February 15th a part of Impacto's staff went with a team from Corbett Avenue W.C. in Canada to serve the people of Zacapa. Despite being a small team, comprised of only six people, God used this team in a mighty way. Two houses were constructed and a third has been funded to be constructed in the near future. But more than the houses being built, the team from Corbett Avenue ministered to the families of the houses and their nearby neighbors. It was very hot, but that didn't stop team members from making mini-VBS programs for the neighborhood children, sharing their testimonies, and praying for the families' needs. It was so amazing to see the neighborhood kids' faces light up as soon as the Impacto van pulled up each morning. It's also a joy to see when teams take it upon themselves to minister and attempt to communicate despite the language barrier. At one site, the family had a daughter that was deaf, she had developed her own way of communicating to her family. Despite the obvious obstacle, the team spent hours with her learning how to understand her and simply spending time with her. Even though the team was small, their hearts were big and those families and neighborhood children will not easily forget the Corbett Avenue team.  

Monday, February 24th, Impacto began the first session of a monthly sewing ministry. A group from Hillside W.C. in Iowa brought a tote bag project, along with the material and supplies to complete two bags. They also sponsored two days of lunches for the ladies in the class. This ministry will take place two consecutive days each month. Our desire is to attempt to align the sewing ministry date with dates that teams will be here to participate.  

Through generous donations from churches and individuals, Impacto has acquired 19 new sewing machines to be used. This class of 15 ladies will attend the two days each month. In December, if they have had perfect attendance they will receive a diploma and be able to take home the machine they have been using through the year.  

Each month the ladies will complete at least two projects: one that they can take home and one that will be sold through Impacto. The funds from the sale of these items will be split 50/50 between the person that made the product and Impacto. The portion received by Impacto will be used to help sustain the sewing ministry. We are already collecting new machines to be used for the 2015 class. If you, your Church, your small group, or your mission team would like to find out how you can participate or help support this ministry please email us at [email protected].

Each family involved in the ministry of Happy Tummies, in San Juan La Laguna, is very thankful to Impacto for the support they have given to the children. Because of how many children each family has they cannot feed all of them. Here in Happy Tummies we share with kids who do not have a dad, or a mom, or have been abandoned by both. The children involved in this ministry have grown physically, mentally and spiritually. Most of the children come from families of non-believers and here they are learning about God and His Word. The children go home singing the praise songs they are taught here and sharing with their families the love of Christ. We have testimony of the children's changes at home; they are obeying more and have admitted to being disobedient but wanting to change! I can see a difference in the kids who have been here longer and how we are helping mold their lives. A lot of the children say that when they are at Happy Tummies they feel safe from everything that goes on at home. This melts my heart and makes me feel so honored to be part of this ministry.

Abuelitos is yet another ministry I am impacted by. These older folks have no one at home to take care of them. When they come in for their breakfast they are so happy. Sometimes when they are served their plates they start crying because they say they have never seen such a feast for just one meal. They love to listen to Bible stories and sing songs of praise. One of the things they like most is doing their exercises. They always pray for Pastor Luis because of his love, support and hard work towards their ministry. They are also thankful to God that there's a group that cares about them at their age. They say they will never stop coming here. They enjoy each others company because they don't like being alone at home. I enjoy them just as much as they enjoy each other. I love to hear their stories and I love for them to tell me what it was like back when they were young. We definitely enjoy our time together each day that we meet.

It is a blessing from God to have received a house from Impacto. I did not think I would receive something so special ever in my lifetime. I have been asking God for a house but it was still such a big surprise to me when it was offered to me by Impacto. I had only been working with Impacto for about six months when this blessing was given to me. My parents did not have a way to pay for a house. We are five siblings in total and they could not give each of us everything they wanted because they did not have the resources. Our house had cracks in it from the previous earthquake. I was so scared that we would have another earthquake and the house would fall on top of me and my parents. My parents and I are so grateful to God and to Impacto for being able to provide this house for us. It is so joyous seeing my house every time I come home. I know that God says that He never abandons His children and I have experienced this in the past few months. I thank Impacto for being used by God to bless so many of the people of this community.  

*Towels for The      Promised Land

*Sewing Ministry  Sponsors

* Kitchen Items for       Panyebar Happy       Tummies