One week ago, I was at home praying for people in Guatemala and for the mission team who would visit them. I had no idea God would also send me on this trip! Intercessors don't always get to see the people they're praying for in person, or walk the streets with their shoes touching the soil. It's an amazing privilege.
But the prayers are just as powerful either way. For those who have been praying for these precious Guatemalan people and this mission team from home, thank you so much. Your prayers are so powerful. Your prayers invite God to do ALL He desires to do here. I hope to give you a glimpse of how God is working through your prayers.
On Monday in a village we visited, I joined with the local pastor and prayer team. We set up stations for people to visit - medical, food and clothing, playing and making crafts with the children, and prayer. People came for prayer as individuals or as families, and were asked if they know the Lord, if they attend church, what medical problems they are having, and what prayer needs they would like to bring to God.
Most of the people said they attend church. For those who didn't, the pastor explained how vital it is for them to be in Christian community; how Jesus uses the church family as a lifeline for each person, so they can stand together through the trials they face, and help and encourage each other. Life can be isolating anywhere, but especially so when a person is struggling just to get through the day, and to meet so many needs.
For three young people who visited that day, Jesus had been working in their hearts, so they were ready to invite Him into their hearts as Savior and Lord.
A lady came in carrying a 14-day-old baby. I learned that a year ago, she had come asking for prayer, because she was unable to have a child. What an answer to prayer was that precious baby, and what a blessing to pray over that child.
We prayed with folks for healing. One girl had been badly burned. Many struggled with stomach pains. One boy had an eye infection and another had swelling on his face. Another boy suffered with a bad fever. Many woman had back pain, from all the burdens they carry - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Children were glassy eyed and undernourished, but their eyes sparkled when they smiled, and I could see Jesus smiling back at them and loving them. The pastor modeled Jesus in the way he lifted the children in his arms and blessed them.
For many hours we prayed in a hot, dusty room. The pastor was so surrendered to the Lord, and so filled with the joy of the Lord, that I noticed his spirit and his joy never faded, no matter how hot and tired we had become physically. It was an amazing reminder that Jesus never tires, and is always fully present with us. In every minute of every day, Jesus gives us His whole self, holding nothing back, and filled to overflowing with joy and love for us. I got to see this in the flesh, and so did the people who came for prayer. Those who came toward the very end received the same exuberant and unfailing love from Jesus as those who arrived earlier in the day.
It was also beautiful to pray in an environment where I do not speak the language. I know just enough Spanish that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I did understand some things that were said by the people in their requests for prayer. But what a blessing to pray and just allow the Lord to lead. While I try always to let Him lead me in prayer, words can be a temptation to think instead of surrender. There is something powerful with having words removed. It opens your heart to truly watch and see what Jesus is already doing and desires to do.
I saw how much Jesus is working in each heart, in each family. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit through the entire day. I could discern the generational healing Jesus was bringing to several families, and the way He trampled the enemy to bring peace.
The Lord had me pray His heart for the children, that they would see how He smiles at them, that they would know He will never leave them, and that He will guide every step they take for their entire lives - that they would know the relationship they have with Him is forever.
I could see Jesus' healing power, and that He is so much greater than the circumstances. And I could see the deep faith He has nurtured in these people. Their own prayers reflected a deep relationship with Him, that they know He is their everything, and they have such an awareness of how much they need Him every day.
We all need Jesus this desperately, and we all need such a deep awareness of how much we need Him, that we draw every breath from Him.
As you pray for the people in Guatemala, my prayer for you is that the Lord will touch your heart deeply, to reveal how He is working in their lives and in yours; to increase your awareness of His constant presence with you and your absolute need of Him; to show you the unimaginable and unshakable depths of His love for you; to grow you in faith that He is the God of the impossible; and to bless you beyond measure.
Thank you for praying for the people of Guatemala. God bless you!
Much love,
Janet Eriksson
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