Pastor Leonel praying for the men
Myra Chillin at the pool
Devotions at the pool
Waiting for the new stove be installed
At the pool
Karen-Quincienera 15th birthday
Heidy-Quincienera 15th birthday
Bringing a latrine to its new home
Going uphill
Making repairs
New home and new stove
New stove
Greetings from Guatemala. What a busy month we’ve had. We had a group of 17 people come from Park Valley Church in Va. and did they work! They installed 10 stoves, put laminated steel roof on heavy plastic homes, replaced plastic covered walls, delivered a latrine for one family, built two plastic, wood and laminated steel lean-tos to cover new stoves and provided the material to build a family of five a new home! They went up hills and down mountains all for the glory of God. They found time to visit a local school and have a play day, make a happy mural for the feeding program and take about 80 children to the pool. Did I mention also celebrate two young ladies 15th birthday by providing everything from their clothing to the cake and a special ring for each young lady thrown in. WOW!
This month 10 families were blessed with stoves. Six stoves were donated by Zion 3 church and four by Park Valley church. There are not enough words to express the joy and gratitude in the hearts of the people who were blessed with these new stoves. The stove uses less wood, has a chimney that takes the smoke outside, and is high off of the ground away from animals and more hygienic.
Pastor Leonel had a busy month too. He has stepped up and is now teaching the youth during the time of the comedor as well as preaching on Sundays. Raquel continues to be a blessing with the Sunday school and during the time of the comedor.
Pastor Leonel was also the coordinator with several local churches for a youth event to pray for the nation of Guatemala against the violence in the country. A group of our young people went to represent our church “Dios es Nuestra Paz” (God is our Peace). There was a weekend of activities including a prayer vigil at a local park. The youth are growing in the church and we are blessed to have pastor Leonel and his wife Johanna taking such care of their instruction in righteousness while having fun at the same time.
The men also had their monthly meeting with teaching, prayer and testimonies. We plan to meet later in the day on every third week in hopes the men, who sometimes work Sunday mornings, may attend with their families. Please pray for this new format.
A 15th birthday is an important part of a Guatemalan girls life. The poor do not have the means to even celebrate a normal birthday. We are so thrilled to celebrate for the second time this special event with two beautiful young ladies. Last year it was karla who was the first “quincienera” of this ministry. This year we have two. – Karen and Heidy! Both were given new dresses, shoes, rings, jewelry and even underwear! We are so thankful, as they are also, for the generous donation from Phil of Park Valley Church who made it all possible. Some members of the group made the cake and even brought gifts. Thanks Park Valley Church for making the dreams of two young girls come true.
Another month has come and gone. We had some more health challenges but thank God that is behind us. Late July I had to take Angel to the hospital for a bad throat infection. He was home from school for eight days just in time to return for the third semester exams. In all things I am thankful.
We all had a great time with the visitor. It’s always good to be with people who speak English but even more with friends like those from Park Valley Church.
I am so thankful for the way they came in under the leadership of Kelly, who is a fellow missionary, and accomplished so much.
I am so thankful for Pastor Leonel and Aimee who pitched in and accompanied them into the highways and byways and got as down and dirty as the group did.
I am thankful for those who stayed behind and painted my garage where we hold church and the feeding program and also painted the outside of the house.
I am so thankful for the generous donation that Park Valley church sent to do more work on the construction of the building.
I am thankful for my “new best friend” Diana for the beautiful job she and her daughter Nicole did on the mural for the children. (Smile)
I am thankful for the generous donation from Pimlico Baptist church for the scholarship and feeding programs and for the food given out to needy families.
I am so thankful for each of you who have stood with me financially and in prayer these nearly 14 years of serving God in Guatemala. May all, no more, be returned to each one of you in blessings from the hand of God who reigns forever and ever.
Love, Myra
No comments:
Post a Comment