We want to start by saying that we are so thankful for all the texts, emails, and calls we’ve received asking about our well-being. Our staff is not all together right now, Pastor Luis and Dinora are on their way back from the U.S. as is Sarah. Dilma, Tony and Andrea are at the lake along with all Impacto workers and Becca Gruwell, our intern. Our staff is safe and all our Happy Tummies areas are safe and operating on a regular schedule. The airport was closed yesterday but for now seems to have re-open. We do not have a team this week. However, we do feel that the teams coming will be ok, as the areas where we minister are not near this volcano. We always will put your safety first and as of right now we do not feel the need to cancel any teams.
This being said, our hearts are completely and utterly shattered at the devastation our country is facing. The volcano that erupted is not near the lake area. We haven’t experienced any ash, or debris. However, we spent the better part of our night thinking of ideas and ways we could help our country. We do know a few churches in the surrounding areas of the disaster, however, we didn’t know how to partner with them or how to get supplies to them, as of right now they are just letting emergency vehicles through. As we prayed through the night we woke up to see just how God had worked it all out for us. Pastor Luis received and email this morning from an organization here in Guatemala. This organization has small planes that they use to help missionaries, pastors, and other non-profits travel within Guatemala for minimum to no costs. The email told Pastor Luis, ‘we have the transportation but not the resources to purchase items needed for those in need, can you help us?’
Well, since we all know that Impacto has some of the most amazing, selfless, thoughtful partners we thought this was something we could totally do! So, we are asking that you please consider partnering with us now. The rescue crews are asking for the following:
Bottled water
Canned food
Nutritious drink, Incaparina
Corn meal to make tortillas
Shampoo
Soap
Diapers
Whipes
Feminine care products
Clothes
Shoes
Blankets
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Medical supplies of all sorts
Of course, gathering all these in the U.S. and bringing it here would take a lot of money and time. So, we are asking for monetary donations so that everything may be purchased here. As always you can send your donations through PayPal on our website here or send your checks to the following address: Impacto Ministry
9690 Shepherds Creek Place
La Plata, MD 20646
Please prayerfully consider partnering with us as we help our fellow Guatemalans during such a tragic time. And please continue to pray for all those affected. The mortality numbers keep raising and our hearts are beyond broken. Please lift Guatemala in prayer today. Thank you so much in advanced!
