustomed to. For a while I convinced myself that God would never ask me to do that and that His plan for me was to stay doing what I have been doing, and by so doing, remain comfortable. Yet the more I read His Word and understand the gospel, the more I realize that comfort and mediocrity is not what He is calling me to.

In Mark 10 a rich man runs up to Jesus, excited to find out the way to eternal life, but he walks away sad, after he realizes it will cost him something. He was unwilling to give up his riches for the sake of Christ. After he walks away Jesus says to those listening, "I tell you the truth...no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).

It is easy to convince ourselves that God doesn't really want us to give up everything. He wants us to be happy, doesn't He? How can we be happy if we give up everything?

Yet this example, along with many others, continually teach that following Christ requires total surrender. He promises to take care of us, provide for our needs (not our wants), and guide us by His Spirit. In order for that to happen we need to be willing to surrender, to give up our plans, our desires, and what we think is best.

This is a daily struggle for me, but something I am working on. It is easy for me to get caught up in day-to-day life and forget that I need God's help. But I am constantly reminded that His plans are far greater than my plans and He can provide in ways unimaginable for me to do alone. There have been many times in my life when I have been confronted with the fact that I am following my own plan rather than God's. As much as I think I have everything all figured out God continues to surprise me.

It all comes down to trust. Do I trust that God can provide? Do I trust Him to fulfill His promises? Looking back, I am provided with plenty of examples of His provision, guidance, and care. As he has been faithful in the past, I know he will continue to be faithful in the future. Although I do not have everything figured out I am stepping out in faith, knowing that he will provide for all my needs.

I am thankful to God for the tremendous ways he has provided thus far. It has been exciting to see God already provide 25% of my support within just 2 weeks. Although I still have a ways to go I know He will provide. He has also been at work in allowing for many of the details to fall into place. The more things come together, the more convinced I am that this is what God has for me

Please pray for me as I prepare to leave the beginning of December. This is a month sooner than I had originally planned on. I will be flying to Guatemala on December 5 to begin my language school December 7. During this time I will be staying with a Guatemalan family, which is something I am very excited about. Although I will miss spending Christmas with my family, I am excited for the opportunity to spend Christmas with a Guatemalan family. My language school will finish January 14 and I will begin my ministry in La Limonada after that. Some specific prayer items at this time are that I will be able to get everything ready this next month, that my language lessons will be successful, and that my support will continue to come in. Be in prayer also for the ministry in La Limonada and the church plant. Pray specifically for Tita, Shorty, and Gerardo as they are already in the process of ministering, building relationships, and seeking God's Will for the community of La Limonada.

Thanks so much for your continued support and for being a part of what God is doing in my life and the people of La Limonada!

La Limonada Video

2009-10-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

This video gives a glimpse into the community of La Limonada and the work being done there. I am excited to see these kids again and be a part of what God is doing in La Limonada!

Where I'll be in 2010

2009-10-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

I am excited to share with everyone some exciting things God is doing in my life and an amazing opportunity he has brought my way. This past May, following my graduation from Kuyper College, I went to Guatemala on a “vision trip” with the school. The goal for the trip was for us to experience a variety of ministries in Guatemala and to see how God is at work in each. While there, my eyes were opened to other ways of doing ministry and God’s heart for the least, the last, and the lost. We heard many beautiful stories of redemption in the midst of brokenness and witnessed people truly living out the Gospel. God was definitely at work on my heart while I was in Guatemala and I left with a desire to return. After seeking God’s will these past few months I feel He is calling me back.

In January I will be returning to Guatemala for a one year internship through the Strategy of Transformation (A grassroots leader training initiative formed through a strategic alliance between the Center for Transforming Mission and Christian Reformed World Missions) and Lemonade International. I will be serving in a community called La Limonada, which was the highlight of my trip in May, and I am excited to reconnect with those I met and live out the Gospel among them for a whole year. La Limonada is an urban slum community of 60,000 in the midst of Guatemala City. It is known as a community of extreme poverty, lack of education, spiritual darkness, and unsustainable living conditions. However, that is not the entire story of what is happening in La Limonada! A wonderful Christian woman named Tita Evertsz began a school in 2001 to reach out to the children of La Limonada with God’s love. There are now two schools and they work to provide an environment where children are loved, valued, fed, clothed, tutored, taught proper hygiene, and provided with scholarship opportunities to attend school and be kept off the streets.

There are many spiritual needs in La Limonada which reach beyond what the schools can accomplish alone. Tita has been praying for additional help and for pastors to move into the community to start a church plant to partner with the schools. God is answering prayers and things are quickly moving in that direction. Plans for a church plant are underway, with the goal to begin early next year. Two amazing Guatemalan pastors have been spending time in the community building relationships and seeking God’s direction for the church. Their plan is to move into the community and begin a church. I have the opportunity to work alongside the pastors and learn from them. My primary focus will be with the children’s ministry. God is definitely at work in La Limonada and it is exciting for me to be able to use my God-given gifts and passions to serve him by serving the people of La Limonada. I know this will be a tremendous opportunity for growth in my own life and also to see God at work in the lives of others.