I had the joy and privilege of being on a medical team that worked with Impact Ministries in Tactic, Guatemala in April of 2015. This was my first experience with the ministry and my first time traveling to Guatemala. I was eager for a new experience, yet wasn't quite sure what to expect.
It's difficult to know how to put into a few short paragraphs what was packed into the seven very full days we spent with Impact Ministries and it's remarkable staff. The best way that I can describe it, is to call the experience a 'working spiritual retreat'. It was a great mix of serving the community in the name of Jesus Christ, giving support to the Ministry, a cultural learning experience and personal spiritual growth through it all. It was wonderful!
Les Peters and Tim & Candy Weaver did an amazing job of bringing us the cultural and religious awareness that we needed to understand the people that we were ministering to in Jesus' name. I learned so much! Their energy, organizational skills, passion and love for the people they serve was so evident. Ours was larger than most medical teams that they host and they did a beautiful job of preparing two clinics for us to conduct simultaneously. They worked hard at supplying us with extremely competent, hard working, patient and caring translators.
The attention to detail and desire to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable was evident. And the food was amazing! (No weight loss was appreciated on this trip! Claudia is a wonderful cook!)
There are three aspects of this trip that really stood out to me.
First, there was real importance placed on building relationships with each individual who came to clinic and not only treating his/her medical needs, but spiritual needs as well. The emphasis was not put on how many people we could see, but on ministering to each one individually and praying for each one specifically. This got to be my favorite time in triage. I came to love the Guatemalan people for the sweet, gentle yet strong and resilient people that they are. I will never forget the hugs, smiles and tears that we shared.
Second, were the children. Hundreds and hundreds of beautiful children who have come to know and love Jesus as their personal friend and savior through Impact Ministries, schools and sponsorships. Their passion in worship of this very real God was indescribable and unforgettable. And then their were the hugs from the little ones...oh! I have no words to describe this other than to say that I left pieces of my heart in these school yards.
The third thing that stands out, is the intentionality, vision and growth of this ministry. It is ALIVE! It has forward momentum and the Kingdom of God is being advanced mightily.
If you want to be used by God, stretched and spiritually awakened, I would encourage a mission trip experience with Impact Ministries.
It's difficult to know how to put into a few short paragraphs what was packed into the seven very full days we spent with Impact Ministries and it's remarkable staff. The best way that I can describe it, is to call the experience a 'working spiritual retreat'. It was a great mix of serving the community in the name of Jesus Christ, giving support to the Ministry, a cultural learning experience and personal spiritual growth through it all. It was wonderful!
Les Peters and Tim & Candy Weaver did an amazing job of bringing us the cultural and religious awareness that we needed to understand the people that we were ministering to in Jesus' name. I learned so much! Their energy, organizational skills, passion and love for the people they serve was so evident. Ours was larger than most medical teams that they host and they did a beautiful job of preparing two clinics for us to conduct simultaneously. They worked hard at supplying us with extremely competent, hard working, patient and caring translators.
The attention to detail and desire to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable was evident. And the food was amazing! (No weight loss was appreciated on this trip! Claudia is a wonderful cook!)
There are three aspects of this trip that really stood out to me.
First, there was real importance placed on building relationships with each individual who came to clinic and not only treating his/her medical needs, but spiritual needs as well. The emphasis was not put on how many people we could see, but on ministering to each one individually and praying for each one specifically. This got to be my favorite time in triage. I came to love the Guatemalan people for the sweet, gentle yet strong and resilient people that they are. I will never forget the hugs, smiles and tears that we shared.
Second, were the children. Hundreds and hundreds of beautiful children who have come to know and love Jesus as their personal friend and savior through Impact Ministries, schools and sponsorships. Their passion in worship of this very real God was indescribable and unforgettable. And then their were the hugs from the little ones...oh! I have no words to describe this other than to say that I left pieces of my heart in these school yards.
The third thing that stands out, is the intentionality, vision and growth of this ministry. It is ALIVE! It has forward momentum and the Kingdom of God is being advanced mightily.
If you want to be used by God, stretched and spiritually awakened, I would encourage a mission trip experience with Impact Ministries.
