June 2008

Whatever you do, word or in deeds, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  (Col. 3:17)

From the beginning until now, this month has been full of activity and charged with emotional challenges.

James:

• SAT Test (College test?) for 5 hours
• Volley ball was undefeated and the CAG Team won the “Copa”
• Preparing for and now writing final exams
• Encouraging fellow students

 Jonathan:

• Monitoring/operating the soundboard during Thursdays’ chapel and during special choir performances
• Preparing and writing final exams
• Assisting the principal in selecting appropriate music clips for and presenting during the end-of-year power point presentation
• Having to say “Good bye” to a school friend who is moving to Mexico

 Charles:

• Assist fellow missionaries to fix car problems
• Regular maintenance and repair work
• Continue to teach auto mechanic and woodwork shop
• Finish up and make final preparation for the graduation ceremony
• Welding work in the gymnasium

Petra:

• Comfort a woman from Union church whose husband died after 60 years of marriage.  While he had suffered under Alzheimer for about 10 years, she struggled each day, seeing her beloved slowly deteriorating. Yet she chose, together with a friend of the family, to care for her husband until his death.
• Celebrating “Mother’s day” at the home for mentally challenged people. What a privilege it was to meet the families of these special “adult-children” and witness their joyful interaction.

Yes, this time of year is full of activity and charged with emotional challenges.  Senior students graduate and move on to colleges and jobs. More missionary families than usual leave Guatemala to other parts of the world. Friends have to say “Adios!” to each other.  They gave a part of themselves to, and were enriched by the part they received from, the other.

Even in the midst these many transitions, we are reminded that whatever we do, word or in deeds, to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  (Col. 3:17)

We are glad and thankful for you, our friends and family, for your ongoing prayer and financial support.  Without your generosity, we could not continue doing our work here in Guatemala.  We hope to meet many on our summer travel.  Please check our itinerary to see where you can meet with us.