On Day Four our team started the morning with a school tour led by the Director Kirk Lightfield. The seminary is situated on a lot that is 2 city blocks long. GBS offers degrees in music, missions, and biblical training. The GBS has over 200 students enrolled at the seminary. The seminary is a ministry of CAM International, an organization that began in early 1900's. For information about the seminary go to http://www.lightfieldsinguatemala.web.com/
The photos located on the wall are of students who have graduated and now serving all over the world. Advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the primary focus of this seminary. Pastor Gabriel of Santa Maria de Jesus and Luis, Giovanni, and Antonio of Iglesia del Camino are currently attending GBS. Kirk, the director, shared with our team the cost of tuition at GBS is $125 per month which includes room and board. At this time there are potential students seeking support for tuition. The potential students are required to raise a minimum of 20% of their tuition before sponsorship.
The construction project seen above began on Monday by a team from a church out of Virginia. Our team took part in digging the footings for the new housing project. This project will be completed as funds and laborers become available. This facility will house current faculty with families. Upon completion, housing now occupied by faculty members will be converted into student housing.
After working several hours at the seminary, Bob took us to a local retreat center in Chimaltenango. The retreat center was founded by Charlie and Pat Reynolds from Snyder, Texas. This center will host up to 25 short-term missionaries. The Reynolds also operate an elementary school in the city of Chimaltenango.To learn more about the Reynolds and their ministry go to http://www.hisappointedtime.com/
This is an ultra violet water purification system at the retreat center. The first year of Bob and Georgette's ministry was spent working at this retreat center.
Our last stop of the day was at Joy-Filled Homes in Chimaltenango. This facility was founded by Maureen Casey. Currently, the facility houses 11 special needs children with various disabilities. The vision for this ministry is to house up to 100 children. Maureen is seeking support from the USA in the form of financial contributions and teams willing to provide labor.
During our visit we were able to participate in a birthday for Helen, one of the children.
In the picture above, the team members are speaking with Brad Lucht. Brad is the student pastor at Greentree Community Church in St. Louis, MO. Brad has been bringing groups to Joy-Filled Homes the past 3 years. On this trip Brad brought 12 high school students for the week. During their stay, they helped feed, play and clothe the children. The group also performed light maintenance. Maureen's desire is to have adult groups able to perform larger construction projects.
Our group took a tour of the facility before departing. This is an example of one project that will require more specialized skills. This particular photo is of the future educational space for Joy-Filled Homes.
Thank you for keeping up with our daily work. Please post comments.
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