Elizabeth, a youth came from her home church, Covenant Community Ministries in Fort Myers, Florida to work with GMO from July until December. On her first visit two years ago, she fell in love with Panamaquin, Guatemala and has made several trips back since then. Her main focus while here is working in the school, having a small group ministry, and meeting one on one with the young girls.
Elizabeth shared,
"I truly enjoy children, so working in the school has been wonderful! Watching their faces light up when they finally understand something new is an awesome experience! Children are children everywhere in the world. They all love to be played with and hugged. I’m glad that I can help them feel loved and special."
The small group has nine girls (13-19). They joke, have a small snack, and study the Bible. Everyone shares their opinions and thoughts. After the Bible study, they play football (soccer), a board game, or walk the mountain. Once a week 3 of the 9 girls spend time getting to know each other on a personal level. Elizabeth says, "It has been a little difficult. It is hard enough getting your point across in English, but in Spanish it is even more difficult."
Elizabeth has been
invited by the youth to be part of the praise and worship team. This has given her the opportunity to use her beautiful voice. In this male dominant country, women tend to be more timid. Elizabeth has shown the young girls by example that they can participate on the worship team and use their God given gifts. Now, other young ladies feel free to participate in worship not only during service, but also in their private worship time. Panimaquin’s praise and worship has moved Elizabeth to a much higher level of worship. She is now experiencing God in a brand new way!
Guatemalan Mission
Outreach -- GMO
P.O. Box 542 Indian Rocks
Beach, FL 33785 USA
This page revised:09/21/2006