NEWS FROM HQ

Serving the Lord in Guatemala

October, 2024

Dear prayer partners in Christ,

            Today, we want to begin with a question for you, “Are you living a life where you know your purpose, and are you striving to fulfill that purpose?” In the moments when life is filled with so much responsibility, we often do not have time to ask ourselves these kinds of questions, as there are too many things to do. As Christians, the reason we live on this earth began with God, but as time goes on we find that there are many moments when our “busyness” became our reason for living. Let’s change this thinking and reorder our days as we meditate on verses such as Proverbs 19:21: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

            The Christian Middle School project in Patzicia began with a prayer that the youth of Patzicia would lay the foundation for their life’s purpose in the Word of God. After looking for a proper school facility, learning about the registration process, meeting with people who could work with us, visiting the places, and preparing documents, we have been in a situation where it seems that we need to wait, and do it again. Up to now, we have seemingly achieved nothing, and there are two months left in 2024. The whole process has been tedious and tiring, but we will not give up and will do our best until God’s will is fully established for this project. Please pray that the Lord would guide us to that which is most needed, to find a school location; a spacious place which can accommodate about 120 students with reasonable rent and is in downtown Patzicia. It is a highly difficult situation, so please pray with this that God will be glorified in the finding of the proper facility. Let’s do this together.

English Bible Study

            In the English Bible study class for middle and high school students, we study Bible verses in English or Spanish, as well as learn English vocabulary that is based on those Bible verses, and proceed with English grammar according to the individual student’s level. For adults, studies are conducted with Spanish Bible verses and English vocabulary, based on the Bible verses, is taught using simple conversations.

            October is the last month of the school year, and expected graduates are very busy with practical training. Due to these circumstances, class participation has been low for the past few weeks. Since regular schools start their holiday in November, we are encouraging more students to participate in this Bible study. Please pray for new students to participate as well.

            The two of us are also encouraging participation in an English Bible study while conducting English classes at Sumpango Public School. Although not many students are joining, we have a few coming an hour before school starts. Emily (15 years-old) and Sheyh (17 years-old) are sisters currently in the third year of the middle school. Due to family circumstances, they have work in the morning and attend classes in the afternoon. Even though they wanted to continue to attend the Bible study class, they were unable to do so. We are praying for ways to help students, like these sisters, who are unable to profit from such opportunities due to various difficult circumstances with their families. When you can, pray for God’s wisdom and provision for these students.

            A new Bible study class was started in the second week of October. It is held in the Alanjuyu Agricultural Technical School located in Patzicia. This technical school has two weeks of classes and two weeks of practical training. So, during the two weeks of practical training, when the students do not come to school, the teachers have a Bible study class for an hour a week. We have around 10 teachers serving. Pray for them to experience God’s presence and blessing through His Word.

Family News

            The two of us have had several health issues over the past few weeks. Caleb had a blood pressure problem, Debra had a skin allergy, etc. But we thank God for preventing such problems from getting worse. Your constant prayers are very much needed and appreciated, for spiritual and physical strength.

            Thank you, brethren in the Lord, for always being with us in prayers and support. As each year passes and we grow older, our bodies become weaker. Although we cannot do anything about this, in our strength, our trust is in our Lord. We pray that our hearts will be firm in our faith, unwavering, just like the moment we first believed.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

                                                                                                            In His endless love,
                                                                                                              Caleb and Debra