Proverbs 16:9

"We plan the way we want to live but only God makes us able to live it." 

The Message

Worship is, at its core, honoring God.

Thus,

When you serve someone in need, you are worshipping.

When you talk to God, you are worshipping.

When you intentionally guard your heart and your eyes from evil, you are worshipping.

When you avoid gossip, you are worshipping.  

When you lovingly correct your children, you are worshipping.

When you conduct your business ethically, you are worshipping.

When you mourn and cry out to God, you are worshipping.

When you love others, you are worshipping.

But, in all these and many other possible examples, the worship isn't just the act, but an intentional committing of your thoughts and deeds to honoring God. Basically, whenever we live our lives -every moment, thought and deed - as an act of worship dedicated solely to God, we are living our best life. 

(Ryan owns a private practice specializing in endodontics (root canal dentist) in St. Joseph, Missouri. He has been married to his wife, Jeanne, for sixteen years and has six wonderful children. Besides private practice Ryan is also a member of his church's worship team, on the Board of Directors for the local Pregnancy Resource Clinic, and a volunteer for many local ministries). 

As a Christian, there is nothing more exciting than being a part of sharing the gospel and helping to fulfill The Great Commission. This is certainly something we encourage our family to do throughout our daily lives here in America, but there it is truly special to serve outside your comfort zone, and away from home with your children by your side.  It is an amazing experience!

This December, my family journeyed to Santa Cruz Del Quiche, Guatemala. It was a mission trip that changed lives, allowed our hearts to be molded, and opened our eyes. We knew we were intentionally going to bless others, but we weren't prepared for all the blessings God would pour back on us through the love of the Guatemalan people.

This year I took my three oldest children, Faith (13), Grace (10), and Lilly (8), and as an added blessing, my Mom was able to go with us. The mission team consisted of 12 adults and 14 children. 

When we arrived in Guatemala, we met up with about ten of our Guatemalan friends who helped us with transportation and translation. The 8 day trip consisted of helping facilitate a youth camp for local teens, delivering a vacation Bible school alongside a partnering local church, evangelism, and celebrating Christmas with the orphans at Casa De Mi Padre.

The first day we met at 2:45 am and got to Guatemala City at 12:00 pm. After a six hour bus ride we finally made it to our destination in Santa Cruz.  Even though everyone could have easily gone to sleep, we wanted to stop at the orphanage and see the children there.

Casa De Mi Padre is an orphanage run by our friend from Saint Joseph, Missouri, Shane Sanderson. Shane has 23 of the most precious little children I have ever seen in his orphanage. When we arrived, the Guatemalan children were dressed in their finest, standing in front of the orphanage to greet us as they sang, "Big House" in English.

When they finished, they made a mad dash for us and showered us with warm hugs. After a few hugs I had to step back and take in the moment. I could see the amazement on my children's faces. I could tell that they were surprised that the orphans were so loving, and I could see their initial worries about not being able to communicate with the children, now melting away. It was beautiful!

For the next three days our team split up to run the camp and VBS. Half of us slept at the camp and the other half in town. During the day the VBS team would work at the local church and then head out to the camp at 5:00. My family was on the VBS team. We had the amazing opportunity to share the gospel using the wordless book and the evangecube.

Some of our favorite times were craft times, drama times, and the long walks back and forth from the church to the local school holding hands and just enjoying each other's company. These young children who are filled with love, have a strong desire to learn about Christ and God's purpose for their lives.  

The camp workers were very busy serving the youth meals, delivering Bible quizzing and small group devotions, along with an activity time. In the evenings we would all come together for supper and a worship service (in Spanish but translated for us into English.)

Our final night of the camp was moving, with many of the Guatemalan children responding to Christ, during the altar call, and everyone encircling them and praying for them. With tears in our eyes and praises on our lips, I looked around the room in amazement to see what God would let a small group of believers become a part of, while so far from home.

Christmas at the orphanage was Thursday night. We spent all day playing with the orphans, and while they left to play soccer, we worked at unloading the gifts we brought from the US. These are not just gifts we purchased, but we were transporting gifts from many different supporters of Casa De Mi Padre (you can google Child Rescue)! We had the awesome blessing of delivering the gifts to the children and celebrating Christmas with them.

I wish I could share everything I saw God doing in Santa Cruz. I witnessed my 8 year old daughter Lilly, boldly share the gospel in a crowded market using a translator while 15 people listened as hundreds of people passed her by.

Children and adults accepted Christ as the Gospel was shared. Friendships were made that were eternal and will never be forgotten. God is moving in the hearts of people all across the world right now. I am just so grateful that He allowed us to be a part of His work in Guatemala.

I hope you find your Guatemala in 2014.

God Bless,

Ryan