Storms, Slides, Statistics & Surprises

Three tropical storms since June have caused hundreds of major landslides in Guatemala leaving: 175+ dead, 10,000 evacuated and 40,000 homeless.  Even as we write, rain pours from Tropical Storm Matthew and we receive double the normal rainfall this year.  Vital crops are failing, hunger and disease loom.


Hopelessness... helplessness.  


This is the state of mind of many in Guatemala.  

We are blessed to have a church focused on the broken-hearted, and our goal is to meet needs to heal both physical and spiritual needs.  Many like-minded churches have joined us this year to turn hopeless situations into incredible opportunities to showcase God's love and power.


In spite of the obstacles, many Christians have arrived to share laughter, friendship, hard work, and encouragement.  


Here are a few pictures of the devastation only 5 miles from where we live.  

Floodwaters broke through this retaining wall (click on the image for more detail)

Pastor Tim and Jeanette in front of a home destroyed.  The family will be re-located to the new homes being built.

Here's a few pictures of some of the team activities not deterred from the storms:

One of the families who lost everything from the storm and are being re-located.  Calvary Baptist Church of Winter Haven spent an hour with this family, distributing clothing and sharing the Gospel in addition to building a new home for them.

We shared God's love last week with men from a homeless shelter.

Pastor Ted from South Tulsa Baptist Church and Pastor Mike visited another pastor and his family near Antigua to find opportunities to help their church on future team visits.

Abner (co-worker with Steve) translates the Evangi-Cube to children at a VBS near Antigua.