Back to Panyebar by Thomas Gibson

Today we got the opportunity to go back to Panyebar!

Thanks for everyone´s prayers. We were able to go back to visit with our Guatemalan family and continue work on the house we began on Monday. And, it was an amazing day. We weren´t really sure we would get back there when we left our hotel this morning but I know God knew the desires of our hearts and he provided the way for us. There were still roadblocks but with Tony and Freddie´s help we were allowed through. We did have a little trouble climbing the mountain in a 15 passenger van since it was loaded with 16 passengers, so we had to stop half way up and wait on another van to come pick us up. We were hoping we could just strap a rope to the van and let Mick pull us up but we couldn´t convince him to do it. I don´t think anyone minded admiring the beauty that surrounded us as we waited on this mountain...the view was amazing! Words don´t and won´t do it justice. I don´t even think our pictures will do justice to the views that we saw from half way up that mountain as we were looking down on Lake Atitlan and the beautiful villages that surround it´s coast.

We made it to Panyebar about mid morning and we were excited to see the progress that the family had made on the house since we had been gone. We all worked on preparing, laying and spreading morter on the block house for a few hours before it was time to stop for lunch. It was nice to take a little break and at this point the children in the village had started to make it home from school. We went to the through the corn field to the village´s little church next door to eat our lunch and every time we would look toward one of the windows of the church we would see one of the kids peering in at us to check us out and see what we were doing. They were so excited that we made it back and just couldn´t wait for us to come back and play with them.

After lunch Mick, Jenn, Charlie, Ashley, Brandy and myself went back to the house to continue working while the rest of the team stayed at the church to do Vacation Bible School with the kids. I can´t speak about their experience but I know we could hear lots of singing and laughter through the corn field and all of the kids came back with big smiles on their faces. I know we were excited to get to go back to the house to continue laying block because we all desperately wanted to get it as close to finished as possible.

Unfortunately our time ran out before we were able to get it finished and our day of working in the clouds...literally, we were working above, and in the clouds...was about to end. But, before we left our entire team gathered in the small structure along with the family, Freddie, and the village pastor to dedicate the house. It was a really touching experience as the husband spoke to us to express his gratitude. Our leader Amanda spoke a few words to tell them how grateful and appreciative we were to get the opportunity then Ashley prayed for the family, the house, and the pastor before we had to say goodbye to the kids and head back down the mountain. Of course they loved the candy that we passed out as we left the village and we even had two kids jump in our van before we could get the door closed but they ended up being the lucky ones because they got lots of candy.

After an hour or so on the bus we made it back to the compound for dinner but before dinner we had some time to play with the kids from the neighborhood. They loved kicking the beach ball in the street, at least until we had to stop for dinner. We didn´t really hang around after dinner because we are being picked up at 6.15 a.m. ...yes, 6.15 in the morning and we wanted to get back to the hotel for our evening devotional before we turn in for the night. Therefore, I´m going to wrap this up so I can get going but I wanted to say....

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS....WE FEEL THEM AND WE APPRECIATE ALL OF THEM!

Plan B

Hello all!
The day started a little earlier today, in hopes that the roadblocks to Panyebar would be removed.  After breakfast, we all piled into a van headed to the "roadblock."  Upon arrival, we were very much taken back by what we saw. There were 20-30 men sitting on the side of the road guarding the entrance to the village.  As we were sitting there, even more men came with tires and boulders barricading vehicles from passing through.  Tony and Freddie, our Impacto guides, got out to talk with the men.  Meanwhile, we were in the van interceding that God would make a way for us.  The men finally agreed to let us through, but said they may not let us return home.  Through our leaders' discernment and wisdom, it was decided that we should turn back.  We would really appreciate your prayers, that God would move on the hearts of these men and allow us to return to Panyebar.

Plan B was to do vacation school at a local school church and help with the construction of "the Promise Land," a retreat center and pastor training facility being built by Impacto.  On the way, we were able to stop in San Juan and watch a parade of local children.  It was nice to be a part of the community and get a real sense of the people.

The Promised Land was absolutely beautiful!  Situated on Lake Atitlan (one of the prettiest lakes in the world), we enjoyed fellowship and our bag lunches.  Following lunch, we laughed as we moved mounds of dirt helping lay a foundation for part of the building.  Then, onto vacation Bible school.

Immediately exiting the bus, all the men in our group were greeted with hugs from all the little girls.  Children came from all throughout the community when they heard we were there.  We sang songs in Spanish and English, Amanda Lepper, with much animation, shared the story of the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch to feed the 5,000.  Our craft was coloring fish, Jesus, and a little boy to help them remember Jesus' miracle.   As we left, our hearts were filled with joy and their mouths were filled with candy. 

Praise God for another great day!

Please continue to pray for our team's health, safety, and that God's Spirit would continue to be poured out on us and He would be glorified.


Brandy and Ashley

It´s all good until someone falls down a sink....by Alonya Franklin

One thing we can say about our trip so far is that God has a funny way of doing things. Sometimes things don´t go as we plan, but in the end God always gets the glory and we experience a new joy because of it. We enjoyed breakfast this morning with the team from South Carolina on their last day here in San Pedro. A few of us were looking forward to the yummy eggs, homemade torillas, fruit, and refried beans we had the day before, but instead we had fluffy pancakes, home fries, fruit, and arroz con leche (rice with milk). Yes folks, we are eating pretty good down here! As we prepared to leave and head to Panyvar, we were told we were going to stay at the compound and paint due to a roadblock (literally) that was preventing us to make it up the mountain. Some of us were a little sad because we had already connected with the family and the children of the town, but God had another plan. Thus our mantra for this trip.....Let go, Let God!

We rode into town to purchase paint for our project from the mercado aka ¨Super Quic¨. Those of us who are gifted in this area rose to the challenge. I know I personally thank God for Charlie and Jenny for their crafty and creative skills. They were great at instructing us on how to paint and what needed to do be done first. We each grabbed an area and dove into the task. Amanda Lepper provided musical relief by singing Journey´s ¨Don´t Stop Believing¨ and just like that we all started singing songs from our childhood. Yes, even New Kids On The Block made our songlist.All 14 hands were on deck and we were able to change the lunch room from white and burgandy to a tropical blue! It was during this time of fun and laughter that our comic relief entered the day. Ms. Amanda Catherine Kelley decided to stand on one side of the sink to reach the side of the shelf. Now in order for you guys to understand where this story is going and how funny this is I must describe the sink. This dear friends, is a stone sink that has flat stone counters connected on each side. Did I mention that this sink is probably at least 4-5 feet deep and that she is about 4 foot 8? Now you get the picture...So as I was saying, Amanda Kelley stood on the side of the sink that was covered with a cloth as we did not want to get paint on it. Somehow, she placed her left foot on the seemingly supportive surface and before we knew it, our lovely teammate was chest deep in the sink and terrified. Gratefully Thomas jumped to her rescue in a matter of minutes and pulled her from the dark watery pit they call as sink. Meanwhile, everyone else was snorting, hunched over, crying, and laughing harder than humanly possible. Yes folks, Amanda is ok and she even let a few laughs go. Needless to this has been the joke of the day, well... at least until someone else does something.

Due to the rain, we didn´t get to do much outside today. But I believe we will have a great day tomorrow. It seems like one day it´s sunny in the morning and slightly rainy in the afternoon then the next day is sunny then lots of rain. If this pattern stays the same, it will be a better day. We ask that you join us in prayer that the roadblocks are removed tomorrow so that we can return to Panyvar and finish building the house. We love you all.

First Day in the Village - Charlie \moore

To all our supporters,
The first day in the village was great! We met some new people, learned new skills, and shared the Word with each other and the missionaries. The day started early for some of us. A few of us drug ourselves out of bed and went to the lake to try and see the sun rise. It was a peaceful time to read and relax, just a great way to start the day.

The team had breakfast at 7 am, we road the bus over to the church in San Juan with a team from South Carolina. The South Carolina team was very nice and we got to know them a little. The breakfast was amazing! Delmi and her staff did a great job. We had eggs, refried black beans, fruit, and homemade corn tortillas. We shared some verses with each other and Pastor Luis shared about his joy for the beatitudes. It was an enjoyable time.

 Next, a bunch of fat and happy missionaries got on the bus and rode for about an hour to the village.  We met the family we are helping, the pastor of a church, and the local people. The family has four children and live in a one room house about 10 feet by 10 feet. The father has a humble gratitude about us being there.

The work started with us preparing sand for mortor, and notching blocks for the base layer of the house. We all did a little of each job. Many of the local men came to help as well. This continued on for most of the morning. Freddy is a our Impacto translator and leader. He is a great guy and knowlegeable about what we need to do.

At noon we stopped for lunch, and played with the kids. The kids are full of joy and happniness. We played frisbee, hit a beach ball, and passed out candy. We are their new best friends.

After lunch a truck showed up with a load of cinder blocks! It took about an hour to unload 430 blocks by hand! It was quite a job. It was a great team activitiy. After the blocks were unloaded some of us started laying the second layer of blocks for the house, and others played more with kids. We got a great start. We departed about 4.

Dinner was great! We had fried chicken!  Thomas shared about the day and how he found God in the chicken. |He had only eaten Power bars so far and had told God he didn't think he could eat one more!  We ate with the South Carolina team the Paster shared an emotional word about Pastor Luis, and what he has meant to him over the the past 14 years of working together.  Tonight will end with devotions with the team, and tomorrow will be much like today.

It was a Day with God.

Charlie       

Feliz Dia Papa!! - written by Amanda Lepper

What an amazing day!  We all agree that today has been the longest day known to man, but there is no word that can describe what a beautiful day it was.  Last night at dinner... which consisted of beef stew.... delicioso... Pastor Luis asked if we would share a song and if one or two people would be willing to share a testimony this morning at church.  Whew!!  The spirit started moving and prompting people and stories were shared sitting around the table after dinner.  It was a powerful evening for us.  This morning we got up, headed over to a fabulous breakfast prepared by Pastor Luis's sister Delmi.  We had what was basically an egg McMuffin along with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast dish of rice, milk, and sugar with cinnamon.  Pastor Luis asked a few of us to share one or two of our favorite scriptures and we enjoyed a brief devotional this morning.  Shortly thereafter it was time to load up the bus with ALL of our supplies including all the shoes we brought and more to take with us to Lake Atitlan.  The church service this morning was in honor of Father's Day and we were SO blessed to be able to share a couple of songs with them.  Sabrina followed the prompt to lug her guitar all the way to Guatemala and was able to play while ALL of us... except Jenn Brown who was kind enough to video this moment... sang two worship songs.  Sabrina and Jenny both followed the prompting of God to share their testimonies and what a powerful moment that was.  It was incredible to watch them be open and willing to share their hearts with these people we had just met.  Definitely a God moment.  We were invited to go play outside with the children while Pastor Luis was teaching.  We had bubbles, footballs, kites, and many more goodies to share with them.  We had a great time playing and loving on them.  Though most of us don't speak more than one or two words in Spanish, it's true that hearts connect no matter the language barrier.  Right after church we loaded up the bus where Delmi passed out our sack lunches for the 3 hour journey to the Lake Region.  About half of the trip was on nice paved, semi straight roads and we were thinking to ourselves "this isn't so bad".  About that time we turned off the main road and began the rest of the journey.  We wound up, up, up... back and forth around hairpin turns on pothole filled roads. Thank goodness none of us suffer from motion sickness.  By this time it had begun to rain, and as we topped the mountain to head down the other side to the Lake, we couldn't see anything but fog.  As we decended further down the hill the lake and the small towns surrounding it came into view and we were all glued to the windows.  It was a beautiful sight.  We came into one village where we stopped to eat dinner.  Delmi prepared spaghetti and we fellowshipped around the table.  One more time on the bus... still in a nice steady rain... and we drove to the next village to where our hotel is located.  We unloaded all the luggage from the top of the bus... thank goodness it had been secured under a tarp to prevent soaking!!... and the rain is still falling steadily as we sit here in the internet cafe a block from the hotel.  Tomorrow morning we head up to the village of Panybar where we will spend the day working on construction of a block house.  Of course we are also looking forward to spending some time with the people and the children of the community. 

If the past 24 hours are any indication... this week is going to be utterly amazing.  Full of God-sized moments.  I continue to be so grateful for the team of people He has put together.  Thank you for all your prayers back home.  Pray we will continue to stay healthy, that we will continue to be sensitive to and step out in faith to follow His promptings.  Pray for the people of the village of Panybar.  We will be working in that community all week. Again, we'd love to be able to hear from you any words of encouragement... comment if you can.

AND... Happy Father's Day to all the dads in our lives!!!  Feliz Dia Papa!!! 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow....

Guatemala-Day 1 by Jenny Long

Hello friends and family!  We made it to Guatemala City safely!  Our flight was delayed about an hour, but me made up time in the air.  Pastor Luis met us at the airport and we were on a bus to the Guatemala City compound.  As soon as we arrived, we put our stuff in our bunk rooms and walked across the street where Pastor Luis' sister cooked us an amazing lunch.  We ate grilled cheese, a delicious potato soup and the yummiest guacamole dip I've ever had.  Amanda Rogers even tried some! Thomas did not, but he did eat 2 grilled cheese sandwiches which is still out of his very tiny food box.  Yay! 

We were supposed to spend the afternoon in Antigua, but its been raining all afternoon, so we napped and took walks around the gated compound and sat around just talking.  Ashley was talking to Pastor Luis' sister after lunch and heard an awesome God story.  A woman from 12Stone has been to Guatemala two times, while she was here she taught the women how to sew.  Recently, one of those women was able to support her family finacially with her new skills after her husband lost his job.  God knows what he's doing here in Guatemala.

Input from the team:  Amanda Rogers wanted me to mention that our flight was full of missionaries from all over the southeast. 

What I know about tomorrow: we are going to church and then traveling by bus to Lake Atitlan.  I'm pretty sure it is a 4 hour bus ride.

Please feel free to comment, we'd love to hear from our family and friends. 

Meet Ashley McLean

Hi!  My name is Ashley McLean.  I am 29 years old and live in Lawrenceville, GA.  I work as an accounting associate for Mersereau, Lazenby & Rockas, LLC, a small private CPA firm in Suwanee, GA, and I am currently back in school pursuing CPA license.  In my spare time, I enjoy being with friends and family, being on the water, my dog, gardening, and being outside. 

One thing that I am definitely looking forward to about this trip is to be away from life as normal (i.e. phones, computers, Atlanta traffic).  I am excited to be with people from another culture, interact with them, serve them, and share the love of Christ with them.  I also look forward to making new friends with those on our team.  God has put together a great team of people with a variety of different gifts and strengths, and I am excited to see how God uses us together to fulfill His purposes. 

One funny fact about me:  I really like deals!
Prayer requests: For our team and all those we meet to grow deeper in love for Christ.

Prayer Night

On Sunday, June 12th, our group was blessed by friends and family who attended our prayer night send off gathering.  We started the night with a little information about Guatemala presented by Jenny Long and individual team member introductions by the funny Charlie Moore. 

Next, Sabrina Joseph interviewed 3 members of the Watersedge group who just got back from Guatemala a few weeks ago.  They were able to offer advice on what to bring, what to expect, and they shared their own Godly moments from the trip.  I think I can speak for the team by saying, we are all so excited about the trip after hearing all the ways that God is moving there.

The last part of the night was spent in prayer.  We had a group prayer where Amanda was in the middle surrounded by the team who were then surrounded by our loved ones.  Everyone in the room had their hands on another, sending out prayers for the team.  Some prayed for safety, some prayed for wisdom, others prayed for unity.  As a team, it was a power experience to share.

This was followed by individual prayer groups that consisted of 2 team members and 4-5 supporters.  It was an amazing feeling to have our friends and family pour out their love and support in prayer for our indvidual well being.  The last prayer was a group prayer for Guatemala and the people we will encounter.

Overall, the experience was touching and filled our hearts with the love of family and the love of God.  We cannot imagine a better way to start our last week of preparation.  God has big things in store for us, we can feel it.  We are all so excited for this time we have been given to do God's work. 

Meet Thomas Gibson

My name is Thomas Gibson, I’m 33 years old and I work in Human Resources for the State of Georgia. I’m originally from South Georgia but I transferred up here with my job about 6 years ago and I’ve been going to 12Stone Church for the last several years. I feel so fortunate to be involved in the Transitional Community at 12Stone, and to get to be a co-leader of one of the small groups. I know the difference that this community has made to me (by helping me get “plugged in” at 12Stone) and I want to help do the same for others who come to our church. Also, I’m very excited that I get to go on this trip with a group of people from this community and I love the team of people that God has assembled. My excitement for missions hasn’t always existed though…

I’ve grown up going to church my whole life but I never saw myself going on a mission trip. First of all, I’m probably the pickiest eater that you will ever meet in your life, so going to another country and not knowing how or what I will eat is a huge leap of faith for me. Also, in the past I’ve always let shyness (around people I don’t know) keep me from really putting myself out there. But God is definitely working to push me out of my comfort zones these days and I’m learning to trust in Him and He's proving that He will provide every thing and every skill I need.

I can honestly say that I’m really looking forward to this trip now and I’m very excited to see what God has in store for our team when we get down there. I’m excited to provide help to those in the communities where we will be working. And, I know that our goal is to help those we meet but I know that in return God is going to bless each of us and teach us things about ourselves that we’ve never known before. I personally can’t wait to find out what that might be.

Meet Amanda Lepper-Our Leader

My name is Amanda (one of 3 on the trip... we are going to have to come up with code names... I've got to think of a really cool one... and if not cool, then at least highly memorable and entertaining) and I'm 32 years old.  I teach 2nd grade and am loving my job right now as it is summer vacation.  I really do love my job the rest of the year, too.  I get to love on and build relationships with kids and pour out into them as they grow with me for almost a year.  A long time ago, years actually, God pressed into me a calling to "go" wherever He called.  I struggled to fully say "yes" to that, mostly out of fear of what exactly He would ask me to do.  I know that I have been given a gift in my job... not with inordinate amounts of money, but with chunks of time; time that I can go, teach, serve... or whatever He asks and wherever He leads.  I was extraordinarily blessed to be a part of a trip from 12Stone to Mozambique over our school's Spring Break and now get to be a part of this team to Guatemala.  I'm humbled and overjoyed by the doors God has opened when I finally said "Okay, Lord... I surrender.  Where and when?" 

I am looking forward to serving alongside these amazing people on our team.  I can't wait to get to know them more.  They have already brought tremendous joy and laughter into my life and I am looking forward to taking that joy with us and pouring it out to the people we will meet in Guatemala.  Our God had definitely given me a heart for children and I am looking forward to getting to just love them and play with them and tell them about a God who thinks they are amazing and wonderful and loves them abundantly.  I am looking forward to seeing the power of God at work.  Can't wait to see what He does; for the people we will meet, for us as a team, and for me.  Thank you in advance for your prayers.  Please pray for our safety, for things to run smoothly, for the people of Guatemala... that God is preparing our hearts, and for our team... that God will move mightily in each of our lives.  

Meet Angie Bogen

My name is Angie Bogen and I am 33 years young and live in Lawrenceville, GA with my 'child', Miller.  I grew up in Minnesota and chose to become a southern transplant about 11 years ago.  I love living in the south but unfortunately just can't shake that MN accent!  I am the Assistant Event Director for the reThink Group (aka Orange Conference) ~ which is a Christian non-profit that specializes in uniting the church and family thru resources that we produce.  I am blessed to work with an amazing group of people that show a creative passion for God's daily purpose. 

I am so excited to visit the people of Guatemala!  I cannot wait to love on all the babies & kiddos and open my heart to their needs.  I love to serve others and make people smile so I feel like I will be able to contribute a positive spirit to the team.  I would say I am a bubbly and outgoing person that tries to make the best out of every situation ~ good or bad.  So, I am hoping I can show the beautiful people of Guatemala how much they are loved by us and by God.  I also love to sing ~ usually alone in the shower or the car where I can belt it out!  I just hope it doesn't scare them away for joining us in worship :)

Please pray for our team during our journey.  Pray that God will open our hearts to whatever he has in store for us.  Pray that he will give us strength, comfort & encouragement in fulfilling His plan.  Pray that he will bring us safely back home with our hearts full of love, joy & peace. 

Meet Brandy Fields

A little bit about myself..  I am Brandy Fields.  I am 35 years old and live in Buford, Georgia.  I never thought I would be living back in the town I grew up.  However, God has a great sense of humor.  I recently moved back to the States after living abroad for the past six years.  God said it was time to go back and sit still for awhile (I'm not sure how well I am at this sitting thing).  So, here I am.  I've been teaching health/pe for the past 11 years.  I've traveled alot in the last six years.  The Lord blessed me with an amazing opportunity to see the world.  The one thing I absolutely love about traveling is to meet the locals and to experience the culture.  There is nothing like getting to know other people and seeing how the rest of the world lives.  No matter if your time in another country is short, you quickly get to see how you can form relationships.  Relationship is all what God wants us to have with Him. I'm looking forward to sharing that with the people of Guatemala. 

A big reason I want to go on this mission trip, I really enjoy serving others.  I've been trying to figure out how to serve others and serve them well..  I'm hoping that I will be able to do that on this trip, whether it is building a home, handing out shoes, or simply sharing my testimony about the Lord.  I can't wait.

A funny fact about myself..for those who know me absolutely know that I'm not shy at all.  However, when I was a child my mom entered me into a beauty pagent.  The only thing I had to do was to walk out on the stage and turn around.  BUT...I was so shy I couldn't do it.

Meet Sabrina Joseph

My name is Sabrina Joseph. Im 27 years old and live in Snellville, Ga where I have lived the majority of my life.  I love the water, playing guitar and spending time with close friends and family. I graduated in 2009 from Georgia State University with a Bachelors in Managerial Science. I wholeheartedly believed I would be going straight into the corporate world out of college, but God had other plans for me. I never believed I would be called into ministry, but here I am currently working at 12Stone Church. I work with the Redemptive Arts team to help program, produce and coordinate Sunday services and worship events. I LOVE MY JOB and find out more and more everyday that I am right where I am supposed to be! 

I desire to give all of myself to follow Jesus. To sacrifice the comfort and security of my life to serve and risk everything to know Him and love His people. That is why I decided to embark on the journey to Guatemala this summer. We will never embrace the full life He has for us if we aren't willing to step out in faith and trust His greater purposes and plan for our lives and the world.

I will bring energy, joy and a heart for prayer and worship to the team. Cant wait to build deeper community and invest myself in the lives of friends and strangers over the days there. Please pray for a supernatural peace, ability to live present in the moment, and courage to risk vulnerability and invest in the lives of others. I hope to leave having encountered Jesus and knowing Him in a deeper way.

Meet Jennifer Brown

My name is Jennifer Brown and I live in Gainesville, Ga where I was born and raised! I have a Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography from Georgia State University. Right now I feel a huge calling on my heart to “Go Love” on people. Already this year I have traveled to Haiti and now I get to love on the people in Guatemala. I’m excited to see all the amazing things that God has prepared for us on this trip. Besides bringing my rad sense of humor and punk rock attitude…I’m sure I’ll be capturing every moment of this trip with my mac-daddy camera! Did I mention I will be bringing sarcasm to our group, too?!

My prayer request is that God will keep our team safe and open our hearts and minds to the people of Guatemala so we’re able to do His work!

Meet Alonya Franklin

My name is Alonya Franklin and I live on Buford , GA.  I am the oldest of 3 girls (Jillianne 25, Ashley 22) and I am originally from Michigan . I attended Oakland University where I obtained my Bachelors in Pre-Law/Communication. I still plan on attending law school, hopefully one day soon! An interesting fact/prayer request for me is I have a HUGE fear of frogs (yes I said frogs), lizards, iguanas, etc! Pretty much anything that is a reptile or amphibian except for turtles, terrify me. It wasn’t until recently I realized that I may be within the vicinity of these creatures and it will be hilarious to all if I happen to see one…. so yeah, keep me in prayer!  

This year has really been a turning point of a lot of things God has promised me. Going to Guatemala is the next promise on my path. I’ve always have a love for Latin culture and the Spanish language. Years ago in college I had a vision of myself singing worship music in Spanish. I saw myself in the midst of people and being able to make a difference. I had no idea back then how God would bring my vision to pass because my home church in Michigan didn’t have any open mission opportunities. I just put it away as some far off dream. And here I am, living in Georgia by God’s direction, a member of 12Stone Church , and now about to embark upon what I hope to be my 1st of many mission trips.

I hope to bring an element of fun to the team and hopefully strengthen my Spanish speaking skills! I just thank God for putting me with such a great group of believers who I know will be a joy to serve with. I am truly overwhelmed to know that what seemed like such an impossible thing for me is really happening and believe there is an awesome blessing coming for the country of Guatemala . I just pray that God will use me despite my fears and insecurities to help others and touch lives while I am there.

Meet Amanda Kelley

I’m Amanda Kelley and I am 27 years old. I have been teaching 6 years. I currently teach kindergarten and love it. I am looking forward to a great summer this year-I spent last summer in grad school. I love to travel, but have never been on a mission trip. I have always wanted to go, but never have gone. I am so excited for a new experience and to challenge myself. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for our team and will teach us. I hope to learn a lot about myself and help others.

Fun Fact: I love hot chocolate anytime of the year!

Meet Jenny Long

My name is Jenny Long, I am 29 years old and I live in Lawrenceville.  I'm a registered veterinary technician and I work for a global animal pharmaceutical company.  A little known fact about me: I used to compete in beauty pageants.  Those of you who know me, know I'm not the girliest of girls, so for me to prance around in a big dress all done up.....it's a little weird.  I was even voted Miss Congeniality by my peers, such a proud moment (sniff sniff). 

For me, I never had to think twice about joining the Guatemala mission team.  I knew it was something I wanted to do and that I was going to do.  I am still amazed that God has chosen me to be a part of this team.  I hope I can make Him proud.  I am looking forward to loving on people, helping people, and growing in my own faith while on this trip. 

I'm so excited to be on this team and I cannot wait to find my place on in it.  I hope to bring encouragement, love, comfort and some humor to this trip.  We are so incredibly lucky and blessed to be traveling to Guatemala to do His work.  I just want to pinch myself sometimes, it doesn't seem real.  God is good.

Meet Mick Winzeler

My name is Mick Winzeler and I am a 30 year old high school math teacher.  I have a Bachelors in Finance from UGA and a Masters in Education from Mercer University.  I decided to go on a mission trip because I feel that God has blessed me with time this summer and I would like to use it for His glory, instead of hoarding it all for myself!  I am also a professional and natural bodybuilder.

On the Guatemala trip, I'm looking forward to sacrificing myself for the good of others.  I bascially just want to meet someone else's needs.  I hope I can do whatever it takes to help the team run smoothly and make the most of our time with needy people.  I hope to come back from this trip closer to God than when I left!  I pray that I can just rid myself of any selfish ambitions on the trip and totally surrender to will of God in helping the needy and my teammates!

Meet Charlie Moore

I am a 28 year old field tech that graduated from Young Harris College with an Associates Degree then I went on the University of Georgia and acquired my BS in Environmental Science. I now live in Buford, GA. I decided to go on this mission trip because I have been on mission trips in the past and had good experience with them. In some ways they are a revival for me. I feel renewed and it helps me to refocus on Christan living.

On this trip to Guatemala, I am most looking forward to being changed and stretched to minister to others in ways that I normally would not. I also want to provide comic relief to the rest of the team while on the trip.  Really, I just want to do my part.  I am not going to try to do too much or too little.  I hope we can all come togther to do the work God wants done.  Ultimately, I want to help bless the people of Guatemala and the team members on this trip.

Meet Amanda Rogers

My name is Amanda Rogers and I am 26 years old. I'm one of four children (the only girl!). Originally from Wisconsin, I moved to Georgia in July 2008 to teach 8th grade Algebra. This summer, I plan to do a whole bunch of firsts- 1st mission trip, 1st marathon, and 1st time skydiving! I'm one of the pickiest eaters around, so I'll probably have a few "first" foods in Guatemala, too.

Fun Fact: I used to be a competitive figure roller skater. No, not roller derby; I'm not that tough. Figure skating-- you know, jumps and spins, like Nancy Kerrigan but on wheels! I traveled all over the United States to compete. By the time I graduated high school, I had visited all 48 of the continental states!

I feel that God really led me to this mission trip. When I first had the opportunity to join the team, I chickened out - Guatemala is so far out of my comfort zone! After speaking with a couple of friends, I decided that it was something I really wanted to do. But wasn't it too late? Not if it's in God's will! I joined the Guatemala mission team the day before we bought the plane tickets! I love how God works in our lives, and I look forward to seeing what He has in store for us this summer!

Team: all parts working as one body

Las manos ayuda a Dios = God's helping hands.

Our second meeting was held on Sunday, May 1st.  Here are the highlights:

• We have 2 new team members!  Amanda Rogers and Brandy Fields have joined the team and we are all so excited!  That brings us to 14 members strong. 
• Following the last meeting we each took a spiritial gifts test, so we discussed the results.  It's amazing to see what a diversified group that God has assembled. 
• Our plane tickets were purchsed! It's official!!!
• We're planning a dinner in the near future so that we can all bond and get to know each other better.
• We will be updating the blog with individual team member bios in the next few weeks.
• We're all continuing our fundraising efforts so that we can all meet our final goal in the next month.
• Our next meeting will be on Sunday, May 22nd.

The excitement is building and it really is amazing to see the team start to discover all the talent and special gifts that He has given each member.  The gifts will most certainly be used on this trip for His purpose.

Matthew 9:37-38 NLT
37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

Romans 10:11-15 NLT
11 As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." 12 Jews and Gentile are the same in this respect.  They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.  13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?  And how can they believe in him if they have never heard of him?  And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone tell them without being sent?  That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

Romans 12:4-5 NLT
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 So it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Countdown: 46 days.

A Team is Formed

Can you feel the excitement?!  The transitional team from 12Stone that will be going to Guatemala June 18th - 25th met for the first time on March 20th.  We were able to meet each other and lay the foundation of our mission trip to Guatemala.  The team members are:

Amanda Lepper-our fearless leader

Angie Bogen
Jennifer Brown
Alonya Franklin
Thomas Gibson
Sabrina Joseph
Amanda Kelley
Jenny Long
Ashley McLean
Charlie Moore
Mick Winzeler
Matt Wojteczko

Some of us are old friends, some are meeting each other for the first time, but one thing is clear.....this is an amazing group that God assembled!  Right now we are focusing on our sponsorship letters, getting passports in order, assembling our individual prayer teams and determining what vaccinations we will all need before we travel.  Amanda Lepper will be serving on another missions team going to Mozambique the first week of April and Jen Brown will be on the medical team going to Haiti the same week.  Please keep them and their mission teams in your prayers.  God is amazing and He's got a lot in store for this group in the months to come.