Happy Thanksgiving from Hogar de la Roca!

     As most of you will probably know, Thanksgiving is an almost strictly North American Holiday. However on this November 25th,  Thanksgiving was brought to Guatemala.


Jireen sharing about the goodness of God to those in attendance


This wonderful celebration was spearheaded by American missionary and friend Jareen "mocha" Wilson.  Being from the states Jareen had it on her heart to show Guatemala the type of Thanksgiving she and her family have become accustomed to over the years.  It was also for the benefit of other American missionaries such as myself, in an effort to ease the potential lonely void that all too often attaches itself to holidays celebrated away from loved ones. Jareen and I  both attend and are representing the same Church from Hartford CT, Glory Chapel Intl. She is an incredibly talented and well rounded musician who is currently living at the "Kitchen of Love" ministry which opens it's doors everyday and feeds hungry neighborhood children.  In addition Jireen is using her talents to Perform at various festivals and Churches as well as teaching local children how to play various instruments for their church.



what are you thankful for?

  It's a fairly common practice in some American homes for each person to share one thing they are thankful for before the feast is served.  Jareen was thankful to have been completely delivered from cancer which she had a serious battle with throughout the year.  I watched her come and go from the hospital for months on end and it was admirable the way she endured the condition and triumphant the way God delivered her from the disease.  You learn a lot when you stop to listen to people.  After Jareen, other guest shared as well.  Some also shared about tragedies and trials they were grateful to have overcome this year.  However, many listening to their friends share were hearing the news of their struggles for the first time.  After everyone had taken their turn, it was the general consensus of the group that we have to take more time to listen to each other  in spite of our busy schedules.

The feast consisted of a blend of American, Guatemalan, and Peruvian food, all prepared and served with special  care and love. 



the entertainment for the evening!



And one of my greatest joys and blessings of the day.....



The men from Hogar de la Roca experiencing their first Thanksgiving!



     The holiday season is a mixed bag of emotions and for many a roller coaster of marvelous and melancholy moments all struggling to dominate the forefront  of your thoughts and overall holiday experience.  People are often surrounded and blessed by the presence of loved ones, yet are compelled to miss that special someone recently lost.  Or perhaps they are facing the new year with a complete and beautiful family, yet a recent layoff and uncertain financial future looming over the days to follow.  The point is that "perfect" moments are difficult to attain, yet it is our perspective on the situation as well as our ability to be truly grateful of any blessings we currently hold that will carry us through the holiday season with true joy in our hearts.  And if you posess this joy and hold it in your heart, here are five ways to share that joy with others as well as honor the God who has put these blessings into motion...

     Hebrews 13:1-5  "Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.  Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some of you who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself.  Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.  Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage... and don't love money; be satisfied with what you have.  For God has said "I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you."

     The men at Hogar de la Roca too shall go through the full spectrum of emotion this holiday season.  At the table i was blessed to sit amongst men who had the true grateful spirit of thanksgiving in their hearts.  One was even moved to quiet tears as we ate.  When he was able to speak he shared with those near him his awe and gratitude for God's mercy.  He lived many of his years with no hope, literally waiting to die in the streets, and tonight found himself overwhelmed to be at a feast surrounded by new friends.      

     **However the tough times are around the corner.  Many of these men will be spending Christmas away from their families and children.  The absence of their loved ones will prove to be a constant reminder of the mistakes they have made over the years. It also may prove to be a gift- less Christmas not just for the men here, but for their children at home as well.  That is why Chris and myself are humbly providing an opportunity to share your joy in the Holiday season with the men and families of Hogar de la Roca. We respectfully ask for any small donation you may have on your heart to share.  These men have a great need for simple items such as underwear and socks, as most of our ment come to the ministry with only the clothes on their backs.  Even the smallest donation can be stretched to meet some basic needs of the men as well as some inexpensive toys for their children. Chris and myself will be setting up a Christmas tree donated by his wonderful parents and we hope to contribute ourselves in an attempt to include some gifts under the tree.  Perhaps as you go out to shop for Black Friday or continue through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season you will feel a tug on your heart to contribute to the Christmas of Hogar de la Roca.  If so, we suggest a financial donation and to allow su to do the shopping for you as international shipping fees are incredibly high.  And if not here than maybe in any one of the wonderful ways outlined in the above scripture from Hebrews.  One thing i can guarantee; blessing someone in need this holiday season is bound to make yours just a little bit sweeter.



please direct any questions, comments, or donation concerns to mehltron@yahoo.com 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


The email link follows above after donation concerns to..... the link remains hidden on some computers until you click on it.  The link is also available in my blogger profile.  God-bless!