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.