Busy Hands are Happy Hands!

I used to have a boss that whenever she came out of her office and saw us chatting she would say "busy hands are happy hands".  That was her way of telling us to get back to work!
Well, I gotta tell you, the women from Iglesia Vida have some very happy hands because our hands have been BUSY!

Every 2 years, the National AG Church here hosts a retreat for pastors wives from all over the country.  This year the executive board for the national womens ministry, asked our church if we would be able organize the event and take care of all the logistics.  The womens ministry at our church took on the challenge of organizing the event in November for over 800 pastors wives!  Since June, we have been organizing, recruiting, and planning like mad women!!!

Our goal is to make this the best and nicest retreat these women have attended.  We want them to feel special and loved.  The women come from all over the country....we will have women from deep within the interior of the country who cannot read, to educated women from the Capital.  The retreat is held at "The Tabernacle" which is a huge lot with a very big auditorium, a kitchen and dining area, and a few multi-purpose rooms. Most women that are not from the area, spend the 2 nights in one of the multi-purpose rooms.  From what I have heard, they are crammed in there  (some with their children) with thin blankets that are provied to them.  Our original desire this year was to have people from our church host some of the women (at least the women with children) and give them a warm place to sleep and rest.  Due to some logistical challenges, we will not be able to provide that for them.  So, we asked the women of the church if they could donate a warm, soft blanket we could give the ladies.  God provided even more!!!

A local factory heard about what we were doing and donated thousands (I don't even know how much!) of yards of fabric so that we can make blankets.  Soft, warm, fleece blankets!  Not only that, but God also provided a factory that would make the blankets for us.  We just had to cut the fabric into the sizes we needed and then take it to them! Here are some photos of the ladies working hard on cutting the fabric!!!

That's only about half of what was donated!

Working dilligently!

The sanctuary was turned into a factory!

second load being delivered!

Unloading the truck!

Aside from making the blankets, we also spent another day making the tableclothes and making the gift bags (not filling the girft bags...actually making the bags!)

My beautiful friend Karina cutting the cloth for the table runners

Cutting the paper to make the gift bags

making them just the right size

gifted seamstress

It has been such a blast and such a blessing working with these women!  Please pray for us as the time of the retreat is quickly approaching and there are still many details that need to be worked out.  I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful things that God is going to do a this retreat. We want to demonstrate God's love to these women and show them that they are special to God and greatly appreciated!
By the way.....I'm not in the pictures, but I worked hard too....and not just taking the pictures!! :)

Pa' Lante y Pal' Cielo!!
Cece


Support:

Friends, I am still short of my monthly budget....Please pray about how you can partner with me financially either through a one time donation or by becoming a monthly donor. Thank you!

If you would like to make a donation in my name, you can send a check with Acct. # 2949329 written in the memo and send the check to

Assemblies of God World Missions
1445 North Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802-1894
If you would like to become a monthly contributor please email me for furthur information
For automatic credit card withdrawal you can print off and fill out the form with my account number (2949329) on the website below… then send it to the AGWM address posted above.
http://ag.org/contributorservices_PDF/CRCDAUTH.pdf

Contact Me!!!
Here is my contact information
Email: cro1780@gmail
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726036343
Skype Name: Cicely Rosario
Mailing Address:
9A Calle A 8-59 Casa 14 Condominio Las Mercedes
Zona 8 de Mixco, CD San Cristobal
Guatemala, C.A

Protection, Provision, and Praise!

God is faithful. No matter what, God is faithful. When it's raining, He's faithful. When it's sunny, He is faithful. When we are going through trials, He is faithful. When we are rejoicing, He's faithful. When we are lacking, He is faithful. When we have in abundance, He is faithful. When we are sick, He's faithful. When we are healthy, He is faithful. Always, not sometimes. In every circumstance, in every situation, in every season. He is ALWAYS faithful.


Last week, I was on the highway, driving home from the girl’s home where I teach English. As I was driving, I noticed there was a red pick up truck behind me and it was really close to me. I tried to get into the next lane, but then I realized there was a white van driving next to me. I tried to speed up so that I could get ahead of the white van and merge into his lane, however, as my speed increased so did his. The red pick up also increased his speed keeping him right behind me. I was sort of "blocked in" by these two vehicles. During this time, I had been singing in my car (rather loudly) "Our God". I quickly realized that there was a chance that these 2 vehicles blocking me could present a problem. Something in my spirit told me this was not good! I started praying and singing to God. I did not just pray for protection; I praised God for His protection. I began to declare who He was, and sing "and if our God is for us, then who cold ever stop us....and if our God is with us, then who could stand against." I know that there is no room for the devil and his schemes when the children of God begin to praise God and declare His power and might....so that is what I did. Within 3-4 minutes, both cars sped away, and to be honest, I don't even know where they went! I praised God for His protection. I don't know the intention of the people in those vehicles, but I do know that God protected me from any scheme that the enemy may have tried to implement. He is faithful to watch and protect His children.

This week, once again, I experienced His faithfulness. Every 2 years, the Assemblies of God hosts regional retreats for its missionaries. This year it is in Costa Rica the week of Thanksgiving. Ideally, part of my monthly support is taken out and put into a fund to cover the expenses of the retreat. However, since my support has been low these last few months, anything that was in that fund was used to supplement my monthly disbursement (my salary). Needless to say, I was kind of disappointed that I wouldn't be able to go, thus staying here alone (all the other missionary families will be in C.R) for Thanksgiving. But again, God, in His faithfulness, has provided and made a way for me to go thanks to a family that has offered to cover my expenses!!! I cried when I found out because I was moved both by the generosity of this family and by the goodness of God. God is faithful!

Last night I had the opportunity to go see Marcos Witt (he is a Spanish worship leader/pastor....I grew up singing his songs) in concert. I had seen the billboard for months and planned on going, until I found out the tickets were $25. I know that may not seem like much, but for me these days, it is! I was disappointed but it wasn't a big deal. But again, God is so good!! A woman from my church had an extra ticket and I got to go for free!!!! I was so blessed.

I have had quite a bit of stress lately due to my support being low and also because I do not have a clue about what I am going to do at the end of my term in March. But, this week God showed me that I don't have to worry. He takes care of the big things (like a retreat for missionaries that I believe will help give me some direction for March) and also the desires of our hearts (like a concert). I am constantly in awe of my God! His faithfulness and His gentle care for me overwhelm me. I cannot help but give Him all of my praise! When our dependency is on God, He is faithful! He will NEVER let us down!

This is one of my favorite Psalms and this week I'm proclaiming it from the rooftops!!!!

Psalm 34:1-8 (emphasis mine)

I will extol the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the LORD;
Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
Let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
Their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
And he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Pa' Lante y Pal Cielo!
Cece


Support:

Friends, I am still short of my monthly budget....Please pray about how you can partner with me financially either through a one time donation or by becoming a monthly donor. Thank you!

If you would like to make a donation in my name, you can send a check with Acct. # 2949329 written in the memo and send the check to

Assemblies of God World Missions
1445 North Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802-1894
If you would like to become a monthly contributor please email me for furthur information
For automatic credit card withdrawal you can print off and fill out the form with my account number (2949329) on the website below… then send it to the AGWM address posted above.
http://ag.org/contributorservices_PDF/CRCDAUTH.pdf

Contact Me!!!
Here is my contact information
Email: cro1780@gmail
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=726036343
Skype Name: Cicely Rosario
Mailing Address:
9A Calle A 8-59 Casa 14 Condominio Las Mercedes
Zona 8 de Mixco, CD San Cristobal
Guatemala, C.A

Sweet Starbucks.......and other reminders of home.....

Earlier this summer, Starbucks opened its first store in Guatemala. I wasn't super excited and I'll tell you why.....Guatemala has some of the best coffee EVER! There are several coffee shops that have excellent coffee and they are Guatemalan owned companies. Also the Starbucks was in a part of the City that I was not familiar with. Lately, however, I have been missing home ALOT (I think it has something to do with the seasons changing...In the US of course, not here.....we only have 2 seasons.....wet and dry!). And since I can't just hop on a plane and go home for the weekend, I like to do something that reminds me of home. Sometimes it's eating something that reminds me of home (not the US but my actual family's home), sometimes it's browsing through Amazon for hours (I don't have a Borders here, and I have heard that neither do my friends in the States anymore, but when I had a lazy Saturday afternoon, I spent hours browsing books at Borders), and sometimes, it's just looking through pictures.

Since my latest bout of homesickness (not sure that's a word...but it is on my blog!), I have had the urge to go to Starbucks since SB's was part of my routine at home. The problem was, I didn't know how to get there! Well, this week I found out that another one opened in a mall that I actually know how to get to!!! I was so excited! Again, not so much because of the coffee, but because it was like a part of my "world" coming here to me!!

So, today, my roommate Amy and I ventured out to Oakland Mall. I parked in the underground parking and when we came up the escalators that took you into the mall, there at the top of the escalators, I saw this:



I cannot tell you how giddy I was (just ask my roommate Amy...I'm pretty sure I embarassed her). I heard the "halleluya chorus" in my head! I know it's silly (and perhaps even a little pathetic), but it just made me happy.  

My life is very different than it was a year and a half ago. I am thankful that God has been gracious to me and I have adapted rather well here.  He has giving me and continues to give me amazing oppurtunities. I am sincerly happy here and I really enjoy living and working here. However, every now and then, you can't help but miss home. And when "home" comes to you......well, it's a real delight!!!!!  I won't be frequenting Starbucks often, but it's nice to know where to find one when I find myself longing for something that reminds me of life back home!



My roommate Amy and I...She was super great about indulging my craving!








Special Treat...Starbucks AND Cinnabon



Cooking with my Goya products (the sazon and empanada disks were brought from the States), and drinking my Malta's always make me think of my moms kitchen!!!

Well friends, until next time,

Pa' Lante y Pal' Cielo!

Cece



'Enter that Rest"

Yesterday, during my time of prayer, I spent alot of time praying for myself.  Not for my needs and wants neccesarily, but for my spiritual life.  Asking God to fill me, to use me, to do with me as He would see fit.  I just wanted more of God.  The thing is, as I was praying for God to have His way with me, I started to get a little anxious...my mind wandered. Has that ever happened, you are praying and you are in "the zone" and then one little thing leads your mind to something else?  Sadly it happens to me more often than I'd like to admit! Well, as I was asking God to "have His way with me", I started to wonder....."God what is your will for my life?"  You see, I have some decisions I need to make in the next few months and I really want to hear from God about those decisions.  So I started to get anxious and ask God about it (yet again!).  It's good to bring all your anxieties to God because He cares about us...that's what the Bible says right?  Well yes, that is what the Bible says.  The problem is that I really wanted to spend time with God without the worries of tomorrow that always seem to creep into my quiet time.  I was trying to be very intentional and it was not working!

So, I decided I was going to silence my heart and my mind and just let God speak.  I sat in silence for a while and just waited for God to speak to me.  After a while, I sensed the Lord dropping Hebrews 4:11 in my mind.  I didn't know what that text consisted of but that is the scripture I felt the Lord impress on my heart.  So, I looked it up...

"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience" 

I read that and at first I thought..."wow, that's great! yes, I will accept that invitation to rest in You".
And then I read it again, read the text before it, and meditated on what God was trying to tell me.

I started with the first part of the verse.....
"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest..."

God wants us to enter into His rest.  That rest that He has reserved for His children. He wants us to come to Him and recieve the rest He has offered.  We need to be intentional about coming into His presence just to rest.  The problem is, I don't always do that. 
I enter with praise and thanksgiving, yes, but also with my list.  Sometimes, we need to put that list down and just rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father and in the assurance of His Word.

That was comforting to me and rather easy to accept from my Father.

Then I meditated on the second part....
"so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience"
Ummmm, not so easy to swallow!
It hit me like a ton of bricks.....
When I don't rest in God, when I don't recieve that peace and rest He longs to give us, what I am saying to God is:
"I don't believe You are who You say You are"
"I don't trust You with my problems  and circumstances"
"I don't trust You with my future"
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!
The bible tells us to "trust in the Lord with all of our heart" (Prov 3:5), when we don't do that, we are being disobedient....hence, we are sinning. OUCH!

And that is not the kicker either....
The bible tells us that we are to be examples.  Why? Because others are watching us and our examples should lead people to Christ.  If others don't see us trusting God and resting in Him through our trials and circumstances, if they don't see us going to Him for rest, neither will they.  And that my friend, is tragic.
May my actions never lead someone away from Christ.

There is a saying that says:
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds my future"

I'm choosing to enter into His rest with the assurance of knowing that my Heavenly Father is in control of all things.  I don't need to fret about tomorrow because He has already been there!

Pa' Lante y Pal' Cielo!
Cece

Another Goodbye.....

They say that one of the hardest things about being a missionary is all the goodbye's....

The goodbye's to your family
The goodbye's to your friends back home
The goodbye's to your friends that leave the field
The goodbye's to the people you serve when you are the one leaving the field...
The goodbye's to the wonderful people you meet on teams...you minister together in a super intense way with them, and witness God rocking their world...and then at the end of the week...another goodbye....

Yesterday, there was yet another goodbye.....

There are 2 little girls, Vilma and Erika, who were living at the girls home where I teach English. They are 7 and 4. Yesterday was their last day at the home. They are being transferred to another home that is more age appropriate for them.

They came to the home a few months ago as an emergency situation. The court called the directors of the home and asked if they could take them in. The girls were living with relatives because they were in an abusive home, but the relatives were not taking good care of the girls either. When I first met them, a day after they arrived at the home, they were super shy. The skin on their feet was burnt from the sun, their hair was matted, and they didn't speak Spanish. They only spoke Quiche, which is one of the native Mayan languages in Guatemala, and they sat in a corner. Fast forward a few months later; they are chatty Cathy’s speaking in Spanish, affectionate, super cheerful, and praises to God are being sung from their lips. I cannot tell you how much I love these girls. From the moment I met them, I wanted to adopt them and bring them home with me. Seriously, I did. Unfortunately, that is not an option for me at this time, for many reasons!!!



The court system found a home that is more age appropriate for them, as Mi Especial Tesoro is a home for adolescent girls. I know that in one sense, it is better for them because the new home has resources specifically for children their age. However, I can't help to think....."What will become of their life?” I don't know if the new home is a christian home. I can only trust that the seeds that were planted in these few months are rooted deep in their hearts and will continue to grow. I am believing that He who began the good work in their lives is faithful to complete it.



I think saying bye to Vilma and Erika was the hardest goodbye yet. I've only been a missionary for a year and I have had enough goodbyes! But at 4 and 7, I think they have had to say more than their shares of goodbyes as well.

Until next time friends,
Pa' Lante y Pal' Cielo!
Cece

Be a part of what God is doing in Guatemala!

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,


Greetings from Guatemala! I pray this email finds you well.

God has been doing some amazing things here in Guatemala! For those that haven't seen my blog update, here is a brief summary of all that has been going on.

This summer I had the opportunity to work with 4 teams from around the USA and one team from Jamaica!. We ministered in various parts of the country through school and street evangelism, medical clinics, and construction projects. What a privilege to serve God's kingdom! The Word of God was heard by thousands of youth and children. Hundreds upon hundreds of people came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. The message of hope and love was spread throughout the country. Even as I am writing this, I am praising God for all He did this summer!

Kingdom work doesn't end when teams leave though! Currently, I am involved with 3 different ministries. I work with the local church and their women's ministry. This past weekend we had an event and saw many women set free by the Truth of His Word (for more about that, see my blog!). We have several outreaches planned for the next month and are working on some other events as well. I know that God is raising up women in Guatemala to be His hands and feet extended. This week I started the second "term" of English classes in the girls home. God has been doing an incredible work of restoration and healing in the lives of these young women, and God has allowed me the privilege to be a part of their lives. This summer the Lord placed in my heart a desire to begin a small bible study group with 3 college age girls in my home. I am excited to see what God is going to do in all our lives as we journey together through the Word of God.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve God in this beautiful country. I have witnessed his faithfulness and goodness time and time again. I am so thankful to all the people that have supported me both financially and through prayer and encouragement throughout this last year.

A few weeks ago, I read this quote: In a spiritual sense, missionaries are sent by God. In a practical sense, they are sent by laypersons with a vision for missions. We have God, missionaries and laypersons. Remove any one of these three factors and effective missions work will no longer exist. — Jerry Burgess

This statement could not be any more true!! Missionaries cannot do the work of the Lord without you!!

Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, my financial support has dropped significantly in the last few months. I am asking that you would consider how you could be a part of what God is doing in Guatemala. I know not everyone can come here and minister (although I'd LOVE to have you come!!!!), but you are able to play a significant role in what the Lord is doing here. Here is how;

Pray: Sow seeds of prayer into Guatemala...Please pray for: me and the ministries God has placed before me and the people of Guatemala-that they would have open hearts

Give: It is only because of my supporters that I am able to be here and commit my time fully to the service of God. Would you prayfully consider being a monthly supporter or giving a one time gift? I have attached the necessary forms that you can print out and mail.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Again, I am eternally thankful for all the support I have received thus far. God has blessed me incredibly thus far and I am confident that He will continue to provide.

The words of the apostle Paul ring true from my heart....

"I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..."
Phil. 1: 3-5

Pa Lante y Pal' Cielo! (onward and upward!)
Cicely

Support:
you would like to make a donation in my name, you can send a check with Acct. # 2949329 written in the memo and send the check to

Assemblies of God World Missions
1445 North Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802-1894


If you would like to become a monthly contributor please email me for furthur information
For automatic credit card withdrawal you can print off and fill out the form with my account number (2949329) on the website below… then send it to the AGWM address posted above.
http://ag.org/contributorservices_PDF/CRCDAUTH.pdf

Food, Friends, and FREEDOM!!!

This past weekend, the Womens Ministry at Iglesia Vida hosted an event for the women of the church as well as their (women) friends and family.  The theme of the night was "You Have Made Me Free" and indeed the Lord set women free.  We had a lovely traditional dinner together and enjoyed some wonderful fellowship. It was great getting to know some of the women and hearing their stories.  Afterward, we worshiped together and even before the sermon and the alter call, started proclaiming freedom in Christ.  At the end several women responded to the alter call.  All of them desiring to be set free in some area in their lives.  It was so incredible to pray Gods truth and His promises over these women and see Gods peace settling over them.  It was an incredible time of blessing. 

Pastor Sarai bringing the message of hope and freedom

Yummy tradional Guatemalan food

Leadership Team....all wearing traditional Guatemalan blouses

I just added this pic because I LOVE this little boy!!!

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free inded" John 8:36

Pa Lante y Pal' Cielo!

Cece