We filled a truck and our Isuzu with 66 witnesses and headed to San Lorenzo, a heated pool area to baptize Cruz, Juan Carlos teens and newest employees in our project, and Berta and her only single
daughter Alma.

  On May 30th. Berta was diagnosed with end stage ovarian cancer and has been receiving radiation therapy for pain control since late January. We asked for prayer for this dysfunctional alcoholic family and God answered our cries for help. Berta received Christ shortly after her diagnosis and has faithfully attended church since.

 Now, this family is a wonderful example of God's gift of forgiveness. Six months ago the four daughters barely spoke, now their goal is to let their mother know she is not only forgiven, but loved. We thank everyone who has contributed for the radiation therapy, hospital stay, and pain meds. Continue your prayers for this family to grow closer to the Lord and each other. The father still has many needs.

Juan Carlos is the first of the project's 8 continuing ed students to receive his first semester grades. He quit school nearly 2 years ago to help support his family. He is in 6th grade on Saturdays and working full time as teacher aide in our project. He received the highest marks in his class. That took lots of hard work, because the public school does not prepare our students for higher grades. We are excited about this young man's future not only in the project, but in the church.

Saying Goodbye!

Emiliano (with hat) father of 8 grown sons was an example of leadership and gentleness, neither common traits in our village. Never has ministering to the dying been more of a challenge. Late January, Emiliano sought help for severe pain in his Chest. Tests revealed both his esophagus and duodenum were severely damaged by excess acid. Biopsies were negative. Then, after 3 weeks of tests in the capital, he was diagnosed with end stage Lymphoma. We talked with Emiliano about what he wanted. He wanted to die in his home with his family near. In the national hospitals here, families visit only 2 hours per day, unless the patient is a child. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Emiliano asked the MDs to give us all the information, so we could explain to his sons. We had a meeting with the 3 sons who are part of the project. We explained exactly what was happening and what could be expected. The family was open to any suggestions that would be helpful. Shortly after his diagnosis, Emiliano received Christ.  Immediately, he began to relax and his pain lessened. He spent most of his last days visiting with his grandchildren and children. We visited daily until the last week, then, we stopped by more often. May 24rth they came to ask us to pray. Everyone was around his bed, except one son, who had just gone to Dallas. The room was filled with prayers. As in many cultures, grieving is intense. He died that afternoon and the entire village gathered to say goodbye, prepare the meals demanded by custom (a great financial burden), and stayed until midnight.

Then, after breakfast and a meal at noon the next day, the final farewell (upper right-the sons are at the head of the casket and the widow is in white scarf )****(the family asked Bernard to take pictures for the son in the US)****
First, the casket was carried into each of the five homes on the grounds and passed in and out the door 3 times to say goodbye, then carried down the hill to Itzapa and buried. It rained heavily all  afternoon!

Bernard and I were very privileged to be part of this man's life. We will miss Emiliano, but we will always be reminded of his quiet strength during his life and during his death.

What are friends for!

Sharon Smith was on the short-term mission trip to Guatemala in 1993, she helped us pack and drove us to the airport in 1994, then came with groups 6 other times. I was turning 67 and had been really homesick this year. When Sharon called to ask how she could help, I quickly said, "Come for my birthday!" The other 6 trips were with her husband, Jim. Now, she's alone. Sharon, Sarah, and I spent two days in Antigua, then headed for Panimaquin. We spent time with the project, but most of the time, we just talked. There is never enough time to visit when we go back to the States. This was wonderful!  Thank you for being my friend!

Laura and Amber Mondell were in our village 6 years ago. This time they returned with four friends from Covenant Community Ministries in Florida, Bill Barr, Jacqueline Earls, Todd Hillstad, and Elizabeth Goodrick.

 This group was such a blessing! They did Vacation Bible School, taught guitar lessons, and celebrated birthdays with a big fiesta with lots of games, prizes, and food for everyone! The women had a special Mother's Day Reunion with a guest speaker and a special afternoon of prayer. They had time to get to know each of the children and workers in the project. We can hardly wait for their next visit. You guys were great!

A visit from Alabama!!

 We first met Pastor Teddie and his wife Lisa from Friendship Baptist in Grand Bay, Alabama Christmas season 2003 when their mission group distributed gifts to everyone in our project. They were brought to Panimaquin by Mike and Dottie Clark, missionary friends who have Casa Alleluya, a home for children on the road to the capital. Their church has built a beautiful mission house for visiting groups who help several different ministries in the Chimaltenango area. On their third visit to Panimaquin, we met their four daughters and Lisa's parents. Lower left hand corner is Paul and Cristy Leytham who have been in Guatemala for 30+ years and watch over the mission house plus help with visiting groups. We are excited about their oldest daughter, Deidre returning for three weeks this July to help in the project. We thank Friendship Baptist for the great support you have been to us in such a short time!