Friday night we went to downtown Puerto Barrios in order to minister to the prostitutes in the bars. Before we arrived though, we spent a powerful time in prayer and worship preparing for this. It was incredible how God used that time to give us confidence, peace, and even joy. I definitely learned how powerful it is to be fully equipped with the armor of God! We took flowers in groups into different bars and gave them to the different women we met. I will never forget one bar in particular. 4 or 5 girls were sitting on a couch and their eyes were filled with an intense hopelessness. We...

The band Casting Crowns has written many songs that speak of our current times and our failure to truly trust, depend, and seek out Jesus Christ.  Their song, “What if His People Prayed,” has been on my heart lately, especially as I observe the members of Mi Reto, our host church.  The lyrics question why the church allows Satan to gain more souls, why we don’t take a stand upon God’s promises, and why we are too stubborn to turn from our own ways and seek to bear His name.  My favorite verse examines the family: “What if the family turned to...

Je suis completement heureux detre ici avec des gens superbe ! Le temps que je passe ici est tout simplement fantastic. Jai la chance de visiter le Guatemala en compagnie de gens qui veulent servir Jesus. Dieu ma utilise cette semaine en faisant un appel aupres de plusieurs enfants. Jai utiliser ma manipulation avec les cartes en faisant des illusions. Gloire a Dieu ! je me demandais comment je pouvais mixer les cartes tout en prechant la bonne nouvelle. Jai eu la chance de demontrer que les cartes etaient seuleument des illusions, MAIS que Dieu est vivant et quil peut faire des miracles...

Before I came to Guatemala, I was smugly satisfied with the amount of faith I have displayed in my life. Faith is something that has been spoken over me ever since I took a spiritual gifts class six years ago. I had no clue what that even meant at the time, but it was all coming into focus over the past two years: quitting my career, going on the World Race, interning at a church, applying for seminary (in Texas, of all places), and again quitting my job to lead a Real Life trip to Guatemala. I thought I was all stocked up on faith. I was confident … maybe even a little cocky. And...

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 the author writes that “He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” This verse is one I have held on to and pondered over the past few days. In the past week we’ve entered a lot of different situations where it’s been really hard to recognize anything beautiful so this verse has had even more meaning. Last Friday night we went to the red light district and entered bars with back rooms in plain view and even a strip club. We went to show God’s love to the woman that work there. These women were brokenhearted and in an atmosphere...

Despues de un largo y caluroso dia de trabajo (cavando hoyos, trasladando tierra, haciendo mezclas de semento, limpiando, entre otros), llegamos a la casa misionera listos para darnos un buen baño. Al abrir la regadera me lleve una gran SORPRESA, no salio ni una gota de agua. Al parecer la reseva de agua que nuestra casa tenia deberia durar un minimo de dos meses y nosotros en dos semanas ya nos habiamos terminado toda la reserva. Pregunta para reflexionar:  ¿Que pasaria si un dia tu te llegaras a quedar sin una gota de agua? te enfermarias? te...

I walk a block and am surrounded by colors, reds, blues, oranges, pinks and greens. Mangos, pineapples, and bananas are sold on the street. Ice cream is pushed around in a cart, as kids line up to indulge after a day of school. I look across the lake to see volcanoes surrounded by fog. Beauty. This is what I see in this country, this culture.   We have not been in Guatemala long, but already I am beginning to find the beauty in the people as well. The other day some teammates and I walked the streets, praying and asking the Lord for direction on where He would like to lead us....

I have been placed in a unique ream with unique people that have unique talents. We have been learning skills, doing activities, and getting tools to be not only successful, but prosperous while in Guatemala. Although these things are completely different from one another (how to wear a backpack doesn’t seem to have much to do with creating artwork to represent your expectations of the trip) each piece is necessary to do well. If one bit of information was left out, we would be up a creek without a paddle! The other night, we wanted to make a fire. As we arrived to the fire pit, there...

I have been in Guatemala for a week and a half now and let me just say it is not what I expected.  I always plan for the worst case scenario.  With that being said, the worst case scenario for Rachel Short would be…camping.  Living on dirt grounds, and eating animals over an open fire.  I have been pleasantly surprised. I feel like a million bucks here in Guatemala.  I feel so blessed that God sent me to this beautiful country, I could be so many other places.  I didn't realize that I had expectations coming in, but clearly I did.  I thought I...

As you step on the streets of Guatemala, it is clear to see what God intended for fellowship among us. All it takes is an “Hola” and the next thing you know you are invited into somones home who gives their best food and hospitality to you, and tell you their life story despite them knowing you don’t speak Spanish. Can you picture strangers walking up to your door and barely able to say hello clearly. Would you invite them in? Probably not. Would you take out your finest dinnerware and feed them your most expensive food? Most likely not. We are selfish in out comfortable...

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Since arriving in Panajachel God has really gotten me out of my comfort zone. With completely new people, living situations, food, and work; it has been a little overwhelming. However, in the past few days God has been pouring His love out all over me, and making me realize that even amidst the discomfort, uncertainty, and any other circumstance that God is always faithful. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is consistent and a refuge when I need strength and endurance to carry on. Although my life may be...