Pastor's Place - January 2002

A New Dream for a New Year

Dear Friends:

I have listened with great interest as first Ruth C., and then Al H., described their experiences with the Guatemala Mission Team. Each summer, a group of volunteers, led by a family (of La Mesa First UMC), goes to Chichicastenango to be of assistance to the people there. Past projects have included construction of school and community buildings, and involvement in the local children's center.

The group works during the week and travels to regional points of interest on the weekends. Individuals can go for one, two, or three weeks. Lodgings are in a hotel, and meals are a combination of restaurant meals and meals provided by the host community. Because the mission has existed for several years, the leaders now have long-standing and trusting relationships with the hosts.

The whole concept has captured my imagination. And I figure, if Ruth and Al can do it, then why not me? Andy and Elizabeth and Christina and I have begun to make plans to be part of the Guatemala Mission Team this summer. The three weeks of the mission will be June 28 to July 21. We will go for two of those weeks.

Part of my dream is that others from PB UMC will decide to be part of the mission project as well. Perhaps some will be able to volunteer to make the trip. Perhaps others can offer prayer, and still others financial support for those who want to go, but cannot afford to pay the expenses. (The cost per adult is $1450; slightly less for children and teens.) It is a significant undertaking, but we might find it rewarding to work together for this cause.

Andy will be inviting members of Mission Hills UMC to take part as well. I don't feel I have a very ready explanation for why we have decided to do this. It just seems like the right thing at the right time. People usually report after mission trips that they receive and learn far more than they give. I only hope that God can use the experience to deepen my faith and the faith of my children, and that we will come away more sensitive to the needs, concerns, and dreams of people in distant places.

Al H. and I will be arranging for the Guatemala slide show to visit our church again early this year. I hope you can share my enthusiasm, and that your own dreams will also bear fruit in the year 2002. We can only entrust our plans to God, do our best to accomplish our part, and then wait and see how the Holy Spirit blesses our endeavor.

May the new year bring new joy to all of our lives!

Pastor April