33 thoughts on “Zachary VanDyke

  1. Hello everyone. After packing all my stuff for Guatemala I am so excited to go. I think that by packing it finally hit me that I was leaving the country for a mission trip. One verse, or rather, chapter that came to my mind while thinking about this trip was Acts 10. In this chapter Peter is called through a vision to go and teach anyone that God instructs him, not just the Jews. As Peter had this vision, some God loving gentiles were told by an angel to send for Peter because Peter could preach to them. Peter went with them, and baptized the household and taught them the good news. I love this chapter because Peter does what God tells him to do, and because of that many people came to know Jesus. I want to follow Peter’s example when I’m in Guatemala. I can’t wait to share more with you as the trip progresses, but in the meantime, thank you for your prayers, and have a good week.

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    • Well we are over half way through our trip now, and God has done so much for our group and the people we are building for. We have finished building the houses, and we’ve dedicated them. The couple we built for, Juan and Tomas, were really nice and generous. We didn’t even have to eat the snacks we brought, because Juan provided us with many fruits, such as pineapple and watermelon, and he also gave us a ton of Pepsi. Juan and Tomas appreciated what we did so much, and gave us whatever they could to show us. One cool thing was seeing how Juan desperately wanted to help us in the building of his house. He helped a lot too! On dedication day it was really cool praying and singing and reading God’s word outside the houses, and since we stay focused, the devil couldn’t hold onto the people anymore, and they all accepted Christ! I also have some prayer requests. Please pray that I don’t get homesick or anyone else, because I was getting pretty homesick, and please pray that God continues to work in the lives of the people at the village, so that they get a strong relationship with God and share the gospel. Also, pray that we can see God and have a relationship with him. Thanks, and goodbye.

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      • Zach, I am praying for you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and not anything else, not even your feelings or the time. You will be home soon enough and I’m so proud of all the work God is accomplishing through your willing hands, feet, and mouth. I love you sooo much. Take heart, son! Jesus has overcome the world, and He is with you right now.

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  2. Zach, I know it’s been a long travel day with a layover and then a delay. Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Whatever happens, it will be for your good. Love you!!

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    • Hey Zach, I accidentally left your details from last night in the details section. So that was actually from me. Whoops! Love you 🙂

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  3. Zach,
    I am so thrilled that you are on this trip! You are going to be such a blessing to the team and to all who meet you! Keep sharing God’s love thru your joy-filled life. Praying for safe travels and changed lives…both the teams and the Guatemalans you come in contact with.
    Have a blessed time!
    In His Grip,
    Kristy

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  4. Sounds like you had quite and adventure at the airport yesterday. Pretty cool and crazy! Can’t wait to hear more and praying you get good rest tonight. Love you much, Mom

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  5. Zach, welcome to Guatemala! Your work is already blessed and may the joy of the Lord be your strength (as well as your brother’s and brothers’).

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  6. Zach, What incredible experiences already! Drink in the experience each day, you are building lifelong memories for you, and for the people that you meet. I will continue to keep you and the people you are serving in my prayers.

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  7. Zack, I love seeing your smiling face as you are hard at work! You are doing His work with joy and love, what a great testimony! Today praying that the rain holds off and you are able to put the Succulent Salmon Stucco on each home.
    in His grip,
    Kristy

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  8. Hi Zach, Praying for you today that you will be able to encourage all that you meet and work with and serve today! Love, Aunt Lori

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  9. Hi Zach! Wow! You’re already on your second work day! It looks like you and the team accomplished so much yesterday on the homes and in building relationships with the people there! God is certainly blessing all the work you’re doing there. I’m praying for you today as you continue sharing Jesus’ love through your work, actions and words.

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  10. Hey Zach, It looks like you had a great day of hard work and you got to play with the kiddos-surely your favorite part. I’m sure you are being blessed and blessing others with your gentleness. Keeping you in prayer

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  11. Hi Zach! Hope you are keeping Mason in line. It is so much fun to see the pictures of you interacting with the kids. Praying you will have more opportunities to impact these young lives for Christ!

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  12. So thankful you can go on this life-changing trip and be a blessing to and blessed by the Guatemalans. Praying for you and the team!
    Mrs. Billin

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  13. Zach, I am so excited that you get to serve in Guatemala this week. It looks like you are working hard AND having fun! God will use you and your talents in unexpected ways. To God be the glory! Love you. Aunt Michelle

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  14. Hey Zach I am so happy you were involved in the life changing physical and spiritual events for the family you built for. Praying for you all weekend as you deliver meds! I get homesick when I travel too! Can’t wait to see you but be sure to focus on the job you have and be an encouragement to others in your group as I am sure you are! Love you!

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  15. Zach, hang in there! You are doing great work! I am praying for you and I know many others are, too. God is training you to keep your eyes on Him and not your circumstances. Training is hard, but worthwhile!! Keep it up 🙂

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  16. Hey Zach!
    Sounds like some awesome things are happening on your trip. The memories of these people, and the experiences will be with you forever. Keep looking for God and the opportunities He provides to share the good news about Him throughout the day. He wants to use you to change lives for Him. Continued prayers for you and your team!

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  17. Hi Zach,
    Sounds like you are having an amazing experience! God is working through you and the team, that is evident. I’ve been praying for you and in fact woke up at 3:00am last night and prayed for you! Hope you enjoy the rest of your days there serving your Lord!

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  18. Carmen & Steve, I thank you for writing and encouraging me on this trip. I have seen a lot of great spiritual strength in both of you boys. I am writing on Zach’s blog, to tell you and him how proud I am to see him step out in faith many times during this trip. It has been truly amazing to see him let go and let God work through him. He truly has a gift to connect with kids and it has been fun to see him enjoy their faces as they light up with the joy that Jesus has given him. He really allowed me to stop seeking control and looking at all of the distractions and see Jesus through the eyes of the kids of Guatemala.

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  19. Hola Zach, I pray that you have a safe physical and spiritual return trip home. Mark 11: 22 is one of my favorites. I am sure that you will have stories of interest when you get home and what a blessing that you could be at PBM with your brother. Dios te bendiga

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  20. Zach, it’s been exciting to see the work you’re doing in Guatemala! You are truly being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people there and have been building on Christ’s foundation all week! You are a blessing to many!! My prayers continue for you as you spend your last day in Guatemala and return home.

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