Arrival in Guatemala City Welcome to Guatemala from Pastor Eliu and Becky
An impromtu ministry opportunity came up when a couple of pastors from the Ixil Triangle requested sound systems
and and a loudspeaker so the areas around the churches would be able to hear the gospel being proclaimed. The Ixil
Triangle is located in the department of Quiche – approximately a 6 hour drive from Guatemala City. In addition to
delivering the sound systems, services were held and evangelistic movies were shown in a total of 8 villages over the
course of 6 days! The first 4 days, Pastor Miguel opened his home in Salquil Grande and spending time with his
family was a joy! After 4 days in the area surrounding Salquil Grande, it was off to Villa Hortensia, Quisis and Chisis.
After spending the night in Quisis, it was time to return to Guatemala City.
During my time in the Ixil Triangle, a women's group from Illinois was hosting a medical clinicin Nebaj. The first day of the clinic was specifically to minister to the area pastors and their families. So on the way down from Salquil Grande, I had the privilege to give transportation to Pastor Miguel and his family. Upon arriving at the school where the clinic was held, I learned one of the translators/nurses was delayed due to the Fuego volcano just outside Guatemala City erupting which had closed the airport. I was able to join the translators from Iglesia Vida (my home church in Villa Nueva) to serve in the medical clinic.
Images from the Ixil Triangle
 |
| Ixil Maya Woman Weaving on a Backstrap Loom |
 |
| Worship Service in the Ixil Triangle |
 |
| Pastor Miguel and family in Salquil Grande |
 |
| Church in Quisis |
February 19 was a special day as I returned to the village of El Tablon for the first time in 20 years. El Tablon will always have a special place in my heart as my first official construction project as a full-time missionary. The wood church building stood for nearly 18 years and until being replaced 3 years ago by a brick building. I am still remembered by the head deacon and his wife as “Hermana Ana” as Heather is all but unpronounceable by most of the indigenous Guatemalans. Many of the young women were young children at the time of my first visit and now have children of their own who are the same age as their mothers were at the time of my initial visit. What a blessing to see
this church continuing to thrive and grow!
 |
| Church Building in El Tablon |
 |
| Deacon Obispo and His Wife Antonia, They have faithfully served for 25 years. |
Grady and Sandy Strop and Seth and Beth Swihart arrived for a Pastor's conference for the pastors of Section Pinula from February 20 – 22. This was a special time of ministry for the pastors and their families to be ministered to and enjoy a time of rest and restoration away from the responsibilities of their churches. I was privileged to be asked to serve as translator allowing these pastors to be ministered to in their heart language.
On February 25, I officially moved into my new home. God has graciously provided and I pray that my home will be a place of ministry, peace and refuge where God is glorified and His presence felt. There are 2 extra bedrooms for anyone wishing to visit :)
 |
| Home Sweet Home |
 |
| My shower, sink and washing machine! Just kidding - I do have all 3. In rural areas, however, the pila functions as all of those! |
Praises:
- My safe arrival in Guatemala City
- Establishing a bank account and securing a house to rent
- Re-establishing relationships – some going back 20 years!
- Protection while relearning my way around Guatemala City. The driving style here is anything goes and one learns to quickly expect the unexpected!
- A wonderful church home in Iglesia Vida!
- My prayer and financial partners
Prayer Requests:
- Engracia: daughter of Pastor Miguel in the Ixil triangle, diagnosed with liver abnormalities, possibly hepatitis, also ovarian cysts. Funds needed to see specialists in a larger city.
- Iglesia Vida – construction has begun on a larger facility however, church leaders recently received word that construction costs have doubled since the original estimate.
- Wisdom and guidance as I pursue opportunities for ministry.
- Pursuing additional language learning. Guatemala has 24 recognized indigenous languages Prayerfully considering learning the 2 -3 languages spoken in the areas I will be primarily ministering.
- Continued financial support
I am grateful to all those who support me with their prayers and finances.
Financial contributions can be sent to : Online/Electronic Contributions
Yielded Evangelical Servants www.yeservants.org
P.O. Box 700697, St. Cloud, FL 34770 Click on the link on my web page.
