Last week I had the privilege and honor to spend a week in Guatemala with a mission group from Aldersgate Church.  For years I have worked with the youth of the church-both as an assistant youth director and as the Sr. High Sunday School teacher-but this was the first time I was able to serve directly with the youth as they spread their message of joy and love throughout the world. People young and old from our community regularly bring resources, labor, and love to people in Guatemala, Cambodia, Belize, and other countries - as well as many locations within our own nation's borders.  The impact they make on the lives of those less fortunate is amazing, and I feel truly blessed to have been able to share in that mission.

Taking a week off from the campaign was difficult - as there is much to do and many people still to meet.  However, I believe that the work we did in Guatemala was so important, and the commitment to go so serious, that the week away was well worth it.  I return with a renewed commitment to help others, with increased energy to be a vehicle for good in our world, and a heightened understanding of what is truly important.  

We went to Guatemala to help the people there.  Immediately upon arrival I knew that their grace and love of life - so evident in them even as they suffer abject poverty - would help us more than anything we can ever do for them.  We built stoves for their homes - they gave us peace and grace.  

It is great to be back, and I look forward to seeing you all out on the trail.  Let us all remember why we do this - to serve our fellow man.

Check out pictures of my trip on Facebook and in our media center.
... 08/02/09