"I never wanted to be a missionary," laughed Liz Kestner, a petite, enthusiastic Asian-American, as she recounted the journey that led her into one of the poorest sections of Guatemala City, the garbage dump.

The Lord placed a desire for service on her heart, and she entered the Deaconess Program at Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. When a friend talked her into attending Concordia University, Irvine, California, as a temporary transfer student, she became interested in a basic evangelism class. She also took the second semester, An Introduction to Missions, merely to "check it out."

Liz learned of missions and interviewed missionaries. Over the next year, she struggled as the sense of a call to mission service tugged on her heart. After a year of introspection and prayer, she came to a point of release. "Okay, Lord. I'll go, if that's what You want."

After returning to Concordia, River Forest, Liz attended a conference where she spoke with Carla Burell, CEO of Servant's Heart Ministries, based in Guatemala City. After listening and watching a DVD on outreach possibilities in Guatemala, Liz thought Guatemala might be her destination.

When she finished college Liz participated in a two-week mission orientation training in the United States and then landed in Antigua City, a town near Guatemala City. She did language training for six months along with chores, such as painting and cleaning. When loneliness set in, the Lord provided the encouragement needed through friends stopping in for a surprise visit or an uplifting phone call. Liz then spent some time working with children and young teens, teaching arts and crafts, doing Bible studies with them and helping them with their English skills.

After a two-week visit back in the United States, Liz returned to Guatemala, this time to Amatitlan, also near Guatemala City. Liz now focuses on work with women. Her goals are to teach English and share Bible studies with them. Joining Liz in this ministry are a nurse and two Guatemalans. Together they visit squatters' areas three days a week, visiting in huts made of wood scraps, tin and cardboard. They tell people about their ministry and invite them to a health clinic and Bible study. Prayer and Bible reading are also offered during their visits.

Liz helps as Servant's Heart Ministry delivers food to 200-250 people who struggle for survival in and near a garbage dump. She also works with short-term mission groups who come to help with the food distribution and other activities.

"Serving in Guatemala has given me a great sense of meaning and purpose. I have grown to love the women here; they have taught me so much in such a short time. I can't imagine my life without them."