I am yours, you are mine. That is what our Father says about his children. I know that I am his. I believe and know he is mine. Reflecting on the people of Guatemala, I saw how God was a true Father figure in all of their lives. He loves them just as much as he loves the people of the United States, he loves them just as much as the people in South Africa. This love surpasses cultures, it surpasses language, it surpasses thousands of miles of ocean. His Love is worldwide to every tribe and tongue. What a God we all have. He’s as simple as John 3:16.
So what did Zach do in Guatemala? A question I’m still trying to figure out myself. We can start with who I worked with. The organization we worked with was called One-Way. The name is very self-explanatory. They focus on the ONE way, the ONE truth, and the ONE life of Jesus Christ. This name carries over into how these young men and women of God serve in the villages of Guatemala. By truly living out the gospel of service, hospitality, and true sacrificial love. We worked mostly with kids and families across three main towns in the country. We were blessed to partner with One-Way in giving away thousands of pounds of food to probably over a thousand different families. We also led many group times with lots and lots of kids. In the States, this is something we would call VBS. Another ministry we did was home visits accompanied by prayer and the sharing of testimonies. These were some of my favorite things to do as we got to cross cultures and encourage one another with the love and power of the Lord. It was truly a blessing to just sit and soak in the stories. Of course, I wish I could share all of them, but just as the whole world couldn’t fit the books there would be of everything Jesus did, this whole blog couldn’t fit all that occurred in our trip to Central America.
We also had lots of free time between our ministry times. This time consisted of attempting to taste-test every coffee shop in Antigua. Maybe it looked like getting to explore the ancient Mayan culture to understand the people better. Or maybe it looked like us gringos trying to talk to every local we could to practice our Spanish and share the love of Jesus. This also leads me to talk about the relationships that were formed on this trip. Our ministry hosts (One-Way) were all about the same age as we were. This made our relationships with each other form very quickly and made our time in ministry ten times as much fun. By getting to have a close-knit relationship with them, we were much more effective in the work we did. They also had gone through a bad experience in their past time working with young men from the States, so they were very nervous to bring us in. But by the end of our time with them, they told us that we restored their vision of who young Christian men were from the US. As for One-Way, they will host at least two more Gap Year teams in the next year, as well as begin to create a physical church in the main town they work in. Some of them also wanted me to personally come back one day, and maybe that comes to pass. In conclusion, we understood that a family was created. A family in the beautiful country of Guatemala that we could always come back to.
Now looking forward, I realize I cannot wait to speak with those that got to partner with me in this journey that are back home in the States. Or those that have been a part of my life throughout this journey. Or even those that said the smallest prayer for me. I thank you. I thank you and I want you to know that nothing you have done for God goes in vain. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this trip it’s that every little thing we do sets us up for what our future and eternity will look like. Especially when God goes first through it. I wish I could tell you all of the more detailed things God has done and is doing. But one day soon I know we will have the time to. Please continue to pray for me and our team as we continue on in perseverance.
So where are we now? As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in one of the houses we are staying at here in Jeffry’s Bay, South Africa. We’ve been here about two weeks now and have started our different ministries. There’s a lot to talk about, but that would require a separate blog 😉 Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk to you very soon.
-Through Jesus, Zach Flowers
Zach, you walk with such a tenderness for what God is showing you, yet a fierceness to pursue it. That shows in your ministry, in your relationships you form in them. What you learn you put into action. And the Kingdom expands through that. Love to hear more.
Thank you for your update, Zach. Numbers 6:24-26 I pray the LORD “bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” In Jesus Name, Amen.
Love the update. Only God knows what hearts and minds were touched by this ministry and the results. You are the Messenger, the Holy Spirit does the rest.
Zach!!!!!! I would have to ponder for a while to find the words to express what I feel and think. But in short, I am so proud of the man you are. I am again amazed by your ability to communicate and share stories in an immersive and tangible way. That Im sure, has served you well in ministering and will continue to be an asset. God really knew what He was doing when He made you.
Nicole and I commented after speaking with you the other day about the overwhelming tangibility of the presence you emit. I cant think of a better way to describe it other than wholeness. In that there is peace, rest, quiet joy, and contentment. It filled my office while we were on the phone with you. I want to encourage you that people around you are experiencing it as well whether they can put words to it or not. Its one of the many reasons people are lingering with you, and wanting to be near you.
If you remember me speaking about metrons, spheres of influence, leaders create atmospheres that impact everyone within their influence. And with you Zach, it is a perfect influence that is a solid foundation for others to rest in Jesus. Its no wonder God raised you up, like Daniel, you are raised up to serve and bless others.
Have fun Zach. Dont forget to have fun! ? you!!!!
Zach,
What you are doing continues to amaze me. When I was your age I couldn’t even imagine going farther than college away from home. But thru God’s grace you have the strength and courage to travel the world spreading his word. Good luck on your continued journey.
I am very impressed with all the good you are doing very proud of you keep up the good work and the teaching of God and Jesus We love you and we want you to stay safe Grandma Flowers??????
May the Holy Spirit continue to infuse you with the glory of God as you work at the task Jesus commanded us to do. Go, and make disciples. We pray for continued blessing upon you and your team. Kay
So glad to hear about all your wonderful experiences.You will never forget this trip. God has blessed you and your future will be amazing because He will continue to lead in your ministry.
Omggggggg Zach! I loved reading this! These are my favorite!!! God has even graced you with a wonderful way of sharing your experience through writing :)) I’m so happy. Love you. Have a blast. You’re amazing loved one!!!
My son and best bud, back here in the US I am continually getting caught up in the world. Seeing you, the pics, the blog brings light back into my heart and makes everything better. We must keep everything in perspective. You have blessed me beyond belief. So many answered prayers have come through you. Thank you for always listening, helping your sisters, and being a great role model. May you continue to lead your team and bless everyone you meet along the way. Your dad, sisters, and I could not be more proud of you and your team. Remain strong, always keeping the armor of God around you.
Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Looking forward to talking soon! HUGS from ILLINOIS. LOVE, MOM
Zach,
You are doing great things. I enjoy your updates. You will inspire others! Your faith and bravery to leave all you have known and venture out into this big world , is inspiring! I can’t imagine how full your heart must be in spreading your love for God. Stay safe!
Many wonderful posts from others, ditto! I just keep wishing other opportunities were present for our youth even in Carrollton , reaching out to our elderly and youth, activities, worship and community service right here. Hope you have a gathering when back with your stories. Even back in the hemp fields I noticed your hard work, humbleness, kindness. You definitely were quieter, but I could tell you took it all in and weren’t judgmental, even the more boisterous boys wanted to be around you. Stay safe, when the devil tempts and bothers you, you are doing great things, stay strong. I always loved whenever 2 or more of you are gathered in his name, there is love. Cathy Stumpf
Love this, Zach. You are awesome. I’m so excited for all that has yet to come to fruition from your time in Guate and all that God has before you in Africa. Keep it up, MOG!!!
Love the updates. What a great ministry, you atr a blrssing to all of us. Prsyers your way.