August has been a very active month for our staff. We have been everywhere and done all kinds of things!
Earlier this month we were able to take a medical team to visit our church in Zacapa and hold 2 and a half days of medical clinics. We then traveled to Guatemala City to our church there and had a full day of medical clinics. Another team came and helped with ministry efforts in the lake area. What a wonderful time we had serving and ministering with these teams!
Many were seen, many were given medicine, but most importantly, many came to know Christ as their Lord and Savior!
On August 27 we also had our Stitches of Blessings graduation! This usually takes place later in the year, but we have some big events coming up and this was the perfect weekend. Also, September announces the end of the year here in Guatemala with different holidays and graduations coming and the women will all find lots of use for their machines. We are so excited to have another group of women head home with their machines because we know they make a difference in the lives of their families.
Above is a picture of one of the teams that came to minister with us.
below is the 2022 Stitches of Blessings Graduation Class!
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1 [NIV]
"WAIT PATIENTLY ON THE LORD"
In Psalm 40 we find in verse 1 “I waited patiently for the Lord.”
We then learn that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit according to Galatians 5:22.
But going back to Psalm 40, ‘patiently.’ As humans we always want our answers to be speedy. But the Psalmist shows us that if we wait patiently for the Lord, He will answer according to His will. Verse 2 shows us the results we see when we wait patiently. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Do you want to have a new song in your mouth? (v.3) Then let’s wait patiently for the Lord.
May God bless you,
Pastor Luis
Above: Happy Tummies Panyebar
PASTOR'S CONGRESS
This is the first year since 2019 that we will hold our Pastor’s Congress! To be completely honest, we were not sure we would or should. However, when we started calling all those who have come in the past their responses had us on the verge of tears. Most of them expressed how they had been waiting and praying we would call. Many of them say they think of us and pray for us daily. They were so excited to know we were starting back up again.
When we told them the cost had not gone up for this year, they could not believe it! Many of them travel from far, and just paying for their bus fare alone is a great sacrifice. Of course, everything has gone up in price, we are seeing awful inflation, with some items costing 8 times more than they did last year! Nonetheless, as prices rise salaries do not.
This Congress might be the only opportunity some of these men and women have to learn more, to fellowship, to have 3 days as husband and wife, to take a breath, and to have someone else pour into them. After COVID we are seeing so many pastors, wives, leaders, teachers, etc., burnout. What if this 3-day Congress can prevent that? What if 3 days of a refresh is all they need to not leave their church? Their husbands? Their wives? Their kids? Their ministries?
With US$250 you can help us sponsor 1 person to attend the Congress. What does this include? This includes 8 meals, 2 snacks, notebook, pencils, pens, highlighters, hygiene pack, 3 nights lodging, plus any other teaching material; this can vary from printouts, to books, Bibles, and more. Please join us in filling the cups of those who fill others.
If you can help us with the costs for this very much needed event please click on DONATE NOW to find the different ways you may give. Thank you!
Above: Happy Tummies San Juan
Below: Stitches of Blessing Graduation Ceremony
