During this time of quarantine, social distancing, curfews, wearing masks, and loved ones being sick it can be a little difficult finding something to be thankful about. However, we are firm believers that we “ must give thanks in all circumstances ” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Now, because it’s written in the Bible it does not make it easy; and especially in such rare times as these. Still, it’s what God asks of us, and I know right now there are so many of us asking Him for miracles and healing. So, we challenge you, that while we should keep asking for healing for our world, let us also give Him something, let’s give Him our praise, worship, and thankfulness.
Below you will find praises to thank God for alongside us and also a few requests we’d ask that you lift in prayer as well. | | - We praise God for technology. There have been so many times where we have shamed technology, where we have warned youth about the dangers found in technology – but, today, today we are grateful because our staff can communicate with each other as well as family and friends from all over the world. It makes this quarantine a little less lonely.
- We are grateful for Tricia Spaeth and Josh DePra. They came to serve as interns and weren’t able to get home before Guatemala closed its boarders. Though they miss their families and have missed time and shifts at their jobs, they remain with high spirits and have been a comfort to our staff as well as for the Mendez kids.
- We give all glory to God because we have already heard of so many testimonies of miracles of healing and many coming to Christ during this time. To God be the glory!
- Praise God we were able to help the families of the construction workers this week, read more below for details!
| | “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should the living complain when punished for their sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:37-40 | | - Our main and biggest request is for a miracle from the Lord. We ask God to be done with this virus, for Him to show us mercy and grace and rid the earth of this pandemic.
- Let us pray for our political leaders. I know this is a hard for many, but we are called to pray for them, that God will give them wisdom and knowledge and that they, too, will seek Him during this time of unknowns.
- Join us in lifting in prayer all those working at clinics, hospitals, grocery stores, banks, firefighters, police, paramedics, all those who have to continue working during these trying times.
- Pray for our pastors, and pastors all over the world. We can imagine having church and keeping a community together online might be harder than in person. They miss their congregations, they miss the fellowship, and they miss pastoring in person. Let’s pray for them, for their hearts, and their families.
| | We are being very cautious here. Our President has asked that everyone stay at home as much as possible and not to gather or visit even if keeping the 6 feet of distance. We are trying very hard to follow what he’s asked to do our part to keep COVID-19 from spreading. Many of you have asked about our workers. Though times are difficult, our Happy Tummies teachers (there are 7) and about 8 other Impacto workers are receiving their monthly salary even though they are not allowed to work. However, with our construction workers things have been a little different. Right before the virus became a pandemic we were reaching the point where we could either buy more material or pay the construction crew. We would not be able to do both. The day before the President shut everything down we had made the hard decision that construction would stop until we raised more funds and/or teams came and helped with their funds.
We know a few have been able to get temporary jobs here and there and our government is trying hard to help those in most need in towns like San Juan and San Pedro. Yet, our hearts went out to them and we thought we could do a little something to help them. So, this week we have prepared food bags, similar to those given during home visits, and asked the guys to come pick them up. We have set something up so that they can pick up their bags and we can all keep a safe social distance. It might seem like an exaggeration, but please understand we are trying to be part of the solution and not the problem, as we are following the guidelines set by our President. We are continuing to ask God for wisdom as we deal with these unusual circumstances and we are doing what our staff feels is right for all involved.
We also have two churches, one in Guatemala City and one in Zacapa, who are struggling during this time. As you know here in the lake area we have water springs and the lake. But the communities these churches serve are very poor and they are struggling to obtain any kind of water, let alone drinking water. We want to provide the Pastors with the funds needed to have food bags to deliver, and we’d like to add at least 2 gallons of purified water with each bag. Our Pastors are aware of the situation and they also have a plan to be able to help these families while also following the guidelines set by our President.
We know times are hard right now, but if you could donate $20 that would cover the cost of one food bag. We will be attempting to supply these bags twice a month for now. We are hoping to benefit the 16 men who made up the construction crew and about 75 families among the two churches. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this gift for these 91 families. You can donate via PayPal on our website or by sending a check to the Impacto Office (9690 Shepherds Creek Pl, La Plata, MD 20646). Thank you in advance for your help in providing for those much less fortunate than most of us. | | When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 | | | WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH? check our website or e-mail us for more information. | | | | SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY Support Impacto by shopping consciously through Amazon Smile. | | | | | | | | |
