For
the first half of the month we were mostly stuck at home due to
country-wide political roadblocks and protests stemming from recent
elections. Homeschool kept us busy and occupied while we waited for
things to calm down. Pray for the political situation in Guatemala to
remain peaceful. The new President will take office in mid-January.
Pray that the transition will be a smooth one.
IMB Homeschool Conference
Right
in the middle of the protesting we had a trip to Virginia scheduled to
attend an IMB Homeschool Conference for families serving in the
Americas. Here we are after arriving at the airport in the middle of
the night to avoid any roadblocks. That meant we had a long ten hour
wait to board our flight. We were happy to get out for a short break and
thankfully things calmed down while we were gone.
We had a wonderful conference! I was able to get a lot of questions
answered especially for things pertaining to high school and college
prep. Our morning devotions were led by some of our IMB leadership
wives. A highlight was hearing Michelle Chitwood share about an issue
she had with her son when he was in school, which just happens to be a
struggle I am currently dealing with. Her words of wisdom and reminder to focus on our children's hearts encouraged my
heart in many ways. It was just one of many takeaways I had from the
conference.
A U.S. volunteer team came to work with the kids while we were in our
classes. Our boys participated in daily fun-filled educational
activities. They also took the IOWA state test and were part of a
science fair.
Other activities throughout the week included a graduation recognition
service for our juniors and seniors, a talent show, a curriculum fair, a
college fair, and a surprise birthday celebration for our amazing TCK
educational consultant.
This conference is just one way that Southern Baptists support their
missionaries. Educational issues is something that many missionaries
struggle with. Whether families choose homeschool, national school, or
international school, the IMB does a fantastic job of making sure we
have the training, resources, and support we need to help our children
get a solid education on the mission field.
Thank you Southern Baptists for making it possible to have conferences like this. Our family is truly grateful!
The boys science fair projects.
Graduation Service
As
soon as we returned home from Virginia, David headed out to Chiquimula
to attend a graduation service for our leaders in Nearar. For the past
three years several from the Baptist church in Nearar have been taking
Bible classes at a local Bible Institute. The church pastor, Rafael,
and his wife, Luz, finished the course and graduated.
This was a huge accomplishment for them both. When we first met Rafa
years ago, he had a limited education. He has come a long way
over the years and has worked very hard to learn. His desire to be able
to read the Bible and grow in his faith has been his motivation.
Words cannot express how very proud we are of both of them. It
has been a joy to see them come to know the Lord, be discipled, and
step up to lead the church. This opportunity to study will only
strengthen their ability to serve and reach their area with the gospel.
Continue
to pray for them, the church, and all the surrounding villages in their
area that many more would come to know the Lord through the witness of
Rafa and Luz.
Upcoming
The
church in Nearar will be having their anniversary service November
4-5. Pray that these services would not only be an encouragement to the
congregation, but would also be a witness to the local community as
they see the church united and strong.
The
Baptist church in Jocotenango will be having their anniversary service
this coming Saturday, November 4. Pray for their service and that the
Lord would continue to use their church to be a light in their city.
The
regional pastor's meeting for our area will be this coming Sunday,
November 5. Pray for a good day of meetings and unity among the pastors.
The
Guatemala Baptist Convention will be taking place November 28-30. Pray
for great meetings and unity among not only the leadership but all the
Baptist churches throughout Guatemala. Pray that these days would be
refreshing for the pastors and leaders who will be attending and that
they would return to their churches with a renewed zeal to lead out and
advance the gospel.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Season
Lottie Moon season is quickly approaching! Where should you begin?
Pray about your church’s involvement with the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Set a giving goal for your church.
Setup an online campaign for your church.
Download and order available resources.
Find promotional resources and the new church campaign feature at: imb.org/lottie.
*
Pray
Promote
Participate
IMB Service Anniversary
Lastly,
in October we celebrated seventeen years of service with the IMB. We
are very humbled that the Lord has allowed us to serve Him here for so
many years. It has been an honor to represent Southern Baptists on the
mission field, to be a face to your Lottie Moon giving, and to host many
of you here in Guatemala.
Many of you we have met as a result of answering the call to go. Our
lives have been impacted greatly by your prayers, your friendship, your
love, and your encouragement. Thank you for coming alongside us on this
journey. You play a vital role in everything we do! Let's keep going!!!
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