International Christian Hospice News  
                                                      August 2014

                                                Ministry in Guatemala

Chickens and dogs warn us in the predawn darkness that sunrise is at 5:30.  By 6:00 people begin to gather at the “hospitalito” entrance to wait their turn for the medical and vision clinic.  We have commented often to each other about the amazing patience and good humor the Mayan, indigenous folks exhibit.  Their simplicity, contentment and relaxed pace of life is very appealing compared to our North American standards!   

Dr. Sergio and Veronica have been serving these people for 15 years, while rearing their 4 daughters in the high coffee lands and jungle of western Guatemala.  It has been such a huge blessing to have the second year of partnership of Lexington Baptist Church with ICH working in this beautiful, but needy location.  Below is a list in summary of the variety of ministry opportunities God gave us.

·        continuing construction on a house for Dr. Sergio’s family including installing electric circuits, and building a support base for a water storage tower

·        medical and vision screening clinics in two locations including prayer, sharing the Gospel and counseling

·        children’s VBS ministry

·        Youth evangelization and Bible distribution on the neighborhood soccer field

·        visiting 2 homes for the aging in the region, giving small gifts to the residents and sharing ICH information and encouragement with the staff/caregivers

How honored we were for opportunities to minister to people we met at the clinics who were suffering.  One woman had recently been given a terminal diagnosis.  Another older couple cried in grief over the recent, accidental death of their grandchild.  A young married couple were grieving over their recent miscarriage.  Our job began with listening to the stories of pain and grief, embracing and sharing tears in Jesus’ name.  We were then able to speak words of hope and comfort found only in Christ.   God has given ICH unique opportunities to walk with people experiencing pain and loss and our LBC team came away from each day feeling as though we were the ones receiving the blessings!

The scripture teaches that some of us have the role of planting Gospel seeds, others of us water but God is the One who harvests.  It was an honor to participate with God in each of these steps throughout our days of ministry.  We made “salvation bead bracelets” and shared God’s plan with over 150 children in VBS as well as teens on the ball field in the evening.  We distributed Bibles to families who had none and also to teens who expressed spiritual interest.  How exciting for our mission team to see precious fruit in His harvest as 4 people came to faith in Christ during this week!

Thank you LBC mission team for your hard work, dedication and flexibility in every situation we encountered!  Our week of ministry together would have been impossible without those of you at home praying and those who gave financially.   We thank God for all of you!

                 

Staff Training at MY SWEET REFUDGE near Mazetenango,      Guatemala

 

While staying in Antigua after the team left, God directed our paths to cross with Mr. and Mrs. Wei from Taiwan.  They have been living in Guatemala for 3 years.  Mr. Wei is directing the finances of Taiwan in partnership with the Guatemalan government.  During our conversation we were able to hear about their Budhist beliefs then we were able to share about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in which we put our trust.  Please pray with us for this couple and for the truth of Christ’s love to reach into their hearts. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
 

This past Sunday we attended Lamb of God Evangelical C.A. church with missionary friends Paul and Ruth Philippi.   Paul and Ruth first came to Guatemala in 1956 and will soon celebrate their 61^st wedding anniversary!  We have enjoyed their friendship and hearing about many exciting things God has done in Guatemala through the years.  Thank you, Paul and Ruth, also for allowing us to stay in a small apartment on their property!

Pray for ICH Future Ministry Opportunities

Please join us praying about plans for mission opportunities in November of this year.  Also we are looking at the calendar and considering requests for ICH work next year, 2015.   Thank you again for your interest in what God is doing around the world through ICH.  Please contact us if you would be interested in joining us in ministry as a team member either short or long term. 

Serving Him together,

Ron and Susan Naish

170 Bethview Dr.

Irmo, S.C.  29063

803-781-0656

 

Tax exempt donations received at:

ICH

c/o Rich Banis

303 Madison Heights Dr.

Marshall,  N.C.  28753

 

                      More Photos of team working with children at Hospital Santa Fe