Hurricane Victims Update

After our last prayer letter, we had several churches respond with special offerings to help with the Hurricane Stan victims. We have been able to take in over 10,000 lbs. of corn, rice and beans, a huge lot of used clothing, dishes, farming tools, as well as Bibles, hymnals and Gospel tracts.

We first started with a group of 25 families in a place called Pacutamá 2, but since have expanded our efforts to another community of 23 families in Pacutamá 1.  We have shown the “Jesus” film in their language (Quiché) in both communities and have had 7 professions of faith.

We were finally able to sit down and talk to the leaders of the first community about spiritual matters, only to find out that they are all pretty much Charismatic Catholics. One of the leaders was one who had made a profession of faith and he told me later it was only a “reconciliation”.  We compared Scripture on different issues for about 3 hours, and finally left a set of discipleship lessons for them to study over the next few weeks.

We will be returning at least once more to see what the Lord has done in their hearts through the study of His Word.  Pray for the people of Pacutamá 1 and
2 that their eyes will be opened to the truth of God’s Word.

First Baptisms in the New Baptistery

On December 11th, we had our first baptisms in the new baptistery. Bro. Jorge Flores, Bro. Jorge Obregón, his wife, Idalmi and Iris Fausto all gave wonderful testimonies of their salvations in a combi- nation testimony-baptism service.  There were several unsaved family members present for the service and they each received a clear presentation of how the Gospel transforms the life of a believing Christian. Others have been saved and, Lord willing, will be baptized soon.

Other News

Upon returning from one of the trips to help the hurri-cane victims, we stopped at an enclosed shopping center with security guards to eat lunch. During lunch however, our vehicle was broken into, and the guards “saw nothing”. The result was nearly $2700.00 of items – including a video camera, a still camera, clothes, tools, Bibles, a VCR and other things - getting stolen. After nearly a month of phone calls and meetings, we were offered a check for only about 40% of the loss. If you would like to help in replacing the stolen items, it would be greatly appreciated. Please designate your gift “For stolen items.”

Also, pray for Beth. This year we are starting full-time home schooling due to several drastic changes at the school the children have been attending. It is a big adjustment for all of us, but especially for her.

Thank you for your faithful prayers!