Guatemala is awesome...from Andrea

My name is Andrea Richardet and I have been attending La Croix church for about three years now. I am a member of La Croix’s college campus ministry called Ignite at Southeast Missouri State University. This was my second trip to New Life Children’s Home (NLCH) in Guatemala. The first trip was with the Ignite group. I was unable to go on the Ignite team trip this year, so I decided to come on this trip in October because one thing was for sure: I had to go back!

The kids at NLCH have been through devastating poverty and abuse, and now have a safe place to live. God’s glory is so evident at the home and in the kids and the missionaries. The part of these mission trips that really impacts me is that human emotions are the same no matter what country one is from or what language is spoken. Wanting to be loved is something everyone desires, and no matter what level that desire is on, it can only be completely fulfilled by God. While these kids at the home are learning about the Father, they still have difficulties letting go of their pasts and the hurt that has been brought on by what they have been through and what has been done to them. Acting out, disobedience, and disrespect are present as the kids try to cope with feelings of abandonment, resentment, fear, and pain. However, because the Holy Spirit is moving at NLCH the kids are also experiencing a genuine sense of family, friendships, and the love that only God can give.

This week the La Croix team did a camp for the 7 to 13 year old kids. We had devotionals, ate a lot of food, and had so much fun. During the camp it was obvious that some of the kids’ hearts were softening. Knowing their stories and what they have experienced has made a lot of them old before their time, but seeing them having so much fun with each other and seeing a childlike wonder in them was so awesome and encouraging.

Overall, being able to see what the missionaries are doing for these kids at NLCH is an incredible experience. Despite the language barrier we all have a universal language of smiles, hugs, and laughter, and being able to share that with these Guatemalan kids was a true privilege.

Guatemala through my eyes...from Casey

Hello fellow readers, this is Casey Mehner. I have been to Guatemala 5 times now, and sometimes people don’t know why I keep coming back. From my perspective, I don’t know why anyone would not want to go back. The home that we go to in Guatemala is called New Life Children’s Home. This is a place where not only the children get to have their lives renewed, but where anyone who enters the complex has their life renewed. The kids in this home have completely changed my life! I can see the beauty and love of the Lord in a way that I have never seen before in anything. God is so active in this home, which is amazing because the Enemy is so active in Guatemala. But God shines brighter and does amazing things.

I have enjoyed spending time with this team this week and seeing how their eyes were opened to God’s wonderful heart through these kids, just as it was for me. God opens my eyes every time I go. I know that anyone can be a servant and go out into the world to show God’s love. I’m only 17 and God has already taken me through an amazing journey because of the missions I have been blessed to be on in Guatemala. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to go back and see all these kids again, because they are not just a bunch of kids in a home in Guatemala. These kids are my brothers, sisters, best friends, and family. God has used them to reach into my heart and change it for the better. He broke my heart over them in the best way possible. God is amazing! I pray that whoever gets the chance to do a mission trip that they push all excuses away and open their eyes to what God has to show them.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us this week and who helped with getting us here. Thank you so much! The camp went so smoothly and I saw so many of the kids wanting to know more about God. We spent almost three days playing games, praising God, eating lots of food, and having fun! I know that they can see that I love them, but I can see that they really love God, and even better, they know that God’s love for them is real! Thank you for supporting us, it made such a huge difference in their lives!

Last day in Guatemala...from Jana

My name is Jana Jateff, my family and I have been members of LaCroix for over 19 years. I have served on mission trips to Mexico many times building houses, and for many years have had a heart for the Spanish culture. It had been 2 years since last returning to Rio Bravo Mexico. When I heard about the trip being planned to Guatemala, I heard a loud and clear voice from God to go! Never did I expect the emotional and spiritual experience that this week has brought. Building concrete block houses in 100 degree weather was a piece of cake compared to working with these children who have had such horrible abusive situations that brought them to New Life Childrens home. Kendon and Wendy Wheeler as well as Tommy and Marilyn Todd who help lead the home are true examples of disciples leaving everything to accept the call of Christ! These kids are amazing, after earthly fathers and mothers have left them abused and abandoned, God never left nor abandoned them. The home daily teaches them how much Jesus loves them and how valuable and important they are in Christ's sight. My greatest hope is when I return home that I will remain changed, forever. I will continue to pray for this home as well as sponsor a child . Please join me in prayer for some of the most resilient , amazing, wonderful children in the world!

-Jana

We'd like to introduce you to Jon...from Justin

My name is Justin Brown, and I've been a member of La Croix UMC for 6 years. I've always wanted to serve Jesus in a missions manner, as learning other cultures has always been an interest to me, but have delayed it because of my sense of parental duty to my young children. Thankfully, I have the greatest parents, as well as the greatest in-laws that Christ could have blessed me with. Because of the peace they've given me in knowing my babies will be taken care of, I have been blessed with one the greatest experiences of my life by going on this mission trip to Guatemala. I love you all, and you are as

much a part of this as me.

It's very easy to take for granted the blessing of having parents. For the those of us with both our father and mother, we are especially lucky. Even if we only have one loving parent, we are doing better than some. Most all of these wonderful children at the New Life Children's Home(NLCH) don't have a father or a mother. Kendon and Wendy Wheeler have filled in these roles beautifully, but there is another father-figure here at the NLCH that I really don't want to be overlooked.

Jon David came to the NLCH at the age of 2. He grew up here, and along the way, overcame personal struggles to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. All of the kids living here at the NLCH

have grown up knowing Jon. Jon has stayed here at the NLCH on staff to help disciple the children, and it's easy to see why. Not only is he a shining example of what a father filled with the love of Christ should be, he is the ideal brother for any and all siblings.

Like a compass points north, the children naturally gravitate to Jon. It's easy to see why.

The children have given him the nickname of "mono" or "monkey" because of the many funny faces he makes.

His heart is dedicated to the Lord, and it's reflected in the love he emits to the children, and all those around him. All of the La Croix missions team, and me especially, have had our spirits regenerated and our hearts filled by the graciousness exhibited by Jon.

I've felt a special connection with Jon because we are the same age and share a lot of the same interests. He hopes to one day make it to the United States to tour our nation's universities and landmarks. My hope is that when that day finally comes, I can have the great pleasure of hosting Jon in my home, and being as welcoming and loving as he has to me and our whole mission team. I am forever grateful that God has blessed me with the acquaintance of Jon, a friend I will treasure and miss after our trip. Hopefully, this will not be the last time we meet on this earth, but all thanks and glory go to our Lord Jesus Christ that I have the promise that we will meet again in His glorious kingdom!

-Justin

Campa Extremo Day 2

Camp Day 2 was awesome! It began with an amazing breakfast of pancakes and bacon, thanks to Justin and Casey. The kiddos love the combo of peanut butter and syrup. A great start to the day! We then moved to morning devos, beginning Cuanto Nos Ama! (Oh How He Loves!) and Desde Mi Interior (From the Inside Out). Thank you to Jill for the intentionality of learning these songs en espanol to make our morning worship all that more special for the kids. Andrea has enjoyed hearing some of the kids singing Cuanto Nos Ama! throughout the day during activities. After music Tom gave a devo that was amazing...very engaging, funny, and spoke some great truth!

The morning activities involved a Water Balloon Toss, attacking a Pinata, Minute-to-Win-it games, painting nails (girls and boys both), and making brownies. Then after lunch they were able to make ice cream in ziplock bags, which made the brownie eating all the more special. To work off all the sweets we then went to a time of campers vs. leaders Marshmallow Dodgeball. I must say it was hilarious to watch the kids and the adults run around like crazy pelting each other with marshmallows. It was a hit! Then we transitioned to the EXTREME RELAY where the teams raced all over campus in doing crazy things and cheering for one another.

Dinner consisted of grilled hot dogs and chips (from THE BIGGEST bag of chips I have ever seen). And we then had a campfire and the teams acted out bible stories. We ended the night watching Rio and having S'mores. What a terrific day.

Today is the last day of camp and we're heading off soon to the zoo. More to come. Thank you for your ongoing prayers. We're having a blast!

-Kate

Campa Extremo Day 1

Hey there! What a day, what a day! The night is drawing to a close here in Guatemala and quickly approaching tomorrow's morning.

The team is heading to bed weary from a day of craziness, but pleasantly satisfied from a successful day of camp activities and bonding with their teams. I'd like to take this time to brag on this team and say that it is truly a joy to serve as their leader! The Lord's creativity is evident in the way he has knit this team together with a great mix of giftedness. We work well together and have fun doing it! What great people!

The kids have had a full day o fun with minute-to-win-it games, crafts, a Pizza Hut outing, Carnival activities, a human rodeo all of which came with much laughter and friendly competition. We even a movie night with popcorn! Whew! What a day indeed!

Punctuating the terrific day was a beautiful worship service. Jill led us in worship (in spanish I might add) accompanied by Casey and Molly. The Jana brought down the house with an amazing devotional (I like to say she "preached it"). Wow! What a powerful testimony! She communicated God's love to the children in a way that makes the truth unavoidable!

All in all I'd say that it's been a great day. We have no doubt that the Lord is at work. More to come tomorrow! Keep the prayers coming'!

-Kate

Campa Extremo

Campa Extremo (Extreme Camp Guatemala style) starts today in just 15 minutes! We have 19 children ages 7-13 years old coming to enjoy 2 1/2 days full of games, activities, and crafts! In the mean time we would appreciate your prayers that this would be the best camp ever and that the kids will not only have fun but also come to know the Lord in deeper ways! Pray for our team, that team leaders bond with the children, that details work out, and that fun is had.

Stay tuned for pictures and stories...

-Kate

Matt's amazing card tower

Matthew is the youngest member of our team. As you can see he's brilliant and makes good use of his time! Check out this amazing card tower he made this morning after breakfast. He has entitled it the Eiffel Tower.