Jesse A. Schroeder

This past weekend we were incredibly blessed to have our good friends Roger and Beth Briggs (the founders of Hearts for Heaven) as well as Oscar and Telma (the native missionaries in Guatemala) visit us in Ohio. On Friday night they hung out with us and some of the team members for our June trip. Also, some of our family and friends from different groups around the city came and hung out, and listened to Roger and Telma as they shared about the ministry. Below are a few pictures:

After they left, Kellye and I both felt very sad. It was the same feeling we had after we came home from Guatemala last summer. We agreed that it was because we had to say goodbye to our dear friends. It's very difficult to put into words the connection we have with them and the ministry. They are deeply committed to doing God's work in Guatemala. Oscar and Telma actually have family living in Miami, and we asked if they would like to move to the United States. Immediately, Oscar said, "No, Guatemala is my country." They are committed to God, committed to the people of Guatemala, and their commitment is powerful and challenging to me.

My head was spinning after speaking with Oscar about collecting shoes for the children in Guatemala, how to do effective children's ministry, and funds needed for building a new church for a large youth group in Guatemala. There is so much that needs to be done! And we are so blessed to be a part of this exciting work. The next few months we have a lot to do, lots of preparation, and lots of supplies to be gathered. But I'm very very excited. Visiting with Oscar and Telma reminded me that our trip is going to be very special, for us and for the people of Guatemala.

I can't wait.