April 29, 2008

The Accident...

Driving in Antigua generally speaking is a real pain in a car or similar vehicle. Since our arrival almost two years ago I have enjoyed a simpler method of getting around. The motorcycle - sleak, economical, always room for parking...

The day was later than normal toward the end of a heavier than normal week. I was returning home 8:30pm my normal route is down the one way streets to the south end of town. As things would happen, another gentleman also on a motorcycle carrying a passenger also happened to travel one of the intersecting roads to my one way route. Unfortunately he failed to observe the stop sign that was meant for him. As he impeded my path I was given a choice - to hit the other motorcyclist's front forks so not to hit him or his passenger. From that point of impact the two bikes scissored together for a second point of impact (on my ankle). The machines bounced away from each other to land 5-7 feet from each other. This 5-10 second interchange included for me what seemed like a slow motion fall landing on my right shoulder - to find myself laying in between the machines. The other passengers were still in the riding position of their motorcycle laid horizontal with their machine. I estimate my speed was about 40km.

Shortly after landing, rolling, and realizing that I was in the middle of the street - I soon realized my leg hurt. About that time the three of us, myself and the two on the other cycle were swarmed by people that witnessed or heard the event. I realized that I needed help so I called Nancy. It was then that realized that our shared definition of "I will be home a little late" was different. She began to launch into a lecture of the error of my ways - "Where have you been!?!" - Not wanting to argue with her I simply shared "I don't need this right now! I have been in an accident!"

After that the fun began.
  • When asked if anything other than my leg hurt I answered - "My pride."
  • It required 6 gentleman to put me into the ambulance - even then I had to lift myself from the door to assist the front wheel of the gurney to clear the floor of the ambulance.
  • There were only four men at the door of the hospital to lower me down.
  • I was assuring Nancy it was either broken at least a very bad sprain. Then she saw the foot. The Doctor saw the foot. They both said "Your gonna' need surgery."
  • On the way to the operating room, as there is no elevator, three very polite Guatemalan nurses were pushing my gurney up a series of ramps. As we progressed I could hear them breathing heavier and heavier and commenting on how heavy I was.
  • On the operating table the Doctor make quick notice that I was taller than the space available.
  • After the surgery, I had a wierd dream that a friend that runs a local restaurant took part in the surgery. In actuality he and his wife came to support Nancy and I. As I am so big and the nursing staff is so small, he was in the right place to help move me from the gurney to my bed.
  • I had a couple of visitors later that night just as I was struggling to get to the bathroom. Times like this words do not describe the awkwardness and indignity for all parties concerned and the side of Pastor Mike that no one wants to see.
The hospital used was The Hermano Pedro Private Hospital. Nice digs. The staff was great. The care as fine as any in the states. Now that I am home, my motorcycle has a concave rim, and several smaller parts to be replaced. And I have some Frankenstien railroad tracks on both sides of my right ankle, 2 pins to hold it all together, a table full of cards and love and 3-4 months of recuperation. Updates will come as there is news.

April 14, 2008

The Ottos are here...

For the past year and a half, we have been looking for the arrival of Steve and Jessica Otto with their three children, Nate, Shelby and Jackson. This is a family that comes from our home church in Largo, FL - Pathways Community Church.

Steve will be focusing on language studies initially then slowly moving into administrative assistance, hands on ministry, helping to the build IDC. Jessica will have her hands full schooling the kids.

We are blessed that they will be with us. And we look foward to what God will do through them in the years to come.

April 5, 2008

New Staff is complete...

We have had the last of our staff change-ups (hopefully). As we are working to build a local congregation, it has been our intention to have people that fill minsitry training roles as well as a specific day job.

I want to introduce to our new Pastoral Assitant and our Custodian. We are excited about what God is going to do through them in their work with the IDC.

Anna Corado comes to us from Guatemala. Her parents were missionaries from Guatemala to the United States. They served in both Colorado and Utah. Recent events have brought she and her parents to Antigua. While she is Guatemalan her 1st language is English.




Juan Luis came to us through our relationship with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). While in the Discipleship Training Program in Antigua, he anchored to the IDC as his church. Upon completion of this program he showed incredible passion for reaching the lost. It happened that he needed a job at the same time we needed a custodial staff that would keep the facilities clean.





April 2, 2008

Church attendance is up...


I often say that God is doing amazing things here in Antigua. Simply because its true. Not that I am into the statistics but they do give a gauge for perspective. Since the 1st of this year our attendance for Sundays has been no less than 110 and as high as 160.

Our Wednesday Bible Study and Potluck Dinner has on average 35 persons each week. Most of whom are Guatemaltecos.

This is very remarkable considering our space is as small as it is. But none the less, God is blessing with the various ministry outreaches. It is exciting to see the amazing things that God is doing here in Antigua.