March 2009

This month anew we were reminded of the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

It started out with Petra accompanying a dental team to Zacualpa, Quiche during the first week. After returning and spending three days together as family, Charles, James and Jonathan went off to the annual “Servant Day” projects.

James’ senior class worked in an aldea (village), constructing a church building with sheet metal walls. They also dug a 180 m long ditch in order to lay water pipes for a school.

Charles accompanied Jonathan’s junior class to their project destination in Xela. They, too, were actively involved with “digging holes” and “hauling dirt”.

Meanwhile, Petra once again went out with another team. This time it was a medical team, compiled of doctors, nurses, medical technicians and other support staff. Within five days, the medical team performed about 40 surgeries. Petra’s main responsibility was to translate from English to Spanish and vice versa. It was such a joy and brought a deep satisfaction to touch people in the name of Jesus.

We thank you, our supporters, for allowing the LORD to use you to bring about HIS peace in this world. At the same time, we encourage you to continue blessing others through your gifts and contributions, so that God’s will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Above all, let us join together in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.