December 9th was the date of our graduation for the Discipleship Training School. We concluded our outreach to Haiti and Guatemala and had a fantastic experience. Each of the students were touched by the Lord and did a great job preaching the gospel in a variety of ways. We returned from Haiti and rode a bus and 4 wheel drive pickup for 13 hours to reach a village in NW Guatemala called Yulmacap. There are about 400 families living in the area and very few white people get out there. When we first arrived the children ran away from us but by the end of the week they were crying when we left. We lived in rustic conditions for the 5 days of ministry but it was worth it to have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with the community. We visited 5 families that have children with a rare form of skin cancer caused by ultraviolet light. These children must stay out of the sun all the time to reduce the spread of cancer. It is very difficult for them as there is not much for them to do.
We also conducted ministry in Quetzatenango, Guatemala, working with a local church. It was a time of encouraging the believers in their walk and work for the Lord.
Our final week was spent in San Pablo La Laguna working with two pastors who are doing a great work in their community. One family we visited has lost both parents to AIDS and the 4 children are now living with their grandparents who have very limited resources but plenty of love for their grandkids. We hope to build a home for the children as the home of the grandparents is too small to accommodate them.
Our graduation service was a special time for all us and it is always hard to see the students leave. We have been blessed to work with a very special and talented group this past year and pray God's best for each of them as they pursue their individual calling from the Lord.
Our next DTS will begin in February, Motorcyclist DTS will be an outstanding adventure for those who have a passion for motorcycling and sharing the gospel.
