I hope you are well!
I am currently leaving Guatemala, boarding a bus for our next county, Honduras! As I reflect on the work we did here in Guatemala, I feel a great appreciation for getting to work alongside such incredible people.
Each day of the week we were serving the community in different ways. We were partnered with local groups who asked us to help them in spreading Jesus’ love in their community through evangelism and discipleship. Specifically, we were working on a farm that supports the local community through christian outreach programs, helping with a weekly worship event that brings many believers together and provides a space for people to find a community, visiting homes of families connected to the church to support and disciple people in any struggles they are facing, and working with kids programs to help them grow in faith and step into a better life than the one their surroundings offer them.
Our host was very grateful for us being there and said he is eager to welcome more missionaries because of the incredible impact we made on his community. I got the chance to ask him where he believed we made the biggest impact. His answer was almost immediate, “in the kids.”
Children have such a different perspective on the world than adults do. In someways they can be very unrealistic but in other ways they can teach us so much about wisdom and what is most important in life.
A child’s mind is free, pure, open to new things, forgiving, loving, not judge-mental, not peer-pressured, joyful, filled with wonder, etc. These are qualities of the mind we typically grow out of but in the gospel of Luke we are encouraged to pursue this childlike mentality with our faith.
Luke 18:17 – Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Kids here, and in many third world countries, have a challenging childhood. At least compared to my life, they are not given much time or freedom to be a kid, to play, or to be innocent. They are forced to take on physically and emotionally demanding responsibilities, sometimes as soon as they can walk. When we engaged with the kids and when they came to the programs they received a few moments of what life as a kid is always supposed to be like.
Our greatest success was bringing the kingdom of God to these kids and letting them experience its promises. It worked because they still held on to a childlike mentality. They were able to understand and experience the promises in a life with Jesus and each day they gained more hope and vision for a better future for themselves. We showed them that they are not confined to their past and that they are loved by God and His followers even if they not loved by their family.
In previous years I have found myself trapped in the flow of life and in repetitive ways of thinking (I know I haven’t been the only one). People who pursue Jesus will every so often be placed in our lives to show us how great life can actually be and to give us hope for a better future (I think of my friend Hank). They are our guiding lights to show us the power, love, and joy that comes from a deep relationship with the Lord. They are missionaries to us as my team was to these kids. If we can allow ourselves to have a childlike mentality, we similarly could break into a new life filled with much more love and joy. We must believe these promises were actually made for all of us, not just a select few.
Although I am excited for this upcoming month, it is very sad to leave our Guatemalan friends. We are grateful for the growth in Guatemala that will happen in our wake. In Honduras we will be helping plant a church in a very remote community. I expect to be off the grid for the next month but I will try to post an update on that work when possible.
Prayers until next time,
Jack
Dear Jack, I can feel the joy you are experiencing. God Bless you and your teammates. You are making a difference! Marina
I’m so proud of you and the work you are doing and the impacts you are making. Children are beautiful and the world’s hope for the future and your sharing God’s love is making that future brighter ????????
Dear Jack,
Thank you for your update! The impact you have made on those you have met in Guatemala, especially the little children, will last a lifetime!
I thought you would like to see a few of the prayerful comments sent after your last letter:
From Chris France:
“? Thank you so much for the update of Jack’s journey! May the Lord grant him guidance and strength along the way. No matter what path the Lord takes you on just remember he is always with you!
Matthew 28:20”
From Nancy Hood:
“? Prayers for Jack.
What a wonderful, Christian young man.”
From ?Mary Claire Goff:
“ Thanks so much for sharing. Jack is an awesome person and Father White’s face always lights up when he talks about Jack. I will add him on my prayer list and I am excited to subscribe to the blog to see how he is doing.”
From Roni Schultz:
“ Wow. I will pray for him.”
From Terri Prokopik:
“ He is such a wonderful person. I am supporting him. ??”
Your Nativity EM family is so proud of you and we are so excited to hear all about where Christ is leading you next! You are in our prayers. Stay safe and God bless you!
Aloha Jackson,
With God’s work and the work you do grant you blessings of love n light.
Serving above self to communities in need are vital part of your growth.
As you leave Guatemala and travel to Honduras may the light of love, peace,balance,wisdom, understanding and abundance follow you as a blessing of our divine creator.
I’m honored to be on your table as you take your journey to communities in need.
Mahalo for sharing,
Kumu Brad Lum
Great up date Jack! So happy you are doing what you love and your are spreading both your love and gods love. So happy you are out there making a difference every day. Love you! SO proud! Be safe! Dad
Dear Jack,
What an amazing journey! I know GOD is looking upon you and your team members! He will protect all of you wherever you guys go ???? You are making a difference on each of the communities you help.The following phrase says it all “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate …” and you my friend are all of that and more. I will continue praying for you and the amazing work you are doing. Be safe.
Jack,
What a wonderful reflection on your time in Guatemala. We so quickly forget that childlike mindset that keeps our hearts innocent and open to God’s still small voice. It’s wonderful to hear of your experiences and it brings us great joy to hear through your words, all the ways God is at work through you. You are in our prayers and we are sending you light and love for your continued journey. With each new location, comes new lessons and new ways God will shine. We can’t wait to hear more!! Love Flo and Carol
Hello, Jackson, thank you for your thoughtful commentary of your most recent experience. Indeed, hearing the Gospel for the very first time or for thousandth time must be with a childlike joy so that wherever God plants us, we can be that light for those still in darkness. Thank you for”inviting” us your journey. Stay safe and stay well! – The Johanssons