June 2006

Dear Friends and Partner in Ministry,

Our initial two-year term of service at Christian Academy of Guatemala
(CAG) is almost completed. However, during our end-of-year interview with the director, Joe Rosa, we expressed the desire to renew our commitment, to the delight of Mr. Rosa. Over a period of time already we have sensed God asking us for long-term service.

In the coming school year, Charles will continue to act as maintenance director as well as shop teacher. His job description as maintenance director also includes the assignment and coordination of tasks for work teams, serving at the school.

My (Petra’s) ministry, however, will change. As you may already know, on Tuesdays and Fridays I serve together with a team of other servants - some are from the States, others are from Guatemala, still others from the village itself -in a medical mission clinic. My responsibility encompasses a variety of tasks. e.g. taking vitals, pharmacy duties, individual patient care etc. - I don’t want to bore you with details here, but if you’re interested, I am happy to share more with you individually. –
Beginning in August, however, I am going to minister at a Feeding/Community Centre in a neighboring village as well. While on Mondays I have been asked to teach hand-on courses in kitchen management to the ladies, another ladies’ group, similar to the Coffee Break program is planned at that location for Wednesdays. The program will include bible study as well as time to learn handicrafts, e.g. knitting, crocheting.

In closing, we want to encourage you by sharing the sentiments of the people, we are privileged to serve:

“I have to walk over an hour to bring my three toddlers to the clinic because of respiratory problems, which are caused by the dust in our village, but, gracias a Dios, there is medical help available.”

(mother in Yalu)

“I have lived all my life in this village. My people and I feel abandoned by the Guatemalan government. When missionaries purchased the land, built this feeding centre and showed us God loves us, I received Jesus as my Savior and Lord. There was a time when I asked, ‘God, where are you? I can’t see you!’ God answered, ‘I am in the people who come to your village to help.’”

(Lorenzo, a 21 year old Mayan community leader from Yalu)

“Though I am indigenous, I have lived all my life in the city. I didn’t have any idea of life in the villages. In my church I found out about the project here in Yalu and now I am working with this ministry.”

(Pedro, construction foreman from the city)

“As a missionary and parent I am able to follow God’s calling to train national pastors, without being concerned about the quality of my children’s education, since they are able to attend CAG.”

(parent of CAG student and fellow missionary, serving with SBC)

“Together with their sons, the Wirrells have served the Lord effectively at C.A.G. They have made a significant impact, not only on the physical plant, but also in the lives of individuals. I ask you to extend their financial and prayer support so that God can continue to use them to bless the missionary community in Guatemala.”

(Mr. Rosa, the school’s director)

Thank you for enabling us, through your sacrificial giving, to be available in times such as these.

Charles & Petra Wirrell

willing and able to spread the Lord Love by nurturing Missoinary Kids at Christian Academy of Guatemala as well as serving the under-served of Guatemala.