Rejoicing & Weeping

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

During these last weeks at the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala, we have confronted many challenges. Challenges in the harvests due to drought, challenges in health in several families, challenges in situations that were out of our control. The frustration and the weariness overwhelmed us...but then we remembered that God keeps his promises and that He is in control.

Health problems abound. A 10-month old baby with special needs from Nueva Guatemala just died.

The drought has taken a toll. Gifts of corn to eat and corn to plant are being arranged for all of our ILAG families. Pray for a blessed planting and a prosperous harvest.

The delegation from Como Park Lutheran and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection just visited Santa Amelia, and it was a time filled with blessings. On the way back to the capital, there was a collapsed bridge which caused long delays, plus our van was robbed while in a restaurant. Even in the midst of these circumstances, as we accept our limitations, the love of God fills us and strengthens our relationship based in Jesus Christ.

Construction on the Centro Educativo Milagro for young women is in the planning stage. We found out while in Santa Amelia that a girl who was planning to be part of the 2017 pilot project just partnered with a 22-year-old man. She is 14.

Despite these many struggles, the church in El Mirador has a marvelous problem! They don't have enough benches for all who come to Sunday worship. This is the kind of problem that we can celebrate!

Pastor Karen Castillo
President, Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala