GUATEMALA
LOCATION
We mentioned in our October newsletter that we identified a city in which to begin the
Christian Center for the Deaf in Guatemala but we were still looking for a building. We
have a huge answer to prayer. Our church in Guatemala received a large donation from
one of the members to allow us to purchase land. It will be enough to either buy a
building or be a good down payment on one. God is amazing. Continue to pray for God
to make clear how to position ourselves in that city.
PIONEERS
We have applied to Pioneers Missions Board since we will need a new sending
organization when we leave Rancho Sordo Mudo. This process involves several steps
and thankfully we will be able to complete some of them before we leave Mexico. When
the change occurs, we will let you know. Those of you who send financial support will
be notified of the new information.
LOCATION
We mentioned in our October newsletter that we identified a city in which to begin the
Christian Center for the Deaf in Guatemala but we were still looking for a building. We
have a huge answer to prayer. Our church in Guatemala received a large donation from
one of the members to allow us to purchase land. It will be enough to either buy a
building or be a good down payment on one. God is amazing. Continue to pray for God
to make clear how to position ourselves in that city.
PIONEERS
We have applied to Pioneers Missions Board since we will need a new sending
organization when we leave Rancho Sordo Mudo. This process involves several steps
and thankfully we will be able to complete some of them before we leave Mexico. When
the change occurs, we will let you know. Those of you who send financial support will
be notified of the new information.
| February 2009 |
- ► Provide free sign language classes for family members so that sign language can be
reinforced in the home and for church members in order to train more interpreters.
► Provide job training and placement for Deaf adults since many of them are illiterate and
unskilled for the work place. God’s Spirit has moved again completely without my
intervention…imagine that! God led Greg and Jeanette Summerville to leave Lake Arrowhead,
CA and move to Guatemala and work alongside us in our ministry to the Deaf. Greg is a
contractor and Jeanette is a nurse. Along with their children, they will begin serving with us in
January 2010. Greg will train Deaf adults in various construction trades as they build out our new
facility. Jeanette and her children will assist in the classrooms and in Sunday School.
LAUNCHING THE WORK…the exciting part!
- The Goal:
To bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the Deaf in Guatemala in
a language that they can comprehend.
The Plan:
► Partner with an existing Guatemalan church. This is for support
and building relationships, but also because deaf people are never
in a family of all deaf people. Usually, deaf people have children or
parents who are hearing. So each ministry that we set up will be
connected to a hearing church so all family members can worship
together.
► Provide interpreted church service for Deaf adults and a Sunday
School class for Deaf children.
► During the week, teach the children to read and write in Spanish,
as well as other school subjects. Some of you may remember, we
already have secured a teacher for this class who is fluent in
Guatemalan Sign Language. Paquita has been enthusiastic and
on-board for two years now. We praise God for her. In case you
missed that…yes, they use Guatemalan Sign Language. This is
one more sign language that we will be learning. We consider it
our Alzheimers Prevention Program. :-)
Pretty exciting, eh? We have the partnering church, an interpreter for the church service, plans for the job
training are in progress , we have a school teacher lined up…our next step is to coordinate a Sunday
School program for deaf children. This actually will be one of the first things we implement when we
arrive in Guatemala later this year and we can utilize the Two-Year Bible schedule that we designed for
the children in Mexico. Lord willing, we will begin in the Fall which will provide us with a group of
children in which to draw from for the school. We will keep you posted!
Thank you for your prayer. To God be the glory!
Howard & Janet
training are in progress , we have a school teacher lined up…our next step is to coordinate a Sunday
School program for deaf children. This actually will be one of the first things we implement when we
arrive in Guatemala later this year and we can utilize the Two-Year Bible schedule that we designed for
the children in Mexico. Lord willing, we will begin in the Fall which will provide us with a group of
children in which to draw from for the school. We will keep you posted!
Thank you for your prayer. To God be the glory!
Howard & Janet
| News just in from Guatemala! We have a deaf woman, Cynthia, who wants to help in the Sunday School class. We love that God is raising up Guatemalan Deaf Christians to serve Him and serve as role models for those who are on the road to salvation. |