The Bible Gives Light-READ IT!

In July our family(minus Kiria) had the opportunity to serve in Guatemala with Grace Ministries. http://www.friendshipfamily.net My most significant experience on that trip, however, didn't include any Guatemalans. Ryan and I, along with our two sons climbed Volcano Pacaya. I didn't think it was a good day to do it(it was pouring rain!), but left the decision to Ryan. We loaded into a van along with the other "tourists". I was in the front center seat between the driver and the guide while Ryan and the boys were somewhere in the back. See, I get a bit of motion sickness, so I sat in the front hoping to feel well enough to enjoy the climb after 2 hours on curvy, bumpy mountainous roads. We stopped and picked up additional "tourists" two or three times and by the last stop we were PACKED in. It was then that the guide got out to let the boarding gentleman sit in front next to me while his wife squeezed in back. This was going to be quite a ride so I started chatting with the man right away. He was a retired school teacher on a two week vacation with his wife from Israel. "Wow, Israel," I said. "I've never met anyone from there." He had a thick Hebrew accent. I excitedly asked questions about what life was like there. He told me of the constant fightng all around them and how they are all required to join the army for a year at 18, even women. I asked if he was a Christian. "No," he said with a chuckle, "I am Jewish. 80 percent of Israel is Jewish". Okay. I know very little about what it means to be Jewish so I wanted to know all about it. I discovered that the Jewish bible consists of only the first 5 books of the old testament(although, this may not be true since he was recalling this from his childhood memories). He didn't really know what he believed either. He told me of the "religious" people throughout Israel. He was referring to their customs and traditions of prayer rituals, dress, rules to be followed and such. He asked if I was "relisous". I said "not in the way you're describing it". I told him Jesus himself hated the Pharisees and Sadduces of His day because of that very thing. They turned people away from Christ by putting greater emphasis on their man-made customs than the actual God breathed Word. This man was turned off by the "religous" people around him. "So what happens to you when you die?", I wondered. He believes death is the end, his body will decay and that's it. I thought, "wow, what is your purpose here right now? You must be livin' it up, getting all you can from this life." I didn't say that though, as he seemed very interested in hearing my take on Jesus' life. I excitedly told him, "you are God's chosen people and there is even going to be a New Jeruselem in Heaven." Surprised, but hopeful, he said, "really?" "Yes, get a Bible and read it for yourself," I encouraged. Pray for Gideon to see the light:)!!
"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding" Psalm 119:130

"Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name, welcomes Me." Matthew 18:5

We are so excited to introduce two families whom God has called to serve the orphan in different ways. Bryan and Anita Geurink have accepted His call to serve at 'Beautiful Gate', an orphanage in Lesotho, South Africa. They have committed to 5 years there starting as soon as they can raise $175,000 of the $250,000 they need to support their family of 5 for 5 years. To find out more about the Geurink's go to: http://ourbeautifulmission.blogspot.com/
Ryan and Stacy VanderZwaag are in the process of adopting their daughter from Colombia. God has blessed them with the ability to care for their 5 children and have room for one more! Financing an adoption is a huge obstacle for many wonderful families and it is the hope of MISSION 1:27 to help them as much as we can with this burden. To read the VanderZwaag's story go to: http://vanderzwaagfamily.blogspot.com/