Goodbye 2023! As we wrap up the year we are flooded with feelings, and as we think back on memories we are smiling, laughing, crying, and even cringing a little bit. However, nothing compares to the God-moments we experienced this year. We saw over 1,000 souls come to Christ! We saw close to 20 women graduate from two Stitches of Blessings classes. We’ve fed close to 200 kids and over 80 Abuelitos! We now have two Abuelitos locations, one in San Juan (lake area) and one in Gerona (Guatemala City suburbs)! God has been so good! We have seen Him do miracles, answer prayers, break chains, mold lives, mend hearts, count tears, bring joy and hope, and so much more!
As we look back on our year, we see clearly how God has allowed us to use compassion ministries to share the Gospel every single day. We share through our words, our actions, our hugs, our advice, our listening ears, our smiles, our kind words, and more. This is why teams are such an irreplaceable part of Impacto’s ministries. The fact that people travel so many miles to share God with the people of Guatemala has a bigger ripple effect than we will ever be able to grasp.
God has been so good this year, and though we could talk about the bad times we have decided to focus on Him, His mercy, His forgiveness, His grace, and give all glory to Him. And thank you. Thank you for believing in Impacto and the ministry God has called us to do. Thank you for your love, your financial support, your prayers, and your friendship
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Ezra 7:10 [NIV]
It is likely that you are already thinking of your New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s to start eating healthier, going to the gym, studying more, reading more books. Whatever your resolution may be, I want to share with you about a young prophet named, Ezra. He presented God with 3 resolutions that he wanted to accomplish whole heartedly. Ezra 7:10 says, “This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.” [NLT]
Ezra’s 3 resolutions were to, ‘study the Law of the Lord’, ‘obey the Law of the Lord’, and teach the Law of the Lord’.
Three beautiful resolutions you and I could put into practice for this New Year. To read God’s Word more, obey His Word, and share with those that do not know Him. May God bless you and may you be able to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions.
Happy New Year!
Pastor Luis
QUICK UPDATE...
One of the changes 2024 brings is that Becca Gruwell-Chamorro will no longer form part of our staff. This was a decision made by Becca after a lot of prayer. Right now, her focus is her husband Juan, and new baby, Harley. We are sad to see Becca leave our staff but stand next to her to fully support her on this new journey that is motherhood. We look forward to continuing our friendship with Becca as well as ministering alongside her in church. Becca knows that when and if she is ever ready to return to Impacto the doors are open for her. For now, we will continue to support her in any and every way we can. We are so grateful that God brought her to our staff when He did and we are certain she will forever be a part of our family.
