Guatemala 2021 -- I am going "home"

Twenty years ago this summer, my church, Peace Presbyterian PCA, in Cary, NC, sent their first international summer mission team to Huehuetenango, Guatemala. We were invited by Edwin and Evie Martinez, missionaries to Latin America, who we have supported as a church for many years. It was my privilege to be part of that team along with my 15-year-old (at that time) daughter, Lindsey, and 33 others from the church. Despite the beautiful mountains that surrounded us, it was not a “mountain top” experience for me. I was lonely – Lindsey was with her friends -- there were so many skilled workers that I had little to do, and, believe it or not, I am an introvert in large groups. That’s one way I know that it was God Who called me back in December that year. I wasn’t trying to recreate the time of my life; I was stepping out in spite of it. Since that first trip, I have been to Guatemala every summer except 2020. I have also been there several times between summer trips with teams from all over our country. I have personally prepared and led 13 teams myself. My daughters and I have been there on our own for some extended time in the past years. God has reconfirmed His calling on my life in so many ways through the past 20 years. Guatemala and her people are in my heart and I cannot image life any other way.

It was hard not to be in Guatemala last year but more than that, it was heartbreaking that we also lost a beloved member of the Huehue Ministries staff: Gail Davison. God called His faithful servant home last year on July 7th. As we mourn her passing and her presence in our lives and hearts, we also recognize that there is a major loss to the ministry in Huehue. She kept the house and kitchen running in Huehue and at the farm! One of my projects will be working with a small team to do such things as inventory the pantry and prepare linens for larger teams that will be arriving later this summer. We will also be doing some ministry with women and children in the Huehue area and in some villages on the mountains and in coffee country. I am collecting crochet hooks to distribute and, if the opportunity arises, to teach crochet to anyone who wants to learn. The ministry opportunities are immense but we want to stay open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as well – He may have work for us to do that we haven’t yet considered. Our team is small and there is much work to be done but God has the plan to make it possible.

 A special opportunity has opened for me to spend several days with Paco and Priscila Valdez at the Kairos Hospital House in Guatemala City when I first arrive in the country. My church also supports this ministry to families who must come to the city for medical care. Often these are children with terminal cancer whose families have no other place to stay. Imagine your child being in the hospital fighting for his or her life and you have to leave them there alone because you cannot afford to stay in the city for any extended time. Kairos provides that place to stay: a warm bed, nutritious food, clean clothes, and emotional/spiritual support. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a liaison between Kairos and my church this summer. Please pray that I will be a blessing to the Valdez family and anyone who is staying at the house as well.

 As in the past, I need you on my home team. My most important need is prayer support. It will be an unusual year without Gail -- I am not actually looking forward to walking into the house in Huehue without her there to greet us. In addition, Guatemala is still under COVID restrictions and masks are still mandatory. I covet your prayers for physical protection from violence and disease for all of us. I covet your prayers for emotional comfort as I truly face Gail's death in real time. Also, please pray for the family I leave behind, and especially for those who are generously coordinating care for my fur babies: three dogs and two cats. I cannot serve without their service. Please pray for my ability to communicate effectively with all that I encounter. Please pray that I will be a conduit of God's love.

While prayer support is vital, the fact remains that I also need financial support. My plane fare has been paid but I still need some support for in country expenses. As well as my room, board, and in country transportation, I would like to be able to give love offerings to Kairos and to the pastors we will serve. Even a few dollars make a big difference for these servants of God. 

Please pray for me as I prepare to travel next week. I leave on Wednesday, June 9th and return on the 28th. Please pray for God's provision of the funds I need to travel. I do not have a specific sending agency so I cannot offer tax deductions for donations but, if you feel led to support me, I promise that all funds will go to the ministry as detailed above. Nothing received will be used for any of my personal expenses. Gifts can be made through Google Pay or Venmo to AngelsLine@gmail.com, my PayPal pool at paypal.me/pools/c/8A1bpcaOiF, or by sending a check to me at my home address: 1210 Lexington Farm Road, Apex, NC 27502. No amount is too small. Many of you who read this will be regular supporters. Some of you are new to my ministry. Whatever category you fit, you are all critical to the success of our work this summer through prayer and/or financial support. I thank God for each of you and pray He will bless you for your faithfulness.

En manos de la gracia!

In the hands of grace!

Angela