Happy September! September is a busy month here in Guatemala. September 15 is our Independence Day. Which means, all the days leading up to this there are parades, parades, oh and did we mention there are parades? It’s one of the reasons we had our Stitches of Blessings graduation so early this year. Many people need costumes, or clothes tailored for the parades, therefore, it’s a great time for the women to start their businesses.

We’d like to share some other praises and prayer requests with you. They’re listed below.

above: First Pastor's Congress in Coban

Praises

• We praise God because this month He allowed us to have the first ever conference in Coban. Coban is north of Guatemala City and is about a 10 hour drive. We were expecting 15 pastors and had over 35! It was such a great time of fellowship, learning, and teaching. This conference was something we were able to do because of your prayers and support, and above all, God.
• We praise God for the country of Guatemala! Have you ever asked yourself, "what makes a country a great country?" Well, we know it’s not the government of leaders, most of them are after their own welfare. But what makes a great nation is its people. And we have the privilege of working alongside many Guatemalans as well as ministering to and serving them. The people of Guatemala are kind, empathetic, willing to serve, and loving. We praise God that we are part of this magnificent nation, and even though we can’t see how God is going to continue to use us to serve Him here, we know He is.

above: Happy Independence day Guatemala!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36 [NIV]

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Please join us in prayer for Guatemala. We live in an amazing nation with amazing people, but the leadership is not doing what it should. Their priorities are themselves and anyone with money. The middle class and lower class are completely forgotten, and that’s one reason why we aim to serve them daily.
• Pray for our staff as we prepare to host teams for 3 consecutive weeks. Pray that we make wise decisions, protection for the teams, and that many will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.
• We ask that you lift Zona Cero [youth camp] in prayer. We are busy at work with all the preparations for this event. Last year we hosted over 200 teens! We don’t know what to expect this year, but we do know that God is going to show up and show out! Pray for these teen hearts to be soften and open so that they may hear what God has to say to them while they are here.