3 MAR

Since the message below was written, more has come to light needing prayer. It appears the thieves were able to use the banking numbers in the day timer and have accessed our account here, taking a large amount of our ministry money used to support us and for a group coming for a short term mission trip.  Our work ministries here are uplifting, blessing us in many ways, but needless to say, just the process of living here and dealing with the conditions is challenging….  It really shows the immense need for heart changes….

2 MAR

We just returned from our trip to Antigua this afternoon.  We were supposed to come back yesterday as soon as the conference for missionaries was over, but being flexible was really tested in us this weekend.  When we got there on Friday morning,  we parked the car on the street very close to our language school, so we could visit our teachers and so some shopping before we went to the hotel.  We put on the “club” and went our way.  Four hours later, after we had eaten lunch, we returned to our car only to find that it was not t here.  Someone stole our vehicle in the morning, in broad daylight with all our things in it, without breaking any glass or causing anyone to see.  We just couldn’t believe it!  We went back to the school to ask them what to do.  Then we walked to a police station only for them to tell us to go to another station,  So we walked somemore.  Reported it stolen, then walked to the hotel, in shock!  Couldn’t believe it!  We called our field director and missionary couple..  One couple was still at home, so they brought us some toothbrushes and a few clothes that we could use.  Only had the clothes on our back!  Of course,  it definitely could have been worse.  We were not accosted physically or harmed.  But I had brought all my favorite things to use at this conference, my favorite skirts, blouses, jewelry, nightgowns, shoes,etc.  Even my Bible and notebook and Niels’ daytimer and his tools  were in the car.  Not our computer, praise God, nor our camera, w hich we had forgotten.  But you feel so violated and the whole weekend, felt like I looked like a `castaway!  But Niel said Sat. night that it could have happened anytime we were in Antigua and God allowed it to happen when we were at the conference with our fellow missionaries.  Everyone prayed for us and we called our pastor, so our friends at our church here in Pana were also praying. 

We thought we might just go back home on a bus on Sat., because we were so bummed out, but the police said that we needed to go to another police station on Mon. to do something else about the car.  Another God thing!  We needed to be there this weekend.  The messages, singing, and comfort from our fellow believers really helped our spirits.  So, on Sat. morning, we skipped a session to take our only clothes to be washed, then went to the Paca (kind of like a Guatemalan Goodwill) to see if we could find some other clothes to wear.  We found a couple things, but the pants we bought for Niel didn’t fit and the blouses I bought for me didn’t work, either, but the skirt was fine and I could wear it with one of the blouses I had borrowed from a friend.  I don’t think I have ever been in a hotel with so few “things” before.  There were two groups from the states there to minister to the missionaries.  Some helped with the singing, with the kids and teens.  Some helped with computer problems, others came to give hair cuts, manicures, and massages.  I actually got a hair cut, which was good since my hair dryer and my curling iron were both in the car.  I am having trouble finding a curling iron here.  The only one I have seen, in Chimaltenango today, cost $30, so I didn’t get it.    Anyway, some people from one of the groups from the states, came to us on Sat. and gave us some money that someone from their church had sent to help someone who needed it, and later that day, another person from that same group also gave us some money.  Then on Sun., we were given an envelope from our CAM missionaries who were there, with $200, to help.  So, of course, God will provide and we know that.  We just need to give up those “special things” that we lost,  to Him.  A bag that Aaron and Ruth had given us for Christmas with pictures of Peter on it and monogrammed with Grandma and some travel mugs also with his picture, were lost with the car.  Those kinds of things that really can not be replaced are the hardest. Also,the bags that we used to keep our cosmetics, shampoo, etc.  I could go on and on, but you understand, I’m sure.

Anyway, we are now home, after having been loaned an old car to use until we can find another one - from some missionary friends.  We only had liability insurance and not theft, so the cost of another car will be on us.  Also,  we cannot replace any of the things that were stolen with our “missionary money” because only things that are used in ministry can use those funds, according to IRS.  But we are here, healthy, and revived in spirit, waiting on the Lord and knowing that we are in His hands.

Niel & Diana Thomas

CAM International

8625 La Prada, Dallas 75228

nthomas@caminternational.org

https://guatthomas.angelfire.com/blog

www.caminternational.org