“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”   1 John 3:18

It’s hard to believe nine months have passed since I was in Guatemala serving at Eagle’s Nest.  Since returning my daily prayer has been to serve at Eagle's Nest (EN) annually. After much prayer and reflection I have booked airline tickets and will be returning to EN to serve from January 13^th through February 10^th of 2013.  To say I am excited to hug and love on the kids would be an understatement. 

I never understood when someone said they felt “called” to do something – until my first trip to EN in 2007.  Webster’s definition of “calling” is:  “a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, profession, or trade.”  The inner urge I feel to serve is simply too strong to be ignored, PERIOD. The bottom line is, if I could work out the details of financing this trip I wouldn’t need to trust in God to make it happen;  I am depending on God 100% for not only financial support, but for health, safety, and strength on this trip. 

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:6-7

People often ask why I am serving in another country when so many children are in need in the U.S.  The fact is - we do have starving, neglected, hurting children in the U.S. that desperately need assistance. It’s hard to imagine they aren’t taken care of with the abundance of wealth and resources here in the U.S.  Actually, it’s harder to imagine children going without basic needs here than it is in Guatemala.  Poverty in Guatemala surrounds you.  You don’t have to drive across town to find it.  It is a way of life.  Families live in mud huts, many children start work at extremely young ages, and many never have the chance to go to school.  There is no welfare system, food pantries, Coats for Kids, Bikes for Kids, Side by Side after school programs, and the list goes on.  David Platt quotes in his book “Radical” that God’s heart is for the World - the United States represents 5% of the entire global population.

“The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.” Math 9:37

I have shared in the past that I would never have served as a “missionary” if I waited until I felt qualified or perfect enough.  That will never happen. I recall a quote that says, “He doesn't  just call the ones who are qualified, but He qualifies the ones He calls.” My prayer is to try and follow the path he wants me on. It is my long term vision that God opens doors so that I can work for a non profit or business that serves not only in the U.S. but in Guatemala, Haiti, Africa, and India. 

I am writing to ask for prayers as I prepare to serve in Guatemala.  Prayers that my actions, thoughts, and words convey God’s love to every person I meet.  Asking for financial support continues to be the most difficult part of following this calling.  I ask that you prayerfully consider if my mission work is something you would like to support.  It will be an investment in the lives of the Children at Eagle's Nest; I consider it an honor and privilege to be able to represent you. 

A tax deductible check can be made out to Austin Christian Fellowship with Guatemala in the memo line or you can make the check out to me personally.  Either way please mail the check to my address: 1300 West Lakeland Drive, Austin, Texas, 78732.  As always, the funds raised will only be used for my trip to Guatemala. Any excess funds raised will be used for projects and supplies needed at the Children’s Home while I am serving.

More information on Eagle’s Nest is available at
 www.eaglesnestint.org.

My blog from my 2012 trip can be found at
 www.d-guatemalajourney.blogspot.com

I will be posting updates during my trip again this year at this same address.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Denise

“God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.  He calls us to trust him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if he doesn’t come through.”  (“Radical” by David Platt)