Today I am exactly one month into my time here in Guatemala, and it has been the most fulfilling month of my life. My team of nine guys was paired with a ministry called One Way, and we could immediately tell that it was a perfect match. One Way is made up of about fifteen college aged guys, a couple girls, and of course the fearless leader Bilsan who is the grandfather of the group at 29.

Our ministry consists of maintaining multiple soccer teams, teaching English, providing food for kids and their families, praying for the sick and injured, leading games and Bible studies, and more. We have done this in the villages of San Lorenzo, Comolapa, Palima, and Chichicastenango- with the majority of our time being spent in San Lorenzo.

One Way has built an amazing reputation in the villages where they work because of their dedication to sharing the love of the gospel in everything they do.

In my time here, we have built stoves which provide food and warmth, as well as eliminate the smoke inhalation that plagues many Guatemalan homes. We have built and repaired houses for families in need. We provide positive male role models through our soccer teams in a country where more than half of fathers are not in the picture. Also, with the help of what Bilsan calls Guatemalan Chick-Fil-A (known as Pollo Campero), we’ve been able to provide over 3,000 meals to Guatemalan families in San Lorenzo and Palima.

If I’ve learned anything from my time with One Way, it’s that that the LORD uses us the way we are. Often times I feel like I’m not capable of doing what God asks me to do. The Enemy puts doubts in my mind- “I don’t know scripture,” “who am I to ask for miracles,” “I can’t even speak their language.” But, if we let him, he will use our gifts and talents in ways we never thought possible. In San Lorenzo, he is using 15 college guys to be role models and share the gospel to kids, to feed thousands, and to bring hope to entire villages. And, by His grace, He has allowed me to work alongside them.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21

P.S. I am no longer going to Cambodia and Eswatini due to COVID and political conflicts. I will now be going to Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by Craiova, Romania.

P.P.S. I climbed a volcano today!