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Spring 2023 Newsletter

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    Spring 2023 Newsletter

    By Global Shore Opportunites | Main Highlight, Ministry Reports | 0 comment | 13 June, 2023 | 0

    THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

    A haziness in the air sets in at the end of the dry season here in Guatemala. The air gets heavy in the afternoons as we wait for the rains to return. In Biblical symbolism, the rain is synonymous with blessing; it is only fitting that the rainy season starts as we enter the most exciting months of the year for our ministry.

    On May 1st, our school staff gathered in the main square of Jocotenango for our annual Kermesse (street fair). This event is always tonnes of fun and helps us connect with students, parents and alumni in a more informal context. There’s plenty of delicious food, games, and a soccer tournament. People can buy new pets, plants, or second-hand clothes. Last year’s Kermesse was a smaller affair, but this year we were back to our pre-pandemic levels of big crowds and wild fun. The Kermesse also helps us raise money for Campamento.

    This year, our Campamento (kids camp) will occur sometime in June. To say that we are very excited would be an understatement. Campamento has always been the highlight of the year for staff and students. Many alumni still say that Campamento 2019 was the highlight of their time at CCAF. That was four years ago, and this will be our first Campamento post-pandemic. Please pray with us that it will be a powerful time and that the Lord will touch the lives of our students.

    We were deeply blessed by the many short-term teams that visited during the first part of the year; our short-term team leaders are taking a much-needed break until July and August. In March, we hosted the youth group from Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil, Ontario. During their stay, we held baptisms for some of our middle and high school students, and one of the team members even decided to be baptized right then and there!

    Another team member, Elijah, said: “What impacted me most on this trip was the worship. Before, I would think, ‘What are people thinking of me here? What do I look like I’m doing right now?’ But then, in the first devotional with the kids, I noticed they didn’t care what the people around them were doing. They were just focused on their relationship with God. And it showed me: Who cares what other people think when I’m worshipping? It’s not about me; it’s about building my relationship with God.”

    Worship is fundamental for us here at Global Shore. When new students come to our school, they often don’t know how to react in their first devotions. Sometimes it’s their first time worshipping God. But they learn by observing the students who have already been with us for years—how they sing and raise their hands. Eventually, the new kids engage as well, and an atmosphere of praise is established. 

    When teams visit, we want them to participate in our daily devotions as much as they are impacted by the atmosphere of praise we strive to maintain. Samuel, one of our worship leaders, recently spoke about leading worship. “(Worship) is a sacrifice. Sometimes we come (to devotions) tired, or there are difficult situations in our lives, but the environment that the Presence of God creates is enough for everyone to participate. I have realized that our heart is very important. If God doesn’t impact our hearts, they will do their own thing. The Presence of God must influence our whole being.”

    This Presence is the most important thing to us; without it, there would be no point in continuing. His Presence transforms our hearts, families, communities, and, ultimately, our nations.

    Who cares what other people think when I’m worshipping? It’s not about me; it’s about building my relationship with God.
    -Elijah (Cornerstone youth)

    Our building project continues to move forward on schedule. By the time this newsletter reaches you, we will have poured the slab of the second-floor roof. The project is over 75% funded! 

    How much money would you save per month if you skipped that Starbucks or Timmies run just once a week? This small act could make a significant impact! We want to challenge you to exchange your beans for blocks. To help raise funds for our building project, we will hold a one-day-only special fundraiser on May 31st: The Beans for Blocks campaign. If all our supporters saved the money they usually spent on coffee and donated to GSO’s building project instead, we believe it would significantly boost our fundraising. Start saving now and tell your friends! The largest individual donors for May 31st will receive a special thank you!  Scan the QR code on the back cover to learn more about the building project, or visit gloablshore.org.

    The annual Pig Roast is coming up on June 25th in Port Burwell! We are excited to spend the day with you, our wonderful supporters. There will be silent and live auctions, great food, and good company. Go to globalshore.org/pigroast/ to reserve your seat! Alternatively, you can call us at (519) 550-1707. We hope to see you there! If you are interested in hosting a GSO event in your community, email us at info@globalshore.org or go to globalshore.org/events.

    Worship is a sacrifice...the environment that the Presence of God creates is enough for everyone to participate.
    -Samuel

    Ministry Reports, Ministry Stories, Newsletter

    Global Shore Opportunites

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    Canadian Office:
    731 Lakeshore Rd.
    RR#2 Port Burwell
    Ontario, CAN
    N0J 1T0
    Phone: (519) 550-1707
    info@globalshore.org

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    6301 Joshua Road
    Fort Washington
    Pennsylvania, USA
    19034
    usinfo@globalshore.org

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    • About Us
      • Our Vision
      • Our Story
      • Our People
      • Our Missionaries
      • More Stories
    • Arise and Build
    • Opportunities
      • Short-Term Opportunities
      • Teach English
      • Host An Event
    • Sponsorships
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      • Make a Donation
      • Become a Vision Partner
      • Sponsor A Student
      • Partner with a Staff Member
      • Give to a Missionary
    • Contact Us
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