Please check out the photos page for pictures of our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration.

Also, there are pictures of 3 ladies of our church that got baptized! PRAISE GOD!

Another God blessings is the fact that Pasotr Lazaro (Project Pastor and Director, got a VISA to come to the USA. He will arrive at the end of December and be here for about a month. He will be traveling to different churches to speak.

As Pastor Lazaro says, "Together we are reaching out to others, Together we are giving God thanks." Blessings!

Jorge Mario Julajuj Coj age 16

When I was 9 I began to come to the project, but before in life, my family was very poor. My father was an alcoholic and he was always insulting us. He beat us a lot. My mother fought for me and my siblings. My dad died when I was 11 due to alcoholism. When I was 13 I started studying in the Basico School at GMO. GMO gave me a scholarship here. I accepted Christ when I was 11 years old. I was 15 when I graduated from the Basico School. Also GMO blessed my family with a brand new home. Now I am studying for my career to get a Bachelors degree in Computer. I want to be a minister of music and also to be a computer programmer.

Mario works Monday through Wednesday at the GMO project and he plays a strong role in the church as the worship leader and prayer leader for our Prayer Services on Tuesdays.

Sylvia Elisama Tagual Xicay age 19

I started coming to the project when I was 10 years old just to do my homework from the primary classes. When I was 12 years old I left the project to study at a basico school in Itzapa, but I failed. The next year I came to study basico classes here at GMO with a scholarship. The year that I began studying here I began working at the project watching the small children. When I was 13 I accepted Christ. At 15, I graduated from the Basico School at the project and I stopped studying for 3 years. But then this last year I continued my studies in Chimaltenango at the University. My desire is to be a Basico teacher one day.

Sylvia works at the project teaching in the nursery school and also helping with cooking in the mornings. Sylvia leads music at her church.

Odilia Clemencia Tagual Zamora age 19

Growing up I had a hard family life. Every day the family had problems because of my father arguing with all of us. He hit my mother a lot. Sometimes my mother would cry all night without sleeping. We went many days without eating, but when I was 4 years old I started to come to the project. The project helped me with my homework from primary classes and also provided lunch for us each day. When I was 13 I began studying in the Basico program here at GMO with a scholarship that I received. I graduated from here when I was 16 years old, the same year I accepted Christ. I have been studying for 3 years at the University in Chimaltenango for my desired career in Music. In September of 2011 I graduated from this music program. Even though my father did not come, it was a great day. My life desire is to be an English translator. Odilia works Monday through Wednesday at the project doing a lot of cleaning. Wednesday through Friday she teaches Music to the Basico students. She is the visitation coordinator at our church and helps lead part of the worship team.

Inez Marina Tagual Xicay age 17

I have been coming to the project since I was 5 years old. I have been very blessed to have a family that supports me and loves me through it all. The project has given jobs to many of my family as well as scholarships to me and my sisters. At 12 years old I started studying in the Basico classes. I graduated from the Basico School at GMO when I was 15. The following year I started studying in college to be an office secretary. November of 2010 I graduated as an office secretary. I am the first girl in our village to ever complete school. My desire is to continue studying to be a social worker. A year ago I accepted Christ through the Christmas party at GMO.

Marina teaches classes in the Basico school here at the GMO project every day. She is a faithful member of our church. Hilda Elizabeth Vasquez Sajche age 17

I grew up in a family where I was not supported to go to church. I started coming to the project at 8 years old. When I learned of the scholarship that GMO had blessed us with I entered Basico school at 11 years old. When I was studying in Basico school was the time that I really started to give my life to God. I started attending the church at the project. When I was 14 I graduated from the Basico School. The next year I worked in Chimaltenango and stopped going to the church. Then Pastor Lazaro and Glendy told me about the scholarships to continue studying that could be provided through GMO. So at 16 years old I began to study to be a secretary. My desire is to be a professional Nurse in the future.

Hilda just completed an internship for a secretarial position in the capital. She has often worked at the GMO project doing cleaning and is beginning to teach Sherri Spanish. Maricela Elizabethy Tagual Samol age 20

I began to come to the project when I was 9 years old. When I was about 14 years old, I started studying at the Basico School. When I was 16 I graduated from the basico program at GMO. All of my life I have been involved in the church because of my family. This year was my first year studying for a career at the University. I would really like to become a teacher one day and so plans are to continue studying.

Maricela works at the project cooking and helping with the primary students after lunch. She often sits in the English classes and is an avid learner. Jose Alejandro Tagual Zamora age 13

He was born in the back of the red trooper while Bernard was driving. Alejandro is the only son with four sisters. He was born cross eyed, and Bernard offered to take him to get his eyes fixed, but his father said no because he needs him to work in the field. He did not want to take a risk of him dying. He has had a tough family life because of his abusive father that does not really support his family in anything. For example, Alejandros father will buy cell phones but not food to feed his family. Alejandro began attending the project from almost the time he was born. He now has entered Primer Basico with us at GMO through a scholarship. He is a very attentive learner, and desires to one day continue in his studies in the University. He attends our church in Panimaquin, and is just a joy to be around.

I am continuing to connect more with the men of the village. I am still not accepted by some, but as I step out and trust in God, it is amazing how God graciously uses me to pray for them or talk with some of them as they need help. They are truly beautiful people and it is an honor to be able to serve them and also learn from them.

I want to thank you all so much for all your support and all your prayers. Please continue praying for us when you can, and if you would like to support us and the ministry being down here, please visit www.gmokids.org and you will find all the information you need, as well as news updates and photos of what is happening more regularly here in GMO.

Thank you and God bless you. As always….there is more to expect from God and more work for His kingdom to be done.

Teams have come to minister to our people, some focused on the women and children. Some have focused on our construction projects and some who have come to bless us with free medical advice along with medicine to carry home.

To see the Body of Christ serving and pouring out in many different expressions, but all focused on helping the people and giving the Glory, has been a true honor for me. As the Lord has brought me in to serve the People of our villages Panimaquin and Xeparquiy, and even on to surrounding villages and towns, I have seen how faithfully God has come so often to us. He has touched so many people by His love, healed so many physically, restored many families, and has brought many people into his kingdom. Thank you Lord!

Thank you all so much for your constant prayers for us and support for what the Lord is doing here in Guatemala. Their is so much that would not be made possible without your help. Thank you!!

In the construction field, we have been able to continue on certain projects, that have been delayed for a time. We finsished the Medical Clinic. Which included putting the bathroom in, sinks, painting, shelves for the medicine, and spot cleaning it, and finally filling it with medicine and putting it to use. Which we did, in June with a group from the US. We had a team of 5 here who came for medical missions. Also, we have began raising the walls on the dorm rooms for big teams coming down. It is about half complete at this point.

The team of 5 that came down had a desire to bless the people with proffesional medical assistance along with free medicine, which would open the door to the Lord to come in and save many. It was a wonderful 10 days, Where 500 people were ministered to in many different ways. I was here to do what I could, mostly just tranlate since I dont know much about medicine or how to diagnose someone. But it was a true blessing. About Seventy people came to accept Christ in the heart. We ask you also, though you dont know their names, keep them in your prayers, that they would get connected to a church and grow in the Lord. We were left also with much medicine to continue to help and bless the people. The team definitely made a print on the people in not just our village, but in more that 5 towns also. Praise God!

God has continued to move over us here with his Spirit and presence. Teaching us many things on the way. Sometimes there are issues which cause people to walk away from the church, but even through this, we learn to trust in God and walk more in His love. We continue to seek the face of God for Panimaquin and Xeparquiy, and until every person comes to the saving knowledge of Christ. Our students just finished exam periods, which all scored well. So again thank you for all you support. It is changing whole lives, families, villages, and eventually to the whole country. We Believe!!

I pray the peace of God be with every one of you. Thank you for your love and prayers and support. We cant do it without you.

We had 12 salvations in Chemaltenango, on Monday. Tuesday, we had 5 salvations in Panimaquin.

On Monday, we saw 125 people in the clinic, and today, we saw 116. On both days. we had monsoon type rains in the afternoon, which caused us to see less patients than we thought we would see. We went today to buy more childrens vitamins, and have had to purchase more parasite medicines. The children are very malnourished, and all have parasites, or lice, and some, both. We have exhausted all of our extra funds for the medicines, today, and are asking you to pray for the resources, for the ministry to purchase more medications.

Our hearts are so moved by the poverty of these children. Also, the nation of Guatemala has the highest rate of rape against women, than any other nation. There are many sad stories from girls 11 and 12 years, who have been raped. The women work so hard, and have many children. We know that we cannot cure the social issues of Guatemala, but we do know that only Jesus can change any heart, any city, or any nation. We are tired physically, mentally, and emotionally, but love these people, and know that Jesus loves them even more. Thank you for your prayers for these people, and for us. This is a great team, and we love working with them.

Church services have been truly blessed and filled with the presence of God. We average about 45 people every service which are on Thursday and Sunday Night. Our weekly prayer meetings continue strong as we gather each Tuesday night in a different home of one of the members of our church. We usually are about 25 people to this. Again blessed by the presence of God. There are now two worship teams. Many people wanting to glorify the Lord through instruments or singing. I continue to play the congo drums. Our Saturday youth service is growing as well, where we have new leaders. Anibal and his wife Estela are newly weds but faithful attenders to the church and faithful followers of Christ. And Beira and Selena, two other members of our church lead childrens church on Sunday morning.

We had a Pastor from Spring Hill, Florida come for a week to go to many churches around the area to teach and help them start recovery programs in the churches. I had the priveledge of translating for him on a saturday here in Panimaquin for the leaders of our church. Pastor Steve, with the help of his church and of course God, provided for certain construction supplies and food for the store we have here. We are thankful and grateful for what has been provided to us.

And again, I thank you for your support for my time here in Panimaquin, Guatemala and for supporting Gods ministry here in GMO (Guatemala Mission Outreach). Without you what we are accomplishing now most would not be made possible.

We give glory to God the Father for his gracy and mercy in our lives, our village, and in our world. I am thankful that he chooses to use us if we make ourselves available.

I hope you got a grasp abit on what is going on here in Guatemala. If you have any questions feel free to email me at any time at johntcollins3@gmail.com

The first weeks here I was really just getting back into a steady schedule of what the majority of my time this year will look like. Although the second week I was here, Pastor Mike, Pastor Lazaro, a friend pastor Mario and myself went to a Alcohol and Drug Rehab center in a town a couple hours away to minister to them and pray for them. I had the priveledge of sharing my testimony with them. It was truly amazing because when we started praying and worshipping God,all these tough looking guys started lifting their hands and crying out to God. There were three new Conversions to Christ that day. Praise God!! We plan very soon to go back and visit again.

Here in our village, usually every wednesday I meet with the men of our project to read the bible and come up beside them to disciple them in the way of Christ. God is forming us into a tight group of guys. And something God has really blessed is my ability to communicate with them.

My spanish is growing fast and to help further that more, I began taking classes on Saturdays for 4 hours every week. Lazaro has also put me in charge of the weekly devotions with the students which has been another blessing. And usually every day, unless something else comes up, I work with two of GMOs workers Pablo and Justo. The main things we have been working on lately are cutting alot of firewood for this year; planted corn, brocoli, lettuce, onions, and squash, finishing up on the medical clinic, and now we are digging a 30 foot hole for the toilets to run into. So we stay busy, but all for the advancement of Gods kingdom as he allows us to move forward. I truly feel content to be here.

Blessings to you!

The Project activities (our feeding program, factory, etc.) will open up by March 2011. Pastor Lazaro and his wife Glendy will come out of their time of rest to welcome the new groups that are planning to come visit and minister at GMO.

Pastor Mike Young, GMO Board member, will start his month stay on March 1. John Collins, GMO Missionary, will return on March 7, refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, love and support.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

We have been blessed by having many groups and individuals who have come down recently. One group that came from Kentucky came with 4 men that were ready to serve and pour out their love through services of prayer and even giving over 50 families in both Xeparquiy and Panimaquin bags of food.

Through these couple of weeks, we have witnessed and seen over twenty people come to the Lord, some of which are here in our project. Praise God, because this is our goal, our mission, is to lead others to Jesus. God is so awesome!

The same week another group came with their main focus was the kids and students. They shared devotions, did VBS and just had fun with the kids. For me, I love to see the people laughing and playing, because in many cases they are forced, due to their personal situations, to grow up very fast, many without a lot of joy.

Our last group of the year came from Florida. The group of 12 came to set up medical clinics, to volunteer their time and service in seeing many of our people here in Panimaquin, Xeparquiy, and also to other towns and villages. It was my first experience with a medical team, which was very exciting for me. They ministered to many, many people and blessed many families to the extent of their abilities. Also many medicines were left behind afterward, which have and will continue to be used.

The other part of their team brought a few men to do some construction work. This is where I spent the bulk of my time. We repaired a few very important tools and machines that are necessary for our project. Also we tiled the clinic and put in all the windows and doors. Now we have a clinic on the Project, which will serve greatly in times to come. We are very thankful for those that come to serve here and pour out the love of God through their talents and whatever else God has called each person to do.

My time is coming to a close for the year, which as I look back over this year, I just remember all the things God has used me to do here, which makes me so thankful that we serve a God that wants to put us in places that would affect not just ourselves, but the ones around us. One big part of this year, that will stick with me forever is the time I had with the kids. Such beauty I see in them, such innocence. God continues to do an awesome work here with our kids, as he is constantly growing the childrens ministry, and even raising up many leaders that want to pour in to them. We hear it often, but it is the truth, the kids are the future of this world, so there is a great responsibility in how we raise them, what we teach them, and where we lead them too. Despite broken homes, and all the other problems that come with this life, seeing a child with such joy, makes you forget all of it. Especially when you get surrounded by 20 little kids all trying to climb on you because you are a tall gringo. The kingdom of God is for the least of these, Jesus said.

This month was also filled with weddings, quincineras (sweet-fifteens), and we just celebrated a Christmas celebration for all the village, in which God provided food and gifts for all the families. He blew our minds on how he supplied it to us.

As I have been praying much over the privilege to come back to the Project to serve again, I do feel God is calling back for another year of ministry with GMO. Please stay in prayer for me and all the people here in Guatemala. Thank you all and God bless you for your prayers and support.

For those of you who read my last issue of “Amor Trae Cambio,” you know that I was asking for prayer in regards to God’s plans for me from this point forward, and I would like to thank you for your prayers! The Lord has spoken to my heart and revealed to me that He will be taking me in a new direction, meaning that I will not be returning to Panimaquin to live here next year.

I do,however, plan on making a few trips throughout the year so that I can visit the people and maintain the relationships that God has started during my time here.

Honestly it is difficult to imagine what life will be like outside of the village, but I know that my God will be faithful to lead me and to guide me, supplying me with the grace needed to sustain me through the transition.

I give God all of the glory for what He has done throughout my time here. I know that He has planted seeds, watered seeds, and started bringing forth a harvest. I look forward to seeing all that He has in store for His people that is seen and sought out! I look forward to seeing more revival and restoration come to this body of believers as the Lord raises up more leaders in the village who are yearning to live lives that glorify Him!

I will never forget my time spent among these precious people and how God has used them to bless me!

We went with the intention of being around to help with whatever we could, but had no idea the deep, rich things the Lord had in store for us. We were able to help out with some property maitenence, namely uprooting, separating, and replanting a ton of plants. We would break when the students did so that we could spend time talking and playing soccer with them. On days that the project was open we would set up the lunch tables and help serve the food. After lunch, we taught English to four different groups of kids who were there for the project. We played games, sang songs, and used flashcards. We had not originally planned to teach English, but God provided, as He does, fun activities and lots of laughs.

Almost every night of the week there was a church, prayer, devotional, youth, or leadership meeting to attend. It was an honor to be able to speak at these events. One thing that Christ did that was especially awesome was give us all the right words to speak at the right moments. Oftentimes we were not aware of what we were going to say until we stepped into the church. We learned to lean on God and trust that He was going to speak to His people. It was a joy to be used by Him. During all of these services, the beauty of the Lord was clearly seen. The people of Panimaquin are incredible, and every time I return I am blown away again.

God is doing something really special and powerful in the youth there, and it was very encouraging to our hearts. To begin with, there are so many of them. And they are committed to coming to different meetings, being discipled, and following Jesus ways. Their passion and love for the Lord is challenging and uplifting.

As always, God moved deeply in each of our hearts as well. He ministered to us through the people of Panimaquin, and the place itself. Pastor Lazaro and his family were key instruments in what God did in us, and what God is doing there currently. He is an absolutely wonderful man of God and leads with power, authority, gentleness, and so much love. It is an honor to be a part of the congregation led by Pastor Lazaro while in Panimaquin. There are so many things I wish I could put into words, so many experiences, prayers, moments, and smiles; but there is not enough time nor words accurate enough to describe. To say the least, it was a deeply moving, life changing experience, and us three girls cannot wait to return, whenever God would have us.

Every Sunday morning, we have a children’s service, and the children have been flooding in to learn about God and His Word! It is beautiful to see the hunger and excitement in them as they walk in the doors of the church! In the last month, the number of kids coming to the service has doubled and tripled! Wow! God amazes me!

Please pray for our children, as I believe the Lord will use them to minister to their families and to bring change to their households! I believe we are raising up little world-shakers!

Mario Pic

This is what he has to say about how the project and G.M.O. have affected his life: “The project has helped me to achieve my goals, especially with music. It has provided opportunities for me, in regards to my education. I have learned how to use a computer. I will graduate from Basico this year and will continue on to the next step. Spiritually, G.M.O. has helped me to grow and mature in my life, in more ways than I can express with words.”

When my eyes gazed upon all that God had provided, in my spirit, I leapt with joy. Our God is so good! One of the meals we serve in our project is a snack to our students and workers during our period of recess, for which the cereal has served very well!

With all of the detergent and clothes that we received, we were able to have a distribution for the people from our village, as well as for those who are affiliated with our church and our project from our neighboring village, Xeparquiy.

We recognize the hand of the Lord moving over us and fulfilling His promises, and we are praising Him who is faithful. He is Jehovah Jireh! It is possible that we could receive donations from them on a monthly basis, so please join with us in prayer as we continue to believe God to provide for us and for His people. We know that our God recognizes the needs of His children!

I want to apologize ahead of time for the slight delay in sending out my newsletter, but I must say that it has been a filled month.

Last month I know I had told you all about the tropical storm that ran through this area, leaving much damage. Well, shortly the next month another came through with stronger winds and heavier rains. Many people in our villages were forced to leave to stay with a neighbor due to roofs being ripped off. GMO helped with what construction and repair we could do, which meant a lot of work on the roads. Every time there is a hard rain our roads are in ruins. Please be praying for us in this time as many of us so badly need it.

Shortly after the storms, the government came up and began repairing our road and widening it as well. They gave ten pieces of lamina (thin sheets of metal) to each family for roofs. We thank God here for his provision as we believe it will continue.

We have had a few outreaches toward the community recently through concerts, which people have been coming to from all over the mountain. The first one we had, a church from down the mountain came and helped us put it on. One muchacho about 21 years old gave his testimony of how he came to God and how God has healed his legs to walk again. It was very powerful which reached out to many hearts. It is so encouraging to hear of what God is doing personally in other people’s lives. We serve such an awesome and big God that also cares enough about the smallest details of our lives. The students have been training for these events through songs and dances which have been so good to watch them step out like that. God is really working in the lives of our students.

This month has started the beginning of the groups that have come and will come to serve here in GMO. I have always come here as a member of a group but never on the ministry side of things. GMO Group Leaders met a lot and planned a lot this past month in preparation for the groups.

The first group that came was a group of four adults eager to serve our people here. I was here to work with them in all that they did and often to help translate Spanish for them. God has definitely blessed my ability to communicate with the people here. So this first group helped teach English in Kim’s place while she went to the US for a week and also look over a few construction projects that were to be done. It was a blessing to have them here.

The second group was a mixed group of 9 people. Three from Canada, one from Texas, one from Nicaragua, and four from Florida. They came with the same eagerness to serve but with the focus on the Spiritual. Lots of prayer and prophesy this week. Many God encounters which have touched so many hearts in our villages. It was so refreshing to see a team carry that kind of passion, love, desire, and fire for the Lord with them here. They taught music, but of course their main focus was on prayer and calling people to holiness.

The next week we had Kim´s team come down which consisted of her mom, dad, and cousin. What a blessing for me, and especially Kim, to see a family coming together to serve together and to love together. I worked a long side her dad repairing our vehicles for these rough mountain terrains. I did a lot of translation for him too. They left our village making our people feel valuable and important.

This past week, has been a privilege for me as my sister Alicia, and friends Sarah and Chamilla came down to serve and love on our children here. They did much work around the project, and preparing lunches for the students, teaching English to the kids here, and sharing in the church. It´s good to see my friends step out passionately to proclaim what God has down and is doing. They leave this Saturday back for the states, and I follow them home just 2 days later on Monday. I will be home for a week to visit all my friends and family and to renew my documents to stay here.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support in my life and for praying for me. There is a lot of stuff that goes on in our lives that can discourage us and knock us down but I guess that’s why Paul calls us to pray constantly for ALL the saints, or our brothers in Christ.

So thank you! And thank God. Love in Christ, John Collins

Roads were out and no one could leave the leave the mountain for days due to the damage.

Roofs and houses were ripped apart so people could not stay in them.

Crops were destroyed and as was the livelihood of the people in the village.

GMO will support the rebuilding and help the people of the village sustain our land.

After you check out the pictures if you can help with any support for our village for rebuilding houses and supplying food please go to the donate link above. Thank you!

" target="_blank"> Storm Destruction Photos

We seldom cry out for help, but we have two immediate needs in Panimaquin.

As most of you know, Guatemala was hit hard by Tropical Storm Agatha. Our Department (State) of Chimaltenango suffered torrential rains, flooding and landslides for many days and there was a huge sinkhole in Guatemala City! The road to Panimaquin that was completely blocked for days is now passable, and electric has been restored to our village. We thank God that we did not experience one of the 150 deaths during this storm, but our families are hurting.

(See pictures below)

For the fourth time since GMO moved to Panimaquin in June 1996, the village lost its entire crop of corn. This is all their corn for the year! There will not be another growing season to make up this devastating loss and the weather forecast for this storm season is very heavy rains.

The GMO Board is asking for your help... We must raise $4,500 to provide a six week supply of tortilla mix and black beans for every household in Panimaquin and each household in Xeparquiy that has permitted us to minister to them. This will help tide them over during this very tough time.

Of course, the ministry continues to daily provide schooling and feeding for the Project. Our church services are filled with people from both Xeparquiy and Panimaquin. Xeparquiy and Panimaquin are now working, studying, and worshiping together! This is the miracle breakthrough that we have prayed for from the beginning. We give God glory for this miracle and anticipate much, much more.

Our second pressing need is to pay off a debt of $2500 that we have carried for two years, so that, once again, we will be at 0 debt.

It is truly amazing what God has done on the mountaintop! If you were there anytime between 1996 and 2004, and have not been back, we urge you to plan a short trip and minister while you marvel at all that God has done. This is only the beginning... To "Give" click on the DONATE tab on this website.

Please give whatever you can. There is no gift too small. WE NEED YOU!

Thank you for your prayer and financial support,

GMO Board of Directors; Bernard Cohen, Trish Cohen, John Hilbert, Rev. Mike Young, Laura Mondell

More to come.

More to come.

Click here to view photos of Destroyed Crops by Agatha

Friday May 28, 2010 08:50 AM.

On the evening of 27 May, Pacaya volcano entered a phase of violent lava fountaining reaching an height of about 1 km, and an ash plume reaching about 3-4 km elevation drifting north-west towards the capital.

At least 3 people were killed in the eruption, two villagers and a journalist who tried to approach the crater and was hit by bombs. According to newspapers, at least 9 children are missing, more than 20 people injured and thousands fled their homes or were evacuated. Many buildings were damaged.

Authorities evacuated the National Park of Pacaya and nearby villages and declared the state of emergency for the region. The significant ash fall caused traffic chaos in Guatemala city and the international airport to be closed.

The intensity of the explosions declined later in the evening, but scientists warn that new violent phases could follow.

Volcano eruption has not affect Panimaquin (GMO). It is about 3+ hours away from the Project.

Let me introduce some of the people here, in case you are not familiar. First off there is Lazaro, who is the Pastor here in Panimaquin. He was called up to this village about 8 years ago, along with his wife Glendy, and two children Marcia and Lester. He is such a servant who will do and do and do. His humble heart and desire to see this next generation come up strong and knowing the Lord is awesome. I love the way he and his family have so openly accepted me as a part of their family.

Then you have Pablo, who is one of the two maintenance workers in the project. He lives next to the church and actually helped build it and was the pastor of it years ago. He is basically your do-all man and a humble, kind-hearted person. He is a joy to work beside each day. We encourage one another, and laugh a lot. He is a joyful person.

Then there is Justo (pronounced who-stow). He is Pablo´s father-in-law. He is just as joyful as Pablo, and takes care of the gardens and grounds keeper.

Oscar and Giovanni are teachers that come up from Itzapa, the village at the bottom of the mountain. A new teacher named Ilsi comes from Xeparquiy, the village just below us. And then you have Kim Hembry, the missionary intern, as the English teacher. She came here for a couple of weeks in August last year and just never left. She feels called here for the remainder of this year and the rest is up to God. Kim has such a great heart to mentor and come up beside many of the women and young ladies here in the village. You also have Brandy, the other missionary intern, who has been here since last June and will be heading back to Florida in June to serve at the Church of God Camp. She has done a wonderful job with connecting with the women here. She is always visiting people and has such a heart that wants to just go and serve.

Please remember to pray for these people who God has placed here at this time. We all need it. We appreciate and cherish every thought and prayer for us.

This month has been transitioning for me, being that my first 3 weeks here were spent with mission groups from the United States visiting Panimaquin. This month was getting into a more fixed and long-term schedule during my time here. An example of a normal week day for me starts at 7 am. I eat breakfast and head out to work with Pablo, unless Lazaro has requested I do something or go with him somewhere. We work usually alongside one another taking care of the Project ground which makes work such a joy. About 10:10 we head back for a short break and snack. But I usually meet with Giovanni (teacher) to teach him English and in return he teaches me Spanish. He loves the Lord and actually plays guitar at his church. Some days, we skip the teaching to play soccer with the students for about 20-30 minutes. It is such a blast.

FYI...About 10-15 years ago you couldn´t see a smiling face from the people of the village. There was no joy or peace, or even having fun. To see these smiling faces each day and to see the joy that is in them is all thanks to God and the work he poured through GMO that started with Bernard and Trish obeying the Lord. Ministering happens when you are with the people building relationships. Smiles are just one big testimony to God´s love. I am humbled that God has allowed me to come and serve the people and to carry on what has been started.

Getting back to the update, after break I would go back to work with Pablo until approximately 1 pm. Justo, Pablo, and I share lunch together each day in the Work Bodega, or you would call the work shed, although it’s bigger than a normal shed. About 1:30 we would go back to work until 3:30 or 4. Then my next slot of time is spent playing with the children until dinner time. I learned that once you pick up one child and the rest see you do it, you have to pick up the rest. I get sore, though I think I am getting stronger, haha. But this time of the day is a high-light of my day. Sometimes we play tag, other times soccer, and other times I give them all a piggy-back ride. They bring such a smile to my face. I am definitely trying to take pictures but I don’t always remember until afterwards.

Then after dinner, usually is spent in prayer or at a service here. The young teens are still coming to stand outside the service to try to disrupt it. With the grace of God I have been able to connect with them more and more. They don´t make fun of me to my face anymore they usually wait until I walk away. But it’s ok, they don´t know the Lord yet. I believe God is really working on them or else they probably would not always come back night after night. I have to remember where God pulled me from the trouble I got into, so I need to be patient and bear with even some persecution. Besides, God says to count it as a blessing when we are persecuted. They are on their way to knowing Christ, I believe it! I am continuing to try to build relationships with them, we have hung out and played soccer and I get to talk them some afterwards. Please keep this in your prayers as well. God loves them so much and I want them to know that. Thank you. Well, that is an example of a usual day here for me.

Let me tell you about some key events that have happened this month. One of the girls at the school accepted the Lord at one of the services. Her name is Alicia and she is 15 years old. Praise God!!! Kim has been trying to surround her and disciple her. The services here at church have been very powerful times of worship and prayer. The Lord has been placing on our hearts to lately is the need to read your bible and realize the life that is in it. Also the importance that Fathers play in a family, which I know is a message for the whole world. And another that God has promised restoration to His Church in Panimaquin this year. He spoke it to the church the end of last year for 2010´s promise. We are proclaiming it and believing it.

We have had some tragedies this month as well. The week after Easter, Lazaro´s brother passed away due to a failed liver. That day it happened we went down the mountain to prepare for the service which included preparing the grave. A few guys and I went to the cemetery to dig the grave which was a sobering activity. All of us, one day, will come to the end of our lives BUT it doesn´t need to be the end of life. Lazaro´s brother didn´t know Christ, but I can guarantee Lazaro has broken the cycle that has been in his family for many generations. We stayed up all night until the burial the next day. This is the custom when someone dies. After the service the body was placed in the ground and we filled in the grave. Please keep Lazaro and his family in your prayers. We have been coming around Lazaro to encourage him.

I started meeting with some of the guys from the village to plan a prayer time. All in all, there are about 10 of us. Last week, I made dinner for them and we discussed the need to be strong Godly men. My heart is that these times we meet, would draw us together and challenge us all to rise up as men of God. I am excited to see how the Lord will bring this all together.

I believe that is about it on what has been happening this month. God did show me another wondrous site when I woke up a couple weeks ago. I walked outside and saw snow covering the volcano to the east of us. And also down the mountain in El Tejar, a city of Chimaltenango, they had snow covering the ground for the first time ever recorded.

Your prayers are what keeps me moving and encouraged, and your financial support is what helps make this all possible. Thank you and God Bless You!

Pictures of the new dorms being built. Pictures of the group from New Life Church visit.

Blessings!

God sent medical provision...The Lord brought a medical team up the mountain this month! What an answer to prayer! For a whole day in the village, a free medical clinic was opened, and roughly 150 villagers passed through. There were three doctors from the States who gave exams and medical care to the people. A native dentist also came to offer services free of charge to the people.

The people passed through triage, saw the doctor, the dentist, had their eyes checked, and were sent to the pharmacy to receive any medicines or vitamins that they may have needed, all free of charge!

The medical team also left many over the counter medicines with us here in the project, so we can continue to help the villagers in the future! Praise God for His immense faithfulness!

Construction underway... Both groups that came this month helped in the area of construction. Ground has been broken, and a new slab is being laid upon which will be constructed a new mission house that will house mission teams in the future as the Lord sends more of His people this way to pour into and to minister to the people of Panimaquin.

Let me fill you in on what has been going on. There are currently three missionary interns here at the Project, Brandy Jerrell, Kim Hembry and me. God has been keeping us busy.

John Hilbert and I got in around 12:30 on a Monday March 15th we were met by Lazaro and his two children Marcia and Lester. I looked around and thought to myself, I am home. I thought the transition would be a little more difficult and dragged out a little more, but it seemed to settle in immediately. It was such a blessing having John Hilbert with me that first week, because he had helped me really come up with a schedule here of what I would be doing these ten months. It was filled with meetings, important meetings that would better carry out the vision God would place for me here.

Another thing that was a bit of a headache at first was getting certain documents for a couple students to get into career school. It seems these documents were missing from their school documents and they could get pulled out of class if they were not presented in time. So there was a lot of driving from Chimichoi to Itzapa to Chimaltenago, meeting with people, specifically teachers and board directors of the schools to see how we can come up with these documents. It seemed we were always sent somewhere else and there is not the technology as in the states with faxes and computers, etc. Finally, we were able to allow the two students to take a test that would provide these documents for them. It was little much, but well worth the struggle.

The group of us had a meeting to brainstorm about procedures during an earthquake and certain drills to run in case of an earthquake. Not more than two days after that we had an earthquake of a 5.2. There was not any damage.

My second week a group came down with Pastor Mike from Florida. A few of the guys worked with Pablo and I where we started to build dorms. The dorms are being built to house big groups of missionaries, about 24 in total, who would come to stay and serve in Guatemala Mission Outreach. A few of the woman helped with Kim to do some VBS outreach to the project while the rest of the team went around to do medical missions, which was such a success. There were well over 300 people seen by the medical team, over 40 salvations and 45 kids at the VBS each day.

My third week we had a group come from Brandys church in Archer Florida. They came about 7 in total, 5 guys and two girls. The guys helped to continue work on the dorms which we got a lot of work done with it. The foundation is complete, all the plumbing is finished, and the showers are paved out. I am really learning a lot. We did as much as we had supplies for. The girls were with the school while it was opened and helped teach a song to them all in English.

All in all, It has been so beautiful to reconnect with everyone here in Panimaquin. We meet together for prayer and service about 5 days a week and apart from that we share in each others lives. It has been an honor so far to come alongside some of the other missionaries and believers here in the village. I look forward to what God will have us do this year. One other thing that I ask for your prayers. That would be for some of the young teens who are always outside of the church during services and try to be an interruption and mock the service. But they have taken the first step onto the property and I feel the Lord has given me a heart for them. I will continue to be sensitive to Gods spirit to spark conversation with them. But I need the Spirit to hear your prayers and work through me.

The first day the Medical team saw over 200 people, 10 salvations, the Construction team got the dorm foundation ready to pour concrete and the VBS team had an awesome turn out to teach the Word of God.

Day 2 there were over 175 people come through the clinic, 24 salvations, construction team continuing to build and the VBS team having an awesome time with the kids.

God is faithful!