Harvest Fair at CAG

 Glenn and I went up to CAG for their Annual Harvest Fair.  The theme was Pirates.

 We found a little "Lady Bug" (aka Gracie).

Dr. and Mrs. Núñez

 

(About my dear friend Esther, now in Glory!)

Recently Glenn and I made a house call along with Gary and Esperanza to our missionary friends, the Núñez'.  We literally had to follow in our car behind Gary as he drove past the old section of town, across Calle Martí and down a winding and curvy road to the colonia in which the Núñez' lived.

Esther had not been feeling well.  It was a challenge for her to walk up and down the stairs.  They hoped to be moving soon to a one-level house.

I just loved listening (in Spanish) to their stories.  Hearing them talk about their experiences, friends and ministry that they have had over the years.  

Glenn says, "Dr. Núñez, is like Dr. Howard Hendricks at SETECA (a similar seminary to Dallas Theological Seminary)."  And I can say, I see why.  He is well respected, intelligent (having written several books with another on the way) and very loving.  

What a privilege to serve in pastoral care and when I think I'm ministering to them, in reality, they are ministering to me.

(I had this Blog to go out this next week, but will post it now.  We just got a call this morning at 5:30am that Esther passed away at 3:00am this morning.  There will be a burial today or as late as tomorrow.  I grieve for the fact that within 4 days, 2 CAM missionaries (David and now Esther) have passed away. Both will be missed!)

~J

David Ekstrom

David Ekstrom passed away yesterday morning.  We count it a privilege to have known him over these past few years.  There have been many tributes posted about him in the past 24 hours.  Check out Daphne's words!

Dave and Helen have served in Guatemala with CAM since 1950.  They translated the Bible into K’anjobal, San Mateo Chuj and San Sebastian Chuj and were currently working on the Jacaltec Old Testament.  Their ministry has also included radio, leadership training, medical work, construction, children’s classes and many other endeavors. {quote: Steve S}

Today CAM International and the Christian community in Guatemala lost a hero. David Ekstrom went to be with the Lord this morning. He was 85 years old. David leaves behind a legacy of 60 years of faithful ministry. He and his wife, Helen (who survives him), dedicated their lives to Bible translation among indigenous peoples in Guatemala, including the K’anjobal, Popti' (formerly Jacalteco), and Chuj. {from CAM International FB page}

Friendship Through the Years

 We have appreciated the friendship of Jeff and Kathy over the years.  We have vacationed together, attended their kids' weddings, ministered together in Bolivia and have enjoyed long laughs.

While they were here, we drove out to the lake and went to Casa Del Mundo.

I'm proud of them for both zip-lining at Cables Extremos in Panajachel.

We visited San Antonio Palopó and they got dressed up in the local garb.

Jeff enjoyed MANY good cups of coffee.

They shared with us as we visited many different missionaries here in Guatemala.

We all enjoyed a delicious "Económico de Lomito" at Media Cancha.

They helped us hand out 90 backpacks to the kids at Casita Benjamín.

We also had a chance to go to the Hot Springs at Santa Teresita.

Thanks, Jeff and Kathy, for coming down and encouraging us...for helping us with our ministry as we visited folks and places along the way.  Come again.

~J

Mar Maya

 Because Monterrico was flooded out we decided to try out a new location at the Pacific Beach by driving down to Sipacate and check out the Mar Maya Resort.  We were surprised that we had to take this boat over to the hotel complex.  I felt like I was on the Jungle Cruise ride at the Magic Kingdom in Disneyworld.  Water was seeping up through the floorboard.

It was just a little too rustic for me, so we didn't stay.
Just say'n!

Upon returning to the dock, we were greeted by these young boys swimming in the lagoon.  

Then I noticed the boys were swimming in their "birthday suits"!  We all had a big laugh.

~J

Casita Benjamín

We were given 90 backpacks from Grand Prairie Bible Church several months ago as a donation for Casita Benjamín. So, we took the Orcutts with us and spent the morning at the Day Care Center having a program for the kids and handing out the special backpacks.

Each backpack had toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, glue, pencils, colors, a small Gospel of John and some small Spanish tracts.

Jeff and Glenn sang a few songs with the kids, then Jeff gave the gospel presentation as he talked about receiving a free gift (backpacks from GPBC) and then talked about the free gift of salvation.

I still remember the smiles on the kids faces and their excited sounds as they opened up their backpacks!

Thank you GPBC for your sacrifice and donations and partnership!

~J

Check out our YouTube video of us presenting the backpacks to the kids!

~J

Antigua, Guatemala

Views of Lake Atitlán

 The most beautiful Lake in the World!

Lake Atitlán

The "M" factor

We drove over to Nancy's place in San Antonio Palopó for the Orcutts to purchase some items but also to get dressed up in the local garb of the Palopó community.

We have seen "M" grow up over the years and have had fun interacting with her with friends such as the Josephs, Alexanders, and Wildwood Church. Jeff was again able to share the Gospel with "M".  He gave her the Gospel of John and she read the first chapter to us.  Although she is K'achiquel, she knows Spanish from school, so she was able to read the Spanish scripture portion.  Jeff challenged her to read the Bible daily.

~J

Tailor Made

Jeff walked down Santander in Panajachel and spotted a local tailor and had him hand make a specialty shirt for him.

Jeff took the opportunity to share the gospel with the tailor.  He found out that he was catholic and was basing his faith on his good works. 

I kinda like these local pants, but Jeff didn't spring for them.
 

~J