Granite Live at 7:05 - Guatemala Missions Recap

What an incredible week it’s been, Granite United! Coming back from our missions trip to Guatemala, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for what God is doing in and through our church. We saw firsthand the impact of your generosity and prayers—lives are being changed, hope is being restored, and the love of Jesus is being made real in tangible ways. From building stoves for families who have nothing but cinder blocks to cook on, to washing the feet of children who walk barefoot through tough terrain, every act of service was a reminder that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

The stories shared by Terri and Kelly brought to life the power of compassion and community. Whether it was a child sharing food with another, or the deep bonds formed among our team members from different campuses, God’s love was evident in every moment. The feeding center, the orphanage, the playground—these aren’t just projects, they are lifelines for children who have been abandoned or left with nothing. Yet, in the midst of poverty, we witnessed joy, resilience, and a sense of family that only God can create.

Our time together each night, worshiping and sharing, built a unity that goes beyond a single trip. It’s a reminder that the church is not a building, but a people on mission—locally and globally. We don’t do this for recognition or photo ops; we do it because Jesus commanded us to go, to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach. Every gift, every prayer, every act of service is an investment in eternity. Thank you for being a church that gives, serves, and loves so well.

As we look ahead, let’s continue to pray bold prayers and take courageous steps. There’s more work to be done—more buildings to fill, more lives to reach, more hope to share. Whether it’s serving at Trunk or Treat, joining a missions trip, or simply loving your neighbor, let’s keep saying yes to God’s call. Because hope has a name, and His name is Jesus. Everyone deserves to know Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Compassion in Action Transforms Lives True compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s a willingness to step into someone else’s world and meet their needs, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Building a $200 stove or washing a child’s feet may seem small, but these acts carry the love of Christ into places of deep need. When we serve, we become living testimonies of God’s grace, showing that every person matters to Him. [12:02]
• 2. Community is Forged Through Shared Mission When people from different backgrounds and campuses come together for a common purpose, God forges a unique and powerful community. Bonds are formed not just through work, but through worship, prayer, and shared experiences—both joyful and challenging. This unity is a glimpse of the church as God intended: diverse, yet deeply connected by love and mission. [20:39]
• 3. Generosity is an Eternal Investment Giving isn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about investing in lives for eternity. The support for the orphanage, feeding center, and missions projects has given children not only food and shelter, but also hope, education, and a future in Christ. Our generosity is a direct participation in God’s redemptive work, and it echoes far beyond what we can see. [32:43]
• 4. Obedience to God’s Call is the Heartbeat of the Church Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 is clear: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This isn’t a suggestion or a program—it’s the very heartbeat of what it means to follow Him. When we step out in faith, whether across the street or across the world, we join God in His mission to bring hope and salvation to all people. [38:05]
• 5. Every Act of Service is Sacred Whether it’s organizing a community event, teaching a child, or simply showing up for someone in need, every act of service is sacred when done in Jesus’ name. God uses our willingness—however small it may seem—to accomplish His purposes and to draw people to Himself. Don’t underestimate the impact of your “yes” to God; it could be the very thing that changes a life forever. [39:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:43] - Shoutouts and Introductions
• [07:21] - Guatemala Missions Trip Recap
• [08:35] - Special Guests: Terri and Kelly
• [10:26] - Building Stoves and Serving Families
• [13:27] - God’s Work Among the Children
• [15:23] - The Power of Community on Mission
• [17:28] - Stories of Compassion and Sharing
• [24:41] - Foot Washing and Medical Care
• [26:13] - Teaching, Gifts, and New Pastors
• [27:25] - Building Projects and Playground Ministry
• [29:46] - Stories from the Orphanage
• [33:28] - Nightly Worship and Team Bonding
• [34:20] - Fun Day and Team Celebration
• [37:44] - Why We Do What We Do: The Great Commission
• [40:12] - Upcoming Events and Opportunities
• [42:28] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

1. What specific acts of service did the Granite United team do for families and children in Guatemala? (e.g., building stoves, washing feet, teaching, giving gifts) [[12:02]]
2. According to the sermon, what was the living situation like for many of the children and families the team served? [[24:58]]
3. How did the team members from different campuses experience community and unity during the trip? [[20:39]]
4. What does Jesus command his followers to do in Matthew 28:18-20?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think simple acts like building a $200 stove or washing a child’s feet are described as “sacred” in the sermon? [[12:02]]
2. The sermon says, “We don’t do this for recognition or photo ops; we do it because Jesus commanded us to go.” How does this motivation change the way we serve others? [[39:40]]
3. What does it mean that “community is forged through shared mission”? How did the trip help people from different backgrounds become a family? [[20:39]]
4. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives a clear command. How does this passage connect to the church’s involvement in missions, both locally and globally? [[38:05]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “True compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s a willingness to step into someone else’s world and meet their needs, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.” Can you think of a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to help someone? What happened, and how did it impact you or them? [[12:02]]
2. The team saw children sharing food with each other, even when they had very little. Is there an area in your life where you could be more generous, even if it feels like you don’t have much to give? What would that look like this week? [[20:09]]
3. The sermon highlights that “every act of service is sacred when done in Jesus’ name.” What is one small act of service you could do this week for someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or church? [[39:40]]
4. The team built strong bonds through worship, prayer, and serving together. Is there someone in your church or small group you’d like to get to know better? What’s a practical step you could take to build that relationship? [[33:28]]
5. Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 is to “go and make disciples.” What is one way you can take a step toward this—whether it’s inviting someone to church, sharing your story, or serving in a ministry? [[38:05]]
6. The sermon encourages praying bold prayers and taking courageous steps. Is there something you feel God is asking you to do that feels scary or risky? How can the group pray for you as you consider saying “yes” to God? [[36:33]]
7. The church is described as “not a building, but a people on mission.” How does this change the way you think about your role in the church and in your community? [[33:28]]