For the first several years we that we lived here, there were very few other missionary families with children who lived in the area. Ashton, our oldest, prayed daily to have a friend in Chichi. God blessed her with 4 great friends who moved to Chichi shortly thereafter. In this last month however, all of these friends have moved away. Its a hard adjustment for an 11 year old to make.   Please pray for Ashton as she adjusts and has to say yet another "goodbye." Pray that God would meet her needs and comfort her. . (added 3/7/08)

For the past 2 years, Tom Hoak, a missionary and American Surgeon has been serving at the hospital in Chichicastenango. Tom is the only general surgeon in Chichi and a great asset to the community and the hospital.  In accordance with Guatemalan regulations and licensure requirements, he must undergo a year of internship under a Guatemalan surgeon in a Gov't hospital in Guatemala City - effective immediately.  This will have a huge impact on the hospital in Chichi. 

Tom has ask for your help. We need people to put together surgical teams from the states who can come to Chichi for a week or so and perform surgeries in the hospital. We'd ideally like to have teams scheduled through out the year.   If you  know of a physician or a team of physicians who would be willing to take a week and come to Chichi and help the hospital - it would be greatly appreciated.  Please let us know.  All of the details of those clinics can be scheduled from this end. We personally, will miss them greatly

Prayer - Philipe is a man who works as secretary at the Christian School.  Philipe is a Christian man with a kind and loving heart. He spent time in prison many years ago. After being released, he had been unemployable.  He has an incredible story demonstrating God's Grace and Redemption.  It was and has been a true privilege to be able to employ him and know his testimony.  In recent years, Philipe developed a prison ministry. Philipe spends several afternoons a week going to the prison in order to do Bible study with the men. When we take mission groups to the prison - it is in conjunction with Philipe's on-going ministry. 

Recently Philipe and his family have been receiving anonymous yet serious death threats.  The reason - unknown.  He has been told that there is a contract out on his life. (I'm told that for $60 (US), you can contract a gang member to have someone killed.)  PLEASE pray for Philipe and his family.  Pray that they will have  peace, comfort, and God's hand of protection. Pray that God's name will be glorified through this.   

ps.  when one of the men contracted called  to tell Philipe that he had a contract out on his life, Philipe began to tell the man about Jesus and all Jesus had done for him.  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

 

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

 

In a recent newsletter, I asked that you pray for an 11 year old little girl who had recently been in a serious car accident with her family.  She had experienced traumatic brain injury and wasn't expected to live.  She is now out of the hospital and should have no lasting brain injury.  Thank you for your prayers!  God hears them and He answers.