February 2013 Ministry Update

The February update is a few days late, but praise God it has been very busy here with some very exciting ministry. February saw visits by a team of engineering students that came to evaluate the water quality in different villages, determining if any illnesses were related to the drinking water and identify some sustainable, affordable solutions. While they were here they conducted field test and did find many quality issues with the water and also visited clinics to speak to health care providers. The team will continue testing and submit some suggestions for improving the water quality for the people here.

The team from Gateway Church conducted two days of medical clinics in San Pedro and 3 days of training for the teachers in Happy Tummies. Happy Tummies was a major benefactor of this teams visit, in addition to the training offered some of the men on the team built shelves and the team provided a fully set up classroom. Even the families of the children of Happy Tummies were blessed as the medical team provided check ups for the children and families of the program. The area Pastors received some greatly needed encouragement and training from the leaders on this team also.

The end of February saw a team of 23 from Hillside Church constructing one house in Santa Maria and another in Santa Clara. One afternoon was spent in San Marcos with VBS and "Happy Feet". There were many smiling faces as new shoes were received by so many. Of course a trip to the Lake is never complete without a visit to Happy Tummies, and it only takes a moment to fall in love with the children there. This group received a special treat when we all visited with the elderly of San Juan. They were older as far as the calendar goes but were young in spirit as they sang songs with the team and showed off some of the crafts they had made.

It is always hard to say goodbye, but we pray that these groups will find the words to share their experiences in Guatemala with others back home.

As this is being written we are awaiting the arrival of the speakers for this weeks Pastors Congress. We ask you to be in prayer this week that God will be in control and the disciples will be equipped to share Jesus among the people of Central America.

Reading suggestions from the Impacto Staff:

Considering short or long term missions, or are you a leader preparing a team? This is some suggested reading from the staff of Impacto:

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility, by Duane Elmer (Mar 16, 2006)

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself, by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert and David Platt (Apr 20, 2012)

Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live, by David Platt and Francis Chan (Feb 5, 2013)

Finish the Mission: Bringing the Gospel to the Unreached and Unengaged, by John Piper, David Mathis, David Platt and Ed Stetzer (Sep 5, 2012)

Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It), by Robert D. Lupton (Oct 2, 2012)


Serving with Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence, by David A. Livermore (Apr 1, 2006)

The Hole in Our Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World, by Richard Stearns (May 4, 2010)



You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.
(2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4 MSG)


With much love from Guatemala,
Pastor Luis, Dinora, Sarah, Tony, Andrea, Fredy, Bryce, Fred, Dusty & Tyler (Impacto Staff)