Some folks ask, “what is the benefit of short term missions trips?” A valid question indeed, as we wonder what sort of change do we inspire by taking a week off of work and travel to another country. We certainly have witnessed the benefit in Ana’s life.

As you may know already from past updates this year, things have been a bit tumultuous with Ana. She began high school this year after last year’s episode of running away from home to live with a boyfriend. She was very much “in the world,” and struggling with her identity as God’s child.

During our recent trip in September, she told us and the team that was there that her dream is to be able to host teams and lead them for the ministry! She was very emotional about it and expressed that she wants to make a difference in the world. Since then, there has been a radical change in her life, for the good! She stopped dating her boyfriend so she could focus more on her studies. She asked for forgiveness from her family as well as the ministry. She got a job so she can contribute to her own education. She is now totally focused on her purpose!

We praise God for this change in her life, because we know He is the only one who can change hearts. Please continue to pray for her as in January she starts the next year of school where she will continue to study tourism and have opportunities to travel the country and learn more about Guatemala’s rich history.