Celebrating Easter with the pastors

Easter in Guatemala, like in the United States, has turned more into a worldly thing and about vacations and gifts. But it really is the most important event in our Christian lives....in any
body's life. Because Jesus left His throne in heaven and became a man and then endured the cross paying our debt for our sins then later resurrected and now sits on His throne in heaven we have the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us! Wow! Something no one could have thought up or done themselves. So praise our God and savior Jesus Christ for His sacrifice and love for us! And also for my place with Him in heaven for eternity! Good stuff!! But because here in Guatemala that most people use this time as vacation and for drinking and partying...many Christians do not want to have anything to do with it. They say that the exact date is not known and the world has picked this date to celebrate the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus and because of this, we will not participate in Easter. They really reflect on these events every month and remember them. But I really enjoy putting aside one day to celebrate the things that happened that really changed everything about us. So we invited all the pastors and their families to come to our house this past Saturday and celebrate this event together with us. Many were happy to do so and came with their families! We had a great time! Pastor Carlos, from the church on the rock, gave a message about the Crucifixion of our Lord and how it impacts us today and how it should bring about action in us today! Very encouraging and was perfect in ministering to everyone. We sang songs and worshiped together as well. Their kids enjoyed swimming in the pool. For many of them, that was the first time to ever swim or get into a pool! They had a great time and our kids had a great time playing with them also! Brandi and Nancy stayed very busy that whole time in the kitchen cooing for 44 people. They cooked pork chops, mashed potatoes, tortillas, a salad, and banana bread for everybody! A lot of food!! And hard work! But everybody loved the food and actually left very full! When we asked if they needed anything else, they patted their stomachs and said that they couldn't hold any more. So we spent time after the songs and message just sitting around with them and talking and asking about their communities and churches. It was the first time since last year that I had seen some of them and really missed talking to them! They are a great group of guys and their families are awesome too!! We really enjoyed that time together and are very thankful that God made that possible! And for each of you that pray and support us to make it possible as well! Praise the Lord!