Thursday, April 3, 2025

April 2025 Newsletter

Weekend Trip to Chiquimula
A highlight from the month of March was a return visit to our former work area in the Department of Chiquimula. We spent seven years living and working in that part of Guatemala. The years were long, hot, and hard. But, because of God's goodness and faithfulness, we saw fruit from our labor. What a blessing it was for us to be able to return and see that fruit continuing to grow.

We made home visits in the villages of Muyurco and Porto Suelo and had a wonderful time of fellowship with the church members in Nearar. They greeted us with a warm welcome and surprised us with a meal and cake for dessert.

Getting to be with all of them again warmed our hearts. We were able to sit and listen to them share and then pray over them.

We went to encourage but left feeling like we were the ones encouraged the most.

Continue to pray for these villages and the believers there. Pray that they would stay strong in their faith and not get discouraged. Pray that they would be light in that dark part of the world. Pray that the church would be proactive to share the Gospel and that they would grow in numbers this year.

If you would like to read more about our weekend trip there and see more photos, click on the button below:

Chiquimula Visit

Kid's Outreach
Another highlight was a Saturday afternoon kid's outreach activity we did with the pastor and his family in Xenacoj. They have been doing outreach in a neighboring community, and we enjoyed getting to go along with them this particular week and help.

Getting to work with the kids brought us all great joy. We sang, played games, had Bible study, colored, and enjoyed a snack. It was a full afternoon, and we were all tired by the time it ended.

Pray for the kids in this community. Pray for Pastor Saul and his precious wife Dori as they reach out to them and share the gospel there.

Coming Up...

In April we will make a trip to Mexico to visit two of our IMB missionary families that we supervise. Pray not only for our travel but that our time there would be productive. It is always helpful to go and see them in their work areas. It gives us a better understanding of their lives and helps us be able to better support them. Plus, it helps strengthen our relationships. That's the part I really love. Pray that we would be a great encouragement to them while there!

We will also travel to Quetzaltenango to attend a retirement celebration party for Gary and Lily Stone. They will be retiring in early May after close to forty years of missionary service. Pray for them as they pack up and prepare to return to the U.S. Pray for sweet goodbyes here and for an easy transition to life in the States.

On April 16 we will officially have another teenager in the house. Ben will be turning thirteen! Pray for him to grow immensely in the Lord this year. Pray for us as we lead, guide, and disciple him. Pray that God would surround him with others who will help him in his walk with the Lord.

On April 27 we will celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. Pray that God would strengthen our marriage and that it would be a testimony that points others to Christ.