A trip which has changed my life forever

By Gord Armstrong
RR Ministerial

In June of this year, I had the privilege of traveling to Guatimala, to build houses. I went with six members of the Evangelical C.ovenant Church of Rainy River and my grandson Nathan from thunder Bay.
The purpose of the trip was to build houses for those less fortunate in that country.
To put things in perspective- our building code would not even classify what we built as “sheds”, but here we were in South America putting up tin houses for the needy.
On our 1st day, only our group had arrived, the group from Georga (Southern Baptist Church) were to arrive that night. The Missionary, Who was to be our leader, wanted to get started, so he led us to start constructing a house. As we were digging the holes for the post that was to hold up the tin of the new house, I glanced into the doorway of the house the family was now living in. It was about 8’ X 8’, couved with old rusty tin, a dirt floor, a bed in one corner, a cooking pot in another. The door consisted of a ragged piece of plywood dragged across the doorway.
Well Folks, I had to take a walk and sit on the hillside to gather my composure (tears and a big lump in my throat). Life is strange, our garages are 100 times more elaborate than their houses. As we dedicated their house to God, and gave them the keys to their new home, tears flowed freely. They would hug us, expressing their love for us, and to God for their new home.
Now! Back home in Rainy River with time to reflect; I realize I have so-o much. I have to be truly grateful to God for what I have. God has richly blessed us in Rainy River and Area, beyond our comprehension.
This also made me realize that one of the truths taught in the bible is true “enough is never enough.” In the bible, Matthew 6:19-24 we read that God wants us to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth, and we do that by our generosity to others; and, in Johns Gospel Chapter 3: 3-7 It teaches us to examine our spiritual walk, and to a spiritual rebirth of our understanding of God.
It would be nice if everyone could take such a trip, the joy of serving othes is so good. I realize that many who may be reading this are older or unable to go; but you can pray for those in guatimala and that is so important.
This trip has affected my life. It has caused me to cry out to God, “Change my heart Oh God, change Me! “