Asbury Team Pictures

Asbury Spring Break Cont'd

When we started preparing for this Guatemala trip, it was a task in itself trying to find people even interested. I didn’t think the trip was going to happen. However, God gave me a peace about it and began His work. We originally wanted 15, but cut the number to 10 because we felt we wouldn’t get 15 before Christmas break. When we left for break, we only had 7 or 8 people. So during my time at home, I just prayed hard that God would send the people He wanted to come.
When I returned from Christmas break, I began again to spread the word about the trip. There was still a small bit of doubt in my heart, but God continued to reassure me. Then God started bringing people in. After the break, we actually had more than 10 people, so I began to pray that I wouldn’t have to turn anyone down who felt called to come. God did His work again, and truly called each person to committee. We even had one girl who felt God calling her to stay in the states, which showed God’s will and allowed a final piece of our team to put in place.
We ended up with 10 of the greatest people. Each person has brought something unique to the group, and they have been so willing to do whatever is asked of them. I have loved watching each of them interacting with the kids and doing the work of the Lord. It is going to be so hard to leave tomorrow, but I know God will continue to work His work here at the Children’s home and in each of my team member’s lives.

We have done several projects around the home, such as varnishing the girls’ playground equipment, building picnic tables and shelves, sanding, painting, and of course playing with the kids. We have had ups and downs (such as sickness and an injury), but God has always kept us strong. I can speak for my whole team – even though we have had hard times, we are truly going to miss this place and the kids!

Thank you to New Life Children’s Home for giving us this opportunity!
~Ashton Bacon and the Asbury Team

Asbury Spring 07: Rolling With The Punches

It is Monday night and things are going well. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to serve aongside the staff here at NLCH. The kids have been an absolute blessing all day every day. The team has been willing to do whatever they have been asked and that makes it easy to lead. The team is made up of five guys: Joe, Allen, John, Tim, and Michael.....as well as 4 girls Ashton, Bethany, Lori (who finally got her passport and arrived a day late), and Stephanie. I have personally also been quite happy about the time I have been able to spend with my good friends Daniel and Kara Harris. We decided we would share a few pictures and give a short update on the happenings here, we will continue to post as the week progresses.
Paul Niswander

Finished Playhouse

Cory, Derek, and Chandra have finished this new playhouse for the new side of the property. The kids are already enjoying it! Cory has figured out how to make friends in Guatemala- give them candy and fireworks.

LakeRidge UMC

Our first spring break team is this group of five from LakeRidge UMC in Lubbock, TX. Three of the team members are building equipment for a new playground on the new property. The other two are psychologists, so they have been spending some time with our kids doing some evaluations.

We'll be sure and post some more pictures of the playground progress later in the week.

Highland Baptist Church

The praise band from Highland Baptist Church of Waco, TX came to lead worship at the annual Intermissions conference in Antigua for Guatemala's missionary community. We were at the conference Friday through Sunday, and the folks from HBC came a day early and stayed an extra day to be able to spend some time with our kids here at NLCH.

Their work in leading us in worship at the conference was a tremendous blessing to all of us. The music was wonderful, and it's a very welcome change for us to be able to worship in English.

When they arrived at the home on Thursday, they played some games and generally were willing to make fools of themselves with the kids (see video below). On Sunday night they led all of us in worship here at NLCH, even doing a great job leading some songs in Spanish for the kids.

We enjoyed their visit greatly, and their presence and talents were gifts to all of us at the conference.

As for this video- Jesus told us to make disciples of all nations, but he didn't specify how. Here's one option...