2007 was a year of adjustment for G.M.O.  After 14 years in the mission field Bernard, Trish and Sarah Cohen moved to Jacksonville Florida, where they continue the work of the ministry.  Trish is the bookkeeper for Guatemalan Mission Outreach, Inc. now a Non-for-profit Corporation. 

Bernard helps problem solve by phone and plans group short term mission trips for 2008. Bernard, Trish and Sarah traveled throughout the States during January and February raising support for the ministry. 

Bernard spent three months in Guatemala hosting groups and welcoming our new on Site Associate Director, Diane Sidebotham.

Diane took quite a leap of faith when she left her job as account executive in surety bonds for a national company, selling her home and vehicle to answer the call to missions in Panimaquin. We thank the Lord for a great national staff, who after just a few hiccups was able to help her make a smooth transition.

February & March 2007

Bernard’s first trip Feb 26^th  March 26^th

Bernard located a tractor and excavator for brother’s Wayne and Brian.  They returned from Michigan to the village to finish the work they started in 2005. They worked diligently with “well used” equipment.  Despite the difficulties, they completed the task and did a tremendous job. Brian said, “Next time I’ll pick out the tractor!”

Pastor Mike Young, a Director of G.M.O, visited from March 1^st to March 15^th.  He preached and taught the men and youth of Panimaquin.  As always he blessed the entire project. He also represents the ministry on various mission trips throughout the Caribbean and South America.

Brother Jerry - March 13^th to 15^th

Jerry taught science in our high school. This is his third year helping out with our school. The students receive so much from this brother’s gift of teaching. The rest of his  in Guatemala is with Rev. Kirk DeVenny of ODMI ministry in Guatemala City who’s been his friend for years.

Diane Sidebotham, our new associate director. March 16^th to 21^st

Diane's visit was two fold-checking out her future home under construction and orientation to the work she will begin in August.

Pastor Mike Cox March 22^nd to 26^th

This was his first trip to Guatemala. The purpose of his trip was advanced scouting for the July New Hope youth trip. Bernard showed him the ministry and took him to Casa de Shalom Orphanage.

April & May 2007

The G.M.O ministry continued as normal in Panimaquin.  The Church continued to grow disciples strong in the Lord.  The factory continued to produce many products for sale to help support the ministry.  The school from newborns to 9^th grade continued to feed and educate the youth of Panimaquin and prepare them to be valuable adults with Christian values. 

June & July 2007

Bernard returned for his second trip from June 25^th to July 18^th

He prepared for and hosted the Harvest Temple and New Hope youth groups.  Material was bought to build a bathroom, shower and put a roof on the new classroom and medical clinic room.

Harvest Temple youth group July 5^th to 12^th

They tiled the floor in the bathroom and shower and put on roofs. They also ministered to our youth. It was a wonderful trip!  They not only completed their work, but still had time for recreation. They planned a return trip with two teams summer 2008.

New Hope Youth Group July 14^th to 21^st

We hosted a group of 32 for the very first time. Laura Mondell, G.M.O board member and sister who has spoken into the lives of the villagers for many years led a wonderful adult team and the large group was easy.  Dr Julio held his second medical clinic in two years.  Our people were blessed by the care they received.  Dr Julio always took time to listen to their needs.

Pastor Mike and the rest of the team put a roof on a home for a widow and her family, painted, put in dropped ceilings and dug a septic well. They also ministered to our youth and children.  Bernard cut his trip short to return to the states for Trish’s kidney surgery on July 19^th.

August & September 2007

Rich Buhre July 29^th to July 31st

Rich brought a team from North Metro Church of Marietta Georgia. They did a little bit of everything. They put on roofs, fabricated steel column supports and worked on our septic system. They also put on a super VBS plus ministered to our Church and our youth.

Bernard returned for trip three July 30^th to Sept. 13^th.

We finished building the house for Diane. Plastered walls, put in drop ceilings, Installed the plumbing, electricity, doors and windows.

Pastor Teddie Turrentine of Grand Bay Alabama brought a team who helped put in the grid work for the drop ceiling.  Pastor Teddie and his many groups have blessed G.M.O and Panimaquin more than words can express.

Diane August 16^th to present

Bernard familiarized Diane with the project staff, hired a Spanish teacher for her and taught her the routine of the ministry. After a great start on her Spanish, Diane decided to take a break from learning the language in December. One of her tasks is handling the purchases and keeping the books in the project. Her real passion is going with Pastor Lazaro and his wife Glendy to visit the people in their homes. Diane has also continued English lessons to the youth.

LaVera Blanco August 16^th to Sept. 13^th

La Vera returned to Panimaquin to help Diane move in her new house. She also taught the women and young ladies of the project. La Vera and her late husband Pastor Sal Blanco have been a tremendous blessing to this ministry for years.  She plans her third trip summer 2008 with other members of her family to have a VBS for the children in Panimaquin.

November 2007

Stacie November 23^rd to 29^th

This was Stacie’s fifth trip to Panimaquin.  She came to represent her Church, Covenant Community Church of Ft. Myers Florida.  For the last four years her church has been a significant help with our Christmas Fiesta.  They have also supported the entire 7^th through 10^th grade scholarship program for the last two school years.  Even though the other members of her team couldn’t make it this year, she came to help Diane and supplied very needed hands.

We were also blessed by a first-time team lead by Brother Terry Stephan from Mobile Baptist Association. They helped put up the grid work for our new class room and supplied all the Styrofoam. This team was touched by the work that God has done so far in Panimaquin and plan to return soon.

December 2007

Pastor Lazaro and his family have served G.M.O and the people of Panimaquin faithfully as the National Associate Directors.  We ask your continued prayers for His wife Glendy for a total recovery from her recent surgery.      

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