Hello from the land of eternal spring! There were definitely a couple days of uncertainty, but we finally made it to Guatemala with nothing less than a miracle from God! For the next five weeks, Team Lightning and Team Stormchasers are partnered together in a small neighborhood outside of Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Our little home is the new site for New Generation, a Christian ministry run by a local pastor and his family. We are working with New Generation to develop their facilities, which will serve as a food bank, school, and church for the community.
It has been so humbling working with God to transform the place into a sanctuary. It is super gratifying to see the visual changes we have made- painted walls, wood floors, stairs, windows, and a pila for washing dishes and clothes. Even more powerful is the spiritual space being created. We have had many obstacles while being here- limited resources, fear and anxiety, rain, and pushback from community leaders- but God has continually listened to our prayers and opened doors for His light to come. Our progress on this project is solely due to His grace and provision. It is our continued prayer that the sanctuary will be a place for healing, laughter, community, and communion with God for all who enter, and that God would continue to draw close to the Peliz family and empower them for the plentiful harvest in Chichi.
Every other day or so, we are able to make the 25 minute trip up and down the winding mountain highway to the city of Chichicastenango. Days in town are perfect for running errands or getting a few rare moments of wifi, but when you are doing life with Jesus, you have to hold your plans loosely. There is so much other work to be done on city days! We get to meet people and speak with them, build relationships with vendors in the market, pray over spaces, etc. God and I call this “adventuring together.” I try to not have an agenda, because then all of a sudden there is an overwhelming urge to stop walking, to turn back, and to speak with someone I would have otherwise overlooked. It’s God’s exciting reminder to me that I’m not here for the work I can offer, but only to be used for the work He is already doing, in the middle of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC.
It hasn’t even been a full month, and I feel my life transforming already. The wall between “God time” and “normal life” are breaking down, and I feel myself drifting into a state of constant prayer. God is showing me more and more of Him, speaking more and more, and I am getting better at listening to Him. I think back to my life in Houston before the race. I wonder what adventures I could have had with God while shopping at HEB or eating at Whataburger, had I only been listening to His voice. Fortunately, I don’t have to feel regret or shame, because God’s mercies are new every morning and every day is a new opportunity to draw closer to Him.
EVERYONE can learn to hear the voice of God. Let’s adventure with Him today! Comment or share a fun you had moment with Him! Love you all- enjoy the pics 🙂
PRAYER REQUESTS:
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Please pray for the physical health of our team!
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Please pray for God to continue to open doors for ministry with New Generation- that the community leaders would allow us to meet with people!
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Please pray over the COVID situation here in Guatemala! There is currently a shutdown for cities and businesses in the afternoons. Please pray for wisdom for national leaders, and peace in the midst of fear and confusion.
Mary, this is an incredible glimpse into what the Father is stirring up in your team. Thanks so much for sharing this!
“Fortunately, I don’t have to feel regret or shame, because God’s mercies are new every morning and every day is a new opportunity to draw closer to Him.” — GO OFF SIS
WOW! Mary! This is awesome! You are “The Light of the World” (Matthew 5:14) with the Lord speaking to you always, anywhere, everyday! Prayers for your safety as you “press on” for this mission. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Be Diligent and Stay safe! Hugs
Love that y’all are with Juan and Evelyn! Dios the bendiga este equipo por la Gloria de dios en este nacion! Darlos salud, y Paz! Su reino dios por Guatemala!
Mary! What beautiful surrender I see from you! You’re doing it! You’re racing! I loved this line: “The wall between God time and normal life is breaking down” – That alone will change your life! Can’t wait to see what 11 months does to your already big and beautiful heart!
Sounds like a wonderful trip, Mary! Can’t wait to hear more about your ventures!! Keep listening to God’s voice!
So proud of you Mary! As a momma, I love your passion for the Lord and for your calling to share it!
As your sister in Christ, you inspire me to listen closer to God speaking to me in my home, at work and in my community. Most of all, you inspire me to action upon hearing Him!
Love you my sweet!
What is there to say – you are living life to the fullest and accepting everything as it comes your way. I LOVE seeing your smiling face and reading about the things you and your team are doing. We will keep praying for you, your team, and the people/places you will touch. You are with your people…this is so MARY WILLIAMS!!! Love you!
Mary…incredible privilege you have to help establish New Life in this community. Just reading your blog and hearing the desire to be walking in surrender to the Father. Its awesome! Keep pressing in and know we are praying for you!
Sweet Mary, I knew you when you were a tiny baby (the same age as my son, Sebastian). God has always been a huge part of my life. He speaks to me all the time. I felt his presence when reading your words and was moved to tears. Literally, pouring down my face. Sending you love and keeping you in my prayers.
Mary, I loved reading your post. And I love your motivation and surrender that you are there doing a work God has already begun. Thank you for being the hands and feet! I will continue to pray for the health and security of your team, the community and community leaders, and that God continues to bless every action!
Praise the Lord for all that He is already doing!! You’re in my prayers!! God bless you and keep you safe!????
Mary, a father couldn’t be more proud to see his child trusting your Heavenly Father and growing through surrender to His will. I have been deeply blessed and enriched by watching your journey. I can’t wait to see what amazing things God has planned for you. I love you and I’m so proud of you!