These past two months just passed by so quick, it feels like I blinked and we're in October already.
God has been good to me and He's showed His mercy and love every single day.
In these past few months tons of things have happened. In June I went to Nicaragua with my very dear friends from MO to, once again, share the Pure Joy experience (https://www.facebook.com/purejoyonline) and it was an unforgettable trip. Even the week before the trip God prepared us with words of encouragement and guidance for us to know what was coming. I wish I could tell you every detail, but it will take me days. Just know that God worked wonders and miracles, and lots of pastor wives and women in leadership were released from big burdens and now walk in freedom. I love my PJ friends and we're getting ready for our next trip in the next 3 or 4 months. (Praise God!!!)
We (At Risk No More) also had the honor and blessing to have Darla france from Lifetouch Ministries (http://www.lifetouchmin.org) teaching us ways to go back to the Joy when the pain is to deep. Focus on our work with the street youth. It was a blessing for our staff and our network, and I can't wait to see her next January and see what God has in store for us. With Darla and her team, we also had the opportunity to go to a women's prison to share Darla's powerful story and to pray for them. It was a first for me, and definitely not a last. We are already planning to do a day of workshop with them so we can help them to deal with the pain an be closer to God.
I'm joyfully finding out some abilities I didn't know I have. I'm thankful to God to be able to use these gifts for His kingdom. One of those abilities is to create things with my hands, I've been recycling different materials and also buying some materials to create jewelry and accessories. And this month I'm going to be teaching this to some of the street girls I work with so they can learn how to do it and sell what they do. This is part of a Vocational Training Program I'll be part of, and that makes me so happy!
We (At Risk No More) are also developing a micro finance program so they can learn to manage this as a business. Part of our plan is to teach them to create high quality pieces, and then buy them from them so we can later on place them to be sold at some stores here in Guatemala and also for them to be shown to the missionary teams that come and work with us.
A couple of months ago I was invited by MOJOCA (street youth movement, a non religious organization that helps and equips street youth and former street youth) to teach Sunday School. This is so big! Specially because they are a non-religious organization. I feel honored and blessed cause they asked me to do it. They told me they wanted me to help them with that because of qualities and things they've observed in my life. All I have to say is that they saw Christ in me, cause without Him, there's just my humanity, and that's not something I wanna share.
I started teaching Sunday School in September and it's been a HUGE blessing. They have 4 classes, babies: 0-3 years old, little kids: 4-5 years old, kids: 6-8 years old, pre-teens: 9-13 years old. Each class with an average of 15 kids.
It's been an amazing blessing to share bible stories, play games, and listen to their thoughts and experiences. Even the younger ones amazed me with how they analyze things in such a mature way. Definitely their life has been harder, but I know God's letting me plant the seed, and they will eventually have a personal relationship with Him. So far they remember and understand that He's with them always, and that He loves them.
Another new thing is that now, At Risk No More (the ministry I volunteer at), has merge with AMG (advancing the ministries of the gospel https://www.amginternational.org) and that has brought lots of changes, good ones, and we are excited to see what God has in store for us as a ministry and also as individuals.
There are tons of things that I could write you about, but for now know that I'm thankful for God's goodness and love, and that I'm able to serve Him by taking care and loving the street youth here in Guatemala City. I still ask you for your prayers and your financial support. And would also love for you to share this blog post to others that might be interested in partnering with me, or to know more about what we're doing to reach the street youth.
Talk to you soon!!!
Blessings!
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| The Pure Joy Nicaragua Team :) |
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| Part of our staff and people from our network together with the Lifetouch Ministries team at the end of the workshop. |
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| Those are my hands, I'm sewing a scarf made of an old t-shirt. One of the things I'll be teaching the girls to do. |
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| Teaching Sunday School to the kids in MOJOCA. One of my favorite things to do now! |
For more information about this ministry, for prayer requests or, if you are interested to receive a ministry report, please contact me to juliaarreaga@gmail.com
