Gratitude Abounds

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Dear Bishop Lull, brothers, and sisters at Saint Paul Area Synod:

We hope you and your families are doing ok during so many changes, challenges, and joys. God is always with us, in us and among us. Please receive warm greetings from your brothers and sisters from ILAG.

With great joy, we want to thank you all for an amazing Gala! We know how hard you all work to support people in Guatemala. It is amazing the connection we all have through the Holy Spirit, as we haven’t seen each other in more than a year, and God´s love is stronger through all of us.

On behalf of the children at the Elementary School, the lay leaders and pastors, the young people in the scholarship program, we want to express how grateful we are. All of this effort will give fruit and is giving fruit through all of the pastoral care in the communities of faith, through the teachers at the elementary school, and the people who have the certainty they can continue with their education.

May God continue bringing us together and blessing our partnership between ILAG and SPAS.

On behalf of Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala, Colegio Luterano Agustino de Guatemala, & MILAGRO,

Rev. Karen Castillo, President

I want to share with all of you the fantastic news that the Guatemala Gala was a huge success. We exceeded the goal of $100,000, and today the gifts total $102,887.86. Thank you to all who have participated so far. Gifts are coming in each day, and if you are still planning to be a "Partner in Education" of the ILAG, please send in your gift today. You may give online or mail a check made out to to the Saint Paul Area Synod, Attn: David Roinas, 105 University Ave. W., St. Paul MN 55103.

The stories that were shared in the gala video touched so many hearts. We heard from many folks how moved they were by Pastor Julio's story. All were grateful to hear from Pastor Karen that no one in the ILAG churches has died from COVID-19. And we received numerous compliments on the school video, showing the amazing progress on the Colegio Luterano Agustino de Guatemala and how it is changing lives.

The gala video is still available, and the donate button is still active on the Guatemala Gala webpage. I just watched it again today, and the messages are full of hope and encouragement for the future. As Diego Gil said in his segment, "Education opens doors." It truly does.

Janet Metcalfe, Guatemala Gala Committee