DIRECTOR'S BLOG

Dr. Sam Martin

‘My Word shall not return to Me void.’ Isaiah 55 v 11

It is a privilege for us as a Mission to host and facilitate Mission Teams for service and ministry in Guatemala and I always look forward to hearing from team members on their return. However, sometimes it is a real joy to read daily blogs from the Teams in Guatemala.

Recently, I was deeply moved by a daily report and knew I had to share it with you and I pray it will be a real blessing to you. It was written by The Ven. Dr. Darrell Critch, Rector, Church of the Good Samaritan in St. John’s Newfoundland.

Now that is quite a title, but Darrell is one of the godliest young pastors I have met. A man with a great passion for the truth of scripture, a great love for the Saviour and for people. It is an honor to know him as a friend and always a privilege to speak in his Church. He is a real man of God.One morning in March 2019 he shared the following:

Greetings from Guatemala! It’s just after 7am here, Team one left us at 4am, and Team 2 is in Toronto on their way here. I’m enjoying the quiet sitting in the shade, thinking about what we have accomplished this past week, and praying about the work which is before us this week.

Yesterday was especially significant for me. In the morning I had the great privilege of seeing Darlin, a very special young woman who I met when I was here two years ago. At that time she had tried to take her own life, and I was asked if I would speak with her. With the help of a translator, she told me of her alcoholic parents, and of how she felt that her life was a mistake. Through tears, I prayed with her, that she would know how very special and important she was, and that God had a plan for her life.

By the grace of God, she received the message, and has become a leading student at the AOJ school, and is often called on to help other young girls who are struggling as she had been.

At the school yesterday she spoke to the Team and thanked us for how we had been used by the Lord to help change her life.

There are days when I wonder if my ministry is making any difference, Darlin reminded me that the Word never comes back empty!’

Darrell+

(Darrell with Darlin (middle) and other children)

Often in Christian service we wonder if it is worth it, if we are making a difference, then the Lord in His own ways encourages us! Thanks Darrell!

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,

We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,

All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,

We're tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;

But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,

Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.