Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What a wonderful year 2025 has been. As we reflect on this past year we rejoice in all the good times and pray that we can grow in Christ from the bad times.
This past year we had the privilege of hosting 35 teams! And we can say that each team shared Christ wholeheartedly, loved on those whom they served, and had a bigger lasting impact than they could imagine. We are so grateful for each team that works hard to raise funds, plan, collect, and travel to come minister alongside us, share the Gospel, and love on the people of Guatemala.
Remember, if you want to bring a team, or join a team for next year we will be delighted! You can email Andrea Mendez for more information at [email protected].
Pastor Luis would appreciate the opportunity to visit your church and share updates about God's work in Guatemala. Have your missions pastor, missions director, or lead pastor email Andrea Mendez ([email protected]) or Sarah Poythress ([email protected]) for details and to schedule dates.
New Year's Resolutions
I’m sure you’re already thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions for 2026. There are many resolutions we make yearly such as, bettering our health, diet, exercise, finishing school, and so many more. If the resolutions you make are in God’s will that’s good, and I pray that He helps you complete them.
However, as we make our own resolutions, there are resolutions God has for us, I would like to share at least 2 of them with you.
The first resolution is found in Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
The second resolution is the following verse, Deuteronomy 6:6, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
When it talks about these commandments it’s talking about the Bible, which we have in our homes, on our phones – we can find it anywhere! This means one more resolution you can make is to read your Bible everyday next year. If you read 4 chapters a day you can finish the entire Bible in a year. But it’s not just about reading, it’s about learning and understanding.
I pray we will all learn much and understand His Word more in the next year. Happy New Year!
Serving Christ together,
Pastor Luis
Support for Training and Pastoral Ministries
Invitation to Contribute: The “Training/Pastoral Support” Fund
We continue to ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to our “Training/Pastoral Support” bucket, which provides essential resources to several key ministries. You may be wondering what this bucket is for, and we are happy to clarify its purpose.
Ministries Supported by the Fund
These ministries play a vital role in teaching, discipling, and training both local pastors and teens. Our pastors and leaders dedicate themselves daily to supporting others, and it is crucial that they are also nurtured and empowered. By contributing to this fund, you help us provide a place where pastors and leaders can find renewal, receive biblical instruction, and be equipped to teach others.
Impact and Growth
We are excited to share that there are now 18 Nueva Vida churches, with 3 new churches added just this month. The “Training/Pastoral Support” fund enables us to minister directly to our pastors and reach even more individuals in our community. Everyone benefits from these resources, and no one is turned away.
Encouraging the Next Generation
This year, during Zona Cero, 35 teens felt God’s call to serve. These young people may have continued to ignore their calling if they had not been encouraged, supported, and believed in. Your support helps us nurture those who are committing themselves to the Great Commission. We hope to implement a follow-up program for these teens, aiming to disciple them as they pursue God’s plans for their lives.
Ensure We Have Your Correct Mailing and Email Address
To help us keep our records accurate, we kindly ask that you verify your current mailing and email addresses. If you have moved or changed either your mailing or email address during this year, please send your updated information to [email protected] before December 31.
Why It's Important
We begin preparing and sending contribution notices in early January. Having your correct contact details on file will make it much easier for us to ensure you receive this important tax information promptly. Your cooperation in updating your information is greatly appreciated and helps us serve you better.
Our Gratitude
Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers as we minister in Guatemala. Your involvement is invaluable to our mission.
