December, 2025
Dear Brethren in Christ and co-laborers,
Greetings from Guatemala, one of the Latin countries that now has an official “DAY OF THE BIBLE”, held the first Saturday of August. Pray that the true brethren will live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have a vibrant testimony in accordance to the Word of God. Psalm 103 is a beautiful portion of scripture that reminds all believers to be active and use His strength to serve Him. “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s”.
As we have the privilege to serve our Lord and King in Guatemala, we bless our Sovereign Lord in all things. We are grateful for the forgiveness of our sins in Christ and that we as the redeemed can say it and proclaim His gospel. We are crowned daily with His benefits including health and strength to fly as eagles with the power of youth.
HAL’S MEDICAL CHECK-UP
On September 15, we traveled to the U.S. for my annual medical check-up and several appointments at the Veterans Hospital in Florida. Blood tests were performed, and thank the Lord for the good results. Good magnesium levels, which are essential for good heart health, were also within normal limits for my age. Please continue to pray for my overall health. We praise the Lord for a safe return to Guatemala on October 8.
CONSOLATION FOR THE RICKER FAMILY
My oldest son, Timothy, passed away on September 15. The Ricker family buried a son, brother, uncle and great uncle on what would have been his 68th birthday, September 24. This year, as usual, we had hoped to celebrate his birthday with him, having cake, ice cream, and gifts, but we were unable. The Lord in his perfect will called his spirit from this world and consoled our hearts; but we miss him.
CONFEDERATION OF EVANGELICAL FUNDAMENTALIST CHURCHES OF GUATEMALA (CIEF)
Let us pray for our small groups of churches, who sponsored the “REFORMATION
SUNDAY” program, the annual “AUGUST 15” Bible Conference, and several other meetings. May God give wisdom to each of its members so that they may carry out the activities planned for the churches and to defend the faith once delivered to the saints. We explain, that as fundamentalists, we teach and preach the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. This year, we had a very good turnout for the Sunday afternoon “REFORMATION SUNDAY” meeting, with the theme “SOLA ESCRITURA”. The music at the conference was solemn and beautiful; it was a great blessing for the believers, and in attendance, were some unsaved. After the meeting, and a break, we had a special thanksgiving service for my grandson Samuel’s High School graduation, with appropriate words and Godly wisdom from His Word. It is customary here in Guatemala to have thanksgiving services for all types of graduations. Pray for Samuel and his future career plans, including where he will study.
TRINITARIAN BIBLE SOCIETY OF GUATEMALA AND BOOKSTORE
The Word of God continues to go out with faithful translations of the Bible. For all of you who have given gifts to keep the TBS of Guatemala and its bookstore operating, we are grateful for your help and support, and we thank the Lord for you. Some month’s sales are normal, but other month’s sales are low, and it is very hard to catch up. We need special gifts, whether they are annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly, to help us with the operating costs. Remember to mark your gifts “TBS Guatemala”.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS IN MONTSERRAT AND LOS ANGELES CHURCHES
As I write, we are preparing to welcome children and teenagers to Vacation Bible School at both our churches. Montserrat VBS will be held December 1- 5, and Los Angeles church December 8-12. The teachers and assistants are preparing to share with the children about Jesus and His salvation, praying and trusting in God for fruit, that some souls will be saved. We will also have the help of three young ladies from the Durand family of Chile. Thank God that He always helps us in the activities of Bible stories, the catechism with Bible verses, handwork, boys and girls Bible choruses, and refreshments. Last year we had parents and relatives, more than ever before, attend the closing exercises. We need your prayers for the relatives who will hear the Gospel by word and music.
As 2025 soon comes to an end and we face a New Year, we want to remember all of God’s benefits of 2025 and bless the Lord! We thank you for all your prayers and financial support. May our Lord richly bless you all for your labor of love for this Guatemalan ministry. From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!
Your missionaries for Christ’s sake,
Hal, Stephen, Juanita, Samuel and Joshua