El Guero

A visit to Colegio Evangelico Bilingue La Esperanza.

elguero — Sat, 09 May 2009 04:15:22 +0000

This morning I visited the Emanuel Bible Institute here in Jalapa and had the privilege of being in the morning chapel service under the leadership of Bro. Freddy Orozco and the teaching of Bro. Lee Rickenbach. The Lord’s presence was with us in a special way. I also had the opportunity to spend the rest of the morning in the Bilingual school that was recently started here in Jalapa. Due to different circumstances, there was only one class today led by Sis. Maria Hunsaker and Sis. Betty Galvez. The children were rather delighted when I talked their teacher into playing dodge-ball with them during their recess. Although two adults kind of ruled the court amongst fourteen students, ranging from seven to eleven years of age, much fun was had by all (even a little perspiration for the two “gringos”). I was very impressed to see the work and to see how God is helping. There has been a lot of progress made since the last time I was here.

The Upper-level learning center!

Some of their creative playdough creations

Safe in Jalapa, Guatemala, C.A.

elguero — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:31:37 +0000

I want to thank God for His traveling mercies on me over the past couple of days. As some of you know, I made a last minute trip to Guatemala. I left Shelbyville a little before 4:00 AM Thursday morning. After being re-routed due to inclement weather, I arrived in Guatemala around 1:00 PM. After haggling with the airport taxi personnel, I managed to get a less expensive ride to the bus terminal for Jalapa. Thankfully, I made it to the bus station within ten minutes of the bus departure. I believe that God worked this out because if I would have arrived any later I would’ve had to wait a great amount of time for the next bus. Due to situations beyond my control, the bus did not drop me off at the usual stop, leaving me to find my way through the town on unfamiliar streets (with all of my luggage). My fellow bus riders advised me that a tuk-tuk would be happy to take me to my desired destination, but me and my usual state of “codo-ness” (tight wad-ness) I chose to walk. About half way there I realized that I really did need a tuk-tuk, but I thought to myself “I’m halfway there” so I plugged on until I reached the abode of Lee and Shari Rickenbach and their boarders. I was greeted with warm “saludos.” I quickly realized that my arrival had not been a secret. After a few tears (hah!) I realized the reasoning for the cat escaping from the bag. (Only the lucky ones will find out the reason)

Updates to come soon

elguero — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:35:15 +0000

Friends and family, My intention over the next few weeks is to update my blog more frequently. I’ll will have a change in pace of my daily activities and therefore hope to write more on this dormant blog.

Canada Trip

elguero — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:56:24 +0000

This email was sent out by our dear youngest brother regarding our trip to Canada…

Stephen, Jessica, & Issac, we wish it were 10 instead of only 7. We miss you! – El Guero

Dearest family,

I am sending out this memo on behalf of the family.

As many of you may know we are leaving Thursday Apr 2 on a tour of Northern MI and the commonwealth of Canada.

This is just a reminder reminding you that we will be gone for only 3 nights. We have contacted the family up there

and they confirmed that yes, they still have the kitchen sink and all washroom fixtures and Jacuzzi so it WILL NOT be necessary to bring any of those items.

Please keep in mind that there will be 7 people traveling in a 7 passenger van so for the comfort of all involved we ask you to please limit yourselves to:

1 checked bag and 1 carry on which will be held on your lap at all times.

Once again thanx for your consideration,

B. Doug Smith

Comfort Specialist

P.S. This is just a reminder reminding you that we will be gone for only 3 nights.

P.S.S. We must not leave any later than 10:45 AM American time!

Two new additions to the Smith Family…

elguero — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:23:50 +0000

It has been five busy months since my last post L and many things have taken place. But the most important to our family are the two newest members that have recently receive the Smith name. (We are still “searching” for three more…as we wait for additional members to “arrive”.)

Isaac Stephen Smith joined us at the end of June

and Laura Beth Smith on the 5^th of this month.

I want to congratulate both of my brothers on these very special milestones in their lives, as well as welcome “Lulu” (as Nathan affectionately calls her) to our family. I am proud of you guys!

Living for the Eternal

elguero — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:39:35 +0000

12-7-07

Living for the Eternal

Mother’s Day has always been a very special holiday to me. Since we are drawing near to this special occasion, I would like to share with you a little about one who has shaped my life in many different ways. This person is my mother.

My mom taught me a lot of wonderful qualities. One of those qualities is something called “stick-to-it-ivity.” She always taught us that whatever we started we had to finish. When things got hard, she taught us to never give up. A classic example of this was when my mom discovered she had cancer on her foot, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation. Unlike many others who face devastating circumstances, she showed those around her the peace that Jesus can give. With a positive attitude, she determined not to be stopped by this set back. Today most people have no idea that she has a prosthesis.

Another quality that my mom values is hospitality. She likes to use this phrase: “Open heart, open home.” Even though many times she was not expecting company, she would still welcome them with open arms. This policy was demonstrated with a decoration of open wooden hearts outside our house. She has been a mom to many that were separated from their own. Mom has taken many meals to those who are unable to cook or for those who are less fortunate. This Thanksgiving, she fixed up plates and sent them to elderly ladies in our church.

My mom also values holiness and purity. She likes to sing the song: “Keep me pure, keep me clean, so that You may be seen.” This was so important to my mom that she took the time to home school all five of us children. She taught us that our choice of friends was very important and that we would be like those with whom we spent time.

My mom has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. Not only has she been faithful to care for people’s physical ailments, but she also very tenderly deals with everyone she meets about their never-dying souls. Mom frequently reminds us of the song that says, “Without Jesus you won’t make heaven.”

The most important thing my mom taught us is to live with “eternity’s values in view.” Because this was her passion, we grew up always giving ourselves to the ministry. When Christmas time comes, she never wants anything for herself. Her thoughts are always of others. She taught me this, even though I did not always appreciate it at the time. For instance, she would ask me, “Do you really need to buy yourself more clothes?” Mom never bought expensive home décor because she always said that this world was not her home and that she was just passing through.

Mom always would give if there was a need, even if the funds were low. “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” This saying was Mom’s heart throb. Mom never wanted us to just get high paying jobs and make a lot of money. She always desired that we would be in the center of God’s will; even if that meant being far away from her someday. Often she would say, “I don’t want you just to be good kids, I want you to be godly kids.”

I have watched my mom in her role as pastor’s wife and have seen many disappointments come, but she was always reminding us to allow the trials to make us better people and not bitter. Many times she would gather us around to have prayer to keep us focused on the fact that we are fighting against the devil and not people.

I am very grateful that God has given me such a godly mother. The precious things that she gave me have shaped and formed my character and my outlook on life. I am grateful for that. I want to be faithful to pass on the wonderful heritage that God has allowed me to have with those who come behind me.

Mamá, Thanks for everything you taught us!

The Light That Never Fails

elguero — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:36:13 +0000

April 22, 2008

Oswald Chambers

We all, with unveiled face, beholding . . . the glory of the Lord . . . —2 Corinthians 3:18

A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, “. . . no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . . But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . .” (2 Timothy 4:16-17 ). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When “important” individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.

Allow nothing to keep you from looking with strong determination into the face of God regarding yourself and your doctrine. And every time you preach make sure you look God in the face about the message first, then the glory will remain through all of it. A Christian servant is one who perpetually looks into the face of God and then goes forth to talk to others. The ministry of Christ is characterized by an abiding glory of which the servant is totally unaware— “. . . Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him” ( Exodus 34:29 ).

We are never called on to display our doubts openly or to express the hidden joys and delights of our life with God. The secret of the servant’s life is that he stays in tune with God all the time.

May 17th

elguero — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:16:54 +0000

The above date is starting to sound better to me each day! As much as I would like to start publishing more updates, my current status here at GBSC is hindering me greatly. Being the great planner that I am, I have been covered up with independent studies, papers, and many other little things that have crept up on me. (somehow they just now appeared on my syllabus?) But the good news is…May the 17th is coming!

Unlocked!

elguero — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:56 +0000

El Guero is now back after 4 months of being “locked out.” WordPress just let me back in, so hopefully I can update a little more often

Christmas Suprise in Shelby

elguero — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:32:12 +0000