CBC missions has deep roots in Guatemala. Over the years, we have worked in San Juan, San Lucas, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Santa Clara and Pamsabal. We have met people from all walks of life from educators to field workers and we have helped build a school, build homes, and build family cookstoves. We have developed close friendships with people that look forward to seeing us each time we come and we look forward to seeing them as well.
From June 6th – 15th, 30 Covenant Brethren youth and adults traveled to Guatemala once again and had a wonderful time worshiping, working, serving, and sharing with our dear friends there. We started with a time of worship at the Covenant Brethren Miracle Fishing Church where we were welcomed by Pastor Walter and his wife Sister Suzie. We loved the praise and worship service led by their praise band who sang with passion and love for the Lord. Pastor Craig Howard was then invited to share a message on Living Holiness that was very well received. As he began, some of the youth from our group came forward and added $1,000 to the $8,000 that was recently sent down to help fund the continued construction of their new church building, which we visited after the service. After sharing a meal with them, we loaded up and headed to San Juan.
The days at San Juan were filled with a lot of hard work. On our first day there we moved 2,500 10lb concrete tiles up to the third floor of the school to begin the process of finishing the floors.
This also involved carrying 150 50lb bags of concrete mix up to the third floor as well, and then, after lunch, we started laying these tiles. To say that it was a tiring day is an understatement. Oh, did I mention, we had to fill 200 20lb bags of groceries also?
For the next two days we laid tile, helped teach in the English class, and traveled up into the mountains to deliver groceries and Bibles, build stoves and present water filtration systems. Thursday, we continued to lay tile, installed glass in the school windows, and bought groceries needed for our fun day with the students.
Some got to visit with families they sponsor which was a special joy. We also became acquainted with an amazing medical ministry there that we hope to work with in the future.
Friday was filled with fun as we set up various stations to play games with the 200 preschool and elementary students. We finished the morning with a “nutritious” meal we prepared for them of hot dogs, chips, cookies and soda. In the afternoon we brought the high school students out and presented each of them with a new Spanish Bible and a treat.
We challenged them that regardless of the trials that would come as they grow into adulthood, the answers to all those trials can be found in God’s Word. We had enough Bibles that we were able to present them to the teachers as well.
Each evening ended with a time of devotions and reflection. These were precious times that added to the wonderful bond that this group developed. All too soon it was time to load up in the boats, head back across the lake, and board the bus to the beautiful city of Antigua. There we shopped and ate a delicious meal in a restaurant within a building originally constructed in the 16th century as a convent for the area nuns. On our last morning, we met on the roof of our hotel to watch the volcano puff smoke and to ponder the lessons God taught us while in Guatemala.
It is such a blessing to feel used of God to minister to His family in different places around the world. It is good to remember how big God’s family truly is and that although they may speak differently, live differently, and dress differently, they are still our brothers and sisters in Christ. The time spent with them was such a blessing for all of us and we each left part of our heart there in the Guatemalan mountains.
Submitted by Craig Howard – CBC Public Relations, Publications, And News Articles Committee
