In some earlier newsletters we mentioned that things were tough, that Satan was fighting us hard. Has this changed? No, not really. Satan is still fighting hard. But our God is fighting harder! Though we are still under attack, though the enemy is still present, our staff is feeling joyous. As children of God we have the privilege of feeling His presence, love, mercy, grace, joy, and so much more daily. No matter how hard Satan attacks, our God and all that He is surpasses it all.

This month has  been great! Through our hard times we've experienced, joy, love, miracles and so much more! We've had some awesome teams come minister alongside us. We've seen many come to Christ, many rededicate their lives to Christ, and seeds have been planted. We held our 5th Annual Bible Conference with over 150 attendees! It is such a joy to be able to serve those who serve. We know many come to the conference with their cups almost empty, tired, beaten up, and maybe ready to give up. However, after 3 days of having their cups filled they are ready go back home and fight the good fight!

We praise God and thank Him daily for each of you. Those who pray for us, those who come and minister alongside us, and those who support us financially. We know that God provides in many different ways and we give all glory to Him!

In 1 Peter we can find two things we were called to. 

"To this you were called..." 1Peter 2:21. 

The first thing we're called to is found in 1 Peter 4:12-16:

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 

Peter here says we were called to suffer, but he tells us how to behave through suffering:

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12

"To this we were called..." 1 Peter 2:21. 

The second thing to which Peter said we were called to is found in 1 Peter 2:9(b):

 "...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

So, as you go about your daily lives remember these things and in all you do and in all you suffer, may God's name be glorified.

The women after receiving their stoves

In Guatemala the First Lady is in charge of anything concerning charity. A few weeks ago we got a call from her office asking if we could put together a list of 30 women we thought would use a small 2-burner gas stove. Our staff easily put together a list of women we knew would put this to good use and our list could've been much longer! First Lady's idea is for the ladies in this area to use less fire wood to help preserve our trees and we think it's a great idea!  Our list consisted of Happy Tummies moms, wives of local Pastors, and some of our Happy Tummies' staff. Impacto was able to pay for a bus and a driver to take the women to the other side of the lake to receive this benefit. We praise God for bringing this opportunity our way.

 

Pastor Luis with the First Lady of Guatemala