On
behalf of the team who visited our Q’ekchi’ partners in Guatemala, please
accept our gratitude for all the ways you supported this opportunity. I am
sorry that I will be unable to be with you all for today’s service. (I will be
attending a family reunion which I have prayed would happen for a very long
time. Thanks be to God.)
Today,
you will sample some of the experiences we had. We hope it will provide a
better understanding why our church feels this partnership is so important. I
trust you will see why miles, cultures, theological differences, travel
difficulties, and other barriers between us and our Q’ekchi’ sisters and
brothers are truly insignificant. When we get to know one another and work in
partnership, God is glorified and God’s work is done so much more effectively.
I
felt I was carried by angels on this trip. I believe some of those were
heavenly ones, others were our Guatemalan partners, and others were you – our
church family, and other family and friends. We felt your presence. We were
physically supported, emotionally held and spiritually uplifted by your many
gifts.
The
letters from our special prayer partners blessed us beyond measure. You knew
our trip plans and wrote special words of encouragement for each step of our
journey. We received them just when they were most needed. The comfort of
knowing that you and others in our church were praying for us kept us calmer
and stronger.
Many
of you gave monetary support to make this visit possible. Countless others
attended fundraising events, purchased items at silent auctions or gave a gift
for easier traveling. Whatever way you supported the Guatemalan Connection made
a significant difference.
Our
prayer is that the ministry of our Guatemalan partnership will continue to
deepen and even more will become involved. There are amazing blessings awaiting
us all.
-Soni Castleberry
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