September was a full and lively month for our team, filled with both fieldwork and administrative responsibilities. Although a few roadblocks changed some of our plans early in the month, we still had much to celebrate.

September 15 is Guatemala’s Independence Day, and the country came alive with festivities and parades! One of our favorite moments was watching the Happy Tummies children march in their parade. When they spotted us and waved with such excitement, our hearts overflowed with joy. We are grateful for every opportunity to help them feel seen, loved, and valued—and to share the love of Jesus with these precious children.

As we shared in our last e-letter, Pastor Luis and Pastor Tony traveled to Equatorial Guinea, Africa, in September. They returned deeply blessed by the people of this beautiful country and moved by the needs they witnessed. They also brought home wonderful news: three new Nueva Vida churches! Nueva Vida is our church-planting ministry, and through these churches, we hope and pray—if it is God’s will—to establish new Happy Tummies programs. Pastor Luis was honored to preach in one of the churches and 32 souls were won for the Kingdom! Pastor Tony had the privilege of preaching and leading in a baby dedication in one of the churches. We give all glory to God for these many blessings. The photos in this e-letter were taken by Pastor Tony and Pastor Luis during their time in Equatorial Guinea.

The need around the world is great, and our hearts can feel heavy because we long to do so much. Yet we are reminded that, although we are limited, our God can do far more than we could ever imagine. With hope and gratitude, we will continue to trust Him and serve wherever He calls us.

Here’s Your Invitation

As 2027 approaches, we would love to welcome teams to Guatemala to serve and share their God-given talents! You do not need to speak Spanish to make a meaningful connection—a smile, a hug, or simply sitting with someone can communicate so much. Come with an open and willing servant’s heart and trust God to fill in the rest. He will use you in wonderful ways, and you may return home so blessed that you cannot help but share your joy with others. Invite your church’s missions pastor, leader, or coordinator to contact Andrea and she will be delighted to help choose dates and share the many ways your team can serve ([email protected]).

You can also invite Pastor Luis to visit your church and share how God is moving and working in Guatemala. To begin planning a visit, ask the appropriate person at your church to contact Sarah at [email protected]. She would be happy to answer questions and help find dates that work for everyone.

Mark 5:19 “Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’”

You Have a Story to Share

In Mark 5, we meet a man whom Jesus freed from demonic possession. Overcome with joy, the man begged to go with Him. Instead, Jesus said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).

This story invites us to pause and ask: What has Jesus done in our lives? May we joyfully embrace the invitation to share His goodness with others. Your testimony can be a beautiful way to share the Gospel. You have a story worth telling—and all the glory belongs to God.

Many blessings,
Pastor Luis

Zona Cero and the Christmas Festival

A joyful reminder: Zona Cero and the Christmas Festival are coming soon, and there is still time to be part of these special ministries! Your support can encourage young people who feel lonely, unheard, or forgotten—and bring Christmas joy to families. To give to either event, visit our DONATE page and click on the drop-down menu. Before you check a box, you can add in Zona Cero or Christmas Fund in the optional note area (Zona Cero is part of our Training/Pastoral Support funding and the Christmas Festival is part of our Compassion Ministries funding). You can also mail a check to Impacto, PO Box 2906, La Plata, MD 20646 and add Zona Cero or Christmas Festival on your memo line. Thank you for partnering with us to share hope and joy!

Pastor Luis and Pastor Tony were given pillowcase dresses to gift the girls who would become Happy Tummies participants as well as resources to be used by the pastors to train other pastors and lay leaders. We send our deep appreciation to Real Life Church in Maryland for helping with these gifts. These 2 pictures show Pastor Tony presenting these gifts to Impacto Africa’s Director.

Pastor Cleto Ndong (Director of Impacto Africa) and wife Veronica Ndong

Pastor Angel Ondo and wife Aisa Ondo

Pastor Antonio Mbang and wife Patrocinia Mbang