When I arrived back on Nov. 1, the store looked like this.
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, I took up 12 panels on top of the faithful trooper to use for the roof of the store.
The store is coming along nicely; however, it still will not be ready this month. It probably will not be ready until mid December. They are in the process of putting on the roof and then the roof will need to set for several weeks. While the roof is setting, we can pour the floor inside and get the windows and doors installed.

Interns in Patzun

Last summer, we had three great interns, Josh, Daniel, and Sarah. They worked hard and were a blessing. This summer, we had two interns, Christine and Kelsey, and they were equally as good. We had fun working, playing, and learning many things together. Last year was a lot of concrete work and ESL, but this year was more painting and finishing jobs.

The interns have left, but a part of them remains. They were very much appreciated by everyone. It was a joy to have them here.

Some tangible ways that you can be involved would be to donate some money to buy some items for the school. We have need for about 6 basketballs and 6 soccer balls at a cost of about $20 each. We also have need for 2 garden hoses at a cost of $35 each. The teachers have need of some locking storage cabinets. They need 4 file cabinets (2 drawers) at a total of $140 each. The church has need of 3 folding work tables at $80 each. All gifts can be sent to CAM International for a tax deductible receipt.

The address is:
CAM International
6825 La Prada Drive
Dallas, TX 75228

Be sure to include the project number: 062630 and for what purpose you are sending the money.

If you would like to donate now to a specific need and do not need a tax deductible receipt, then use the paypal button.

In 2004 a new church was begun in the small town of Patzun, Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Why start another church? Patzun already had three Indian churches, with one having close to 1000 members. The founders of this church had a concern for the many unchurched people in the streets and especially the youth. They desired to have an impact in the community and not just on Sundays. Therefore a new work was begun.

In summer of 2004, I was invited to attend the church and was impressed with their vision. In the years, that I have been associated with them, their vision has not diminished, but increased. In 2005, they baptized 38 new believers. In 2006, they helped the victims of Hurricane Stan in three different communities with food, clothes, and the Gospel.

One of their desires is to have a Christian School providing quality education. In the first few days of December 2005, they received government approval to begin a school. In January 2006 they began the school with 24 students. In January 2007, the school had increased to 30 students. In January 2008, there were 65 students in kinder through 6 grade and 11 students in seventh and eight (junior high). The students pay only $10 per month, when the cost is closer to $30 per child.

Other desires in the future include, vocational training, sound and video studio, literature production, translation into various Indian dialects, sports activities, and missions. The vocational training could include: woodworking, metalworking, textiles, ceramics, and agriculture. They have discussed the possibility of having a nurses training program and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

In January 2005, they began renting a property from the bank. The bank was repossessing the property. In August of 2007, the church made a down payment of $50,000 and took a 10 year mortgage. The property is around three acres and has over 200 feet of frontage road. The Lord saved the property for us and worked several miracles to enable them to make the down payment. They are still making the monthly mortgage payments of $1500. Of course, this is beyond their reach, but we know that we have a God with whom all things are possible. Many of the people make less than $500 a month and with the increase in the cost of living, it is too much for them. But our God is faithful and we are currently up to date with all the bills. We are still looking to God for His provision.

Please pray that God will do a mighty work. Pray that the brothers will not get discouraged but renew their strength in the Lord. Pray that we would be an encouragement one another and that God would give us wisdom for what He wants us to do. Pray that God will supply the funds needed.

I will be posting pictures of the project Ministerios Alfa y Omega in Patzun, Guatemala.