Hola y gracias for visiting the Faith Church mission trip blog.

The purpose of this site is to provide daily updates to Faith Church members and supporters of the activities being undertaken in service to the communities of Zacapa and Piedras Azules, Guatemala, from January 31 to February 9.

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Day 10 (February 9, 2020)

Reflection and thanksgiving

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Heading for home

We started the day early so that we could take a slightly longer way to Guatemala City, as this would bring us through El Ranchero, the town where Gio is planning to start a new church.

The road was winding and went through many villages. There were, accordingly, lots and lots of speed bumps, and the 50+ of them slowed the journey through the mountains. We were stopped randomly on the freeway where the police were checking to make sure drivers had valid licenses. It was a quick stop and we had no problems.

We made it to the airport in time to return the rental van, and had no trouble with customs or our connecting flight other than the checked luggage being delayed until tomorrow. We are grateful to have all returned safely home to Minnesota.

Trip by the numbers:

• 20 home visits in 3 villages
• 6 testimonies shared
• 4 times singing our 2 Spanish songs
• 3 church services
• 3 sewing groups
• 1 shelter completed
• 1 radio station visit with 2 interviews
• 1 hospital visit
• Meeting sponsored students
• Ipala volcano and lagoon hike
• Lots of relationship building, encouragement, deep discussion, and gospel sharing

Day 9 (February 8, 2020)

Teaching and learning

…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:20

Today we met Todd’s wife and their son. We had a nice conversation with them and were able to pray with them before breakfast. We also had some time with Marvin and his family (below).

We spent several hours today with Gio talking about history, different religions, doctrine, and evangelism. It was an excellent discussion and we were left with a better understanding of the subjects as well as a hunger to learn more. 

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

Titus 2:1

Completing the shelter

Today Pastor Favio and two helpers applied a protective top-coat of paint to the cured concrete floor, which marked completion of the shelter. We are grateful for the excellent teamwork during this trip.

Dedicating the shelter

In the afternoon we traveled to Piedras Azules to dedicate the structure, which was all in God’s timing as there was the Saturday church service starting and those who were there were able to join us for the dedication. We asked for God’s blessing on the community and children, and that the shelter be useful for them to learn in and play in over many years. Some of the women spoke as well. It was a wonderful closing to the trip, and we look forward to what God will be at work doing in the future for the community of Piedras Azules. 

Tomorrow we leave early for the trip back to Guatemala City and our flight home to Minnesota. On the way Giovanni will show us a town where he is planning to start a church. We hope to be a part of it in some way or another, Lord willing. 

We greatly appreciate the support of Gio and his family, the community here in Guatemala, and those back home who provided resources to make this possible and prayed for us while we’ve been here.

Day 8 (February 7, 2020)

The splendor of God’s creation

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  

Psalm 8:3-4

Today drove to the Ipala Volcano, which is a mile-high dormant stratovolcano with a lagoon in the caldera. Just before the volcano road we dropped off Magaly, Carmen, Marvin, and his son Diego at a park, as they chose to wait while we went to the lagoon. The drive got difficult near the bottom of the volcano and we passed a bike race going through the mountains.

Pat’s driving got us there safely. Where the trail started at the bottom there were 3 horses available to take people up to the top. Some of the team opted for the guided horse ride and the others hiked.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  

Matthew 11:28

In the thin air, we took breaks to catch our breath and enjoy some of the fantastic views. We took the opportunity to talk with Libia, Marvin’s wife, and to spend time with Fabio and Kares as well, which was very nice. At the top we took in the beautiful view of the lagoon and caldera. We took a lot of nice pictures of the scenery and of the group together. It was a very beautiful thing to behold. 

On way to Ipala Volcano and lagoon, we saw Chiquimula city and its university. This is a large city because of the university, possibly even bigger than Guatemala City.

After our time at the volcano, we joined the others at the park for lunch. It was so much fun to spend time with Gio, Maga, Carmen, Marvin, and his family. 

After returning to Gio’s house and enjoying dinner together we took time to talk together about the accomplishments and to set the schedule tomorrow.

Back at the hotel before our nightly team debrief, we had an opportunity to meet Todd, the son of the owner of the hotel. We had a nice discussion about mission trips, teams, and church. He is a photographer and has decided to switch careers and become a doctor. God willing, he will be able to finish school in 5 years. 

More photos still to come!

Day 7 (February 6, 2020)

New Life

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Hebrews 6:10

Zacapa Regional Hospital visit

This morning we loaded all the new mom bags from Faith Church’s baby shower and the ones we put together last night into the van, and set off for the Zacapa Regional Hospital. This hospital provides public healthcare for the community.

We were welcomed into the hospital by staff who were expecting our visit. We were allowed into the maternity ward because Giovanni has over the course of many years built a relationship with the hospital director and supported them through the hard times when the funding runs out or is cut from the budget. 

Giovanni explained that we were visiting them to encourage them and we had a chance to sing our two songs. Some of the women and girls quietly sang along with us.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

After that we spread out to place a hand on the babies / moms while Gio prayed for God’s protection for them. Many of the moms cried at this point for the blessing and love that they felt. Gio then talked to them about their responsibility as parents to do their best to raise up good children who can have a productive and purposeful life, and that the strength and wisdom for that task comes only from God. We handed out the bags for boys and girls accordingly to each new mom, to the moms who would be giving birth shortly, and to those anxiously awaiting the return of their child from intensive care or testing. There were some special cases where moms requested specific prayers and we were happy for the opportunity. 

One special case: We met a girl named Mirza with her little 2 week old baby boy. She is only 14 years old and not allowed to leave the hospital because there is a long legal process (up to 3 months) for underage girls; if they don’t say who the father is, or can’t prove they are legally married, to find and jail the father. For this reason (and the hospital conditions) many girls give birth at home.

In addition to a lack of basic medical supplies, another challenge for patients is family members not being allowed into the hospital generally, and the maternity ward in particular. These girls and women have little emotional support or encouragement while there, just the friends they make during their stay and the nurses, who are often stretched very thin. We prayed for Mirza and her boy, and would ask for your prayers for her as well. The nurses asked for prayers that her depression and forceful crying would subside so her body can heal from the birth.

It was a very humbling and sobering experience to meet with them even if only for a brief time. Despite some of the dire circumstances, we felt a sense of hope and potential for the new babies and their mothers; they seemed to feel similarly.  

Sewing group

Back at Gio’s house, the women of Zacapa met for sewing and it was again a success. The wrist worn pincushion project was well received by all three sewing groups, and the children in Piedras Azules liked to wear them as bracelets too. It was a lot of fun and a wonderful time of building relationships.

Downtown market visit

We had a chance to walk around the market in downtown Zacapa and meet some of Giovanni’s shoe shiner friends. One of Gio’s close friends was there for the first time since Christmas, and Gio was very glad to see he was still alive. He was not expected to live after his son stabbed him nine times in a drunken rage. By the grace of God he survived and his massive scars were really starting to heal. He is not expected to be able to work again any time soon, and his son was sentenced to 25 years for attempted murder. This is a tragic situation for the family and offset only slightly by his friend still being alive.

It was the hottest day yet for the trip, topping out above 100°F with little to no breeze. We were very glad to have a few hours to rest after lunch. 

Feedback and visioning

After resting, we had a feedback and visioning meeting with Gio. It was very helpful to talk through many of the ministries and his plans for each with the new insight and context we have gained from everything we have seen and done in the past few days. We captured some valuable takeaways, suggestions, and opportunities, and prioritized some of the directly actionable items. 

Pastor Favio, who helped build the shelter, will be taking Margo and Dean to the airport early tomorrow morning, so we said our farewells to them tonight and pray for their safe return home. Tomorrow we will go to see the Ipala volcano and lagoon. 

Day 6 (February 5, 2020)

Seeing the fruit

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

This morning we split up again after breakfast, with the construction team intent on finishing the basic structure and the visit team planning to walk to many homes in Juan Ponce and Piedras Azules.

Finishing the basic structure

The first task was to construct a long ladder, as the 6-foot homemade ladder available was not tall enough to reach the top of the 11-foot roof. Next we made and attached rafters and added structural support braces, finished the roof support, and attached the metal sheets.

Based on the remaining work still needed at lunch time, some of the team opted to continue working while the rest went to Juan Ponce for lunch. We struggled a bit with the shade tree over the shelter, but found a way to make it all work together with no interference. Today the heat was very intense, and we are thankful to Donna for making sure that we stayed hydrated and for encouraging us to take shift breaks in the church (and out of the sun). 

We worked right until dusk, when we added an inscription and packed up for the day. It is a relief to have completed a shelter that the kids will absolutely love to use to escape the sun and rain.

Visiting homes in Juan Ponce and Piedras Azules

Today was a busy day for a home visits, with five homes in Juan Ponce that we missed the other day and five additional homes in Piedras Azules. It was wonderful to see the fruits of much of the money that we have invested. We met students who are doing well in school and who have clear visions for their future.

We also saw several homes that were built with funding from ACPE to provide a safer environment for the families and opportunities for a better future, however the needs are still great. It is currently the tomato harvest and with that comes work for two months, however several people mentioned there is no work the rest of the year. As a result, life here is very hard.

We also met several people struggling with heartbreaking medical illnesses, both themselves and their children; please keep Olga (a grandmother caring for her family) and Gracie (a 12-year-old suffering from knee and hip pain for 4 years with no affordable relief in site) in your prayers.

For all their trials and struggles they were consistently selfless, kind, welcoming and so appreciative that we took time to see and serve them. Prayer is so powerful and they very much appreciated our and your prayers. We are learning from each other.

It was also very encouraging to see some incredible parenting leading to really strong families with successful children. This is the hope and vision for much of Gio’s ministries and work. Now that some of the older kids have graduated and are meaningfully employed, helping in the church and becoming leaders, we know that it is working. 

At the end of the day, we packed more new “mom bags” for the hospital visit in the morning. With the basic shelter complete, we are excited that the entire team will be able to visit the new moms in the hospital tomorrow morning. George thanked us for our work and told us that we made a new friend on this trip. He and Pastor Favio were great to work with, and we appreciated their patience and enthusiasm throughout the project very much.

Thank you for all your prayers, and praise to God for no injuries despite the working conditions at height and in the extreme heat. We are so grateful for everything. 

Day 5 (February 4, 2020)

Hugs (abrazos)

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:3

Today we started early again, with half of the team visiting homes in Juan Ponce and the other half continuing construction.

Home visits

For the home visitors there was a lot of walking, as the families of the church are spread out around the countryside. We visited the home of Quique and Bita, and got to see his wood shop. There was a special time of singing at the home of Lesbia. She is very ill and not able to go to church any longer, however she loves the music and really enjoyed singing in her home. The path taken to get to the homes was long and difficult, but the connections made and time spent together was well worth it. 

Shelter construction and sewing

The build team began mixing concrete, setting the posts to support the roof, and cutting and attaching beams. Steve and Gio went to purchase oil to treat the support posts at a local shop. While there Gio began talking to the owner of the shop, who noticed that Gio was an educated man. He told them that he too wanted to have a more formal education but depression was keeping him from handling the classes. They prayed with him and invited him to church. It was a very clearly a God moment!

We all had lunch together in Juan Ponce, and the team headed back to Piedras Azules for sewing and more work on the shelter before church service.

Church services

The church service in Piedras Azules began with much singing. The enthusiasm and joy of the children singing was especially powerful considering the very difficult living conditions they face every day. It was wonderful to have help from all the children and women when we sang the two songs. Donna and Dean shared their testimonies. Gio talked about our team, what we are doing, and why we are doing it. He also shared that in reality we as people are more alike than different, and since we all have difficulties it is important to look to God for direction and help. Two women from the church went up front and thanked our team for working to build the shelter for the children, and told us how much it means to them that the kids will be safe from the elements and able to learn.

We ended with a lot of hugs, handed out the bags of candy to the kids and families, and took many pictures. Many children waited to take pictures with us and Gio had a chance to tell us about the unique situations of each one and their families.

After dinner we attended the church service in Juan Ponce. We had another opportunity to sing, and the congregation encouraged us by saying that, despite our work fatigue, they think we sang better than they did. They felt they should learn a song in English for us. Tom and Pat shared their testimonies, and Gio preached about the necessity of reading the Bible to know Jesus and the character of God. Maria Fernanda from the Juan Ponce church shared thanks to the team for the work and had many other kind words of encouragement for us. After the service, we shared many hugs with the people and did our best with translating. They were very eager to talk, ask questions, and encourage us. 

We look forward to more home visits and to see how far we can get on the shelter tomorrow. We will also be making the last 20 bags for the new moms in the hospital which we plan to deliver on Thursday. Prayers for safety (no falls or other injuries) as we work on the roof tomorrow and for proper hydration with the return to the normally hot weather starting today, which is forecasted to continue for the rest of the trip. 

Day 4 (February 3, 2020)

Building a structure, building relationships

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Luke 6: 47-48

Juan Ponce sewing group visit

Early this morning the mission team’s women joined the sewing group in Juan Ponce, where the group’s members had a chance to talk about their reasons for being involved in it. Some are excited to learn a trade and grow their skills, while others want to sew to support their family, and in some way or another they are all there to share in this special community of support, connection, and relationships. Margo and Donna worked with them to create pin cushions with elastic that can be worn on the wrist, which they appreciated very much. 

Shelter construction begins

The rest of the group started on the construction of the shelter in Piedras Azules. We were joined by Pastor Favio, whom we visited yesterday, and George, who speaks some English and helped translate as well. It was encouraging to see some of the church members bringing things to help with the project and others stopping by on their lunch break from the busy harvest just to offer their help. They are all excited for this shelter.

There were difficulties along the way such as converting many measurements between English and Metric; the very hard, dry, rocky ground; and some delayed supply deliveries. We all pulled together to overcome the obstacles and make meaningful progress in the end.

With the difficult work of setting out the structure, preparing the holes and posts, and settling on the final design of the roof support complete, we are excited to get back to work tomorrow and see it all start to come together.

Piedras Azules home visits

After lunch part of the team visited homes of church people in Piedras Azules. They were able to learn more about their families, lives, struggles, joys, and what they do in the church. At each visit the team has a chance to pray with and encourage them. We also give them a small gift that will hopefully remind them that we are thinking of them, and of God’s never-ending love for them.

Some of the team went to the radio station for Gio’s live “Lectura Nocturna”, meaning “Night Discussion”, Christian radio show from 8-9pm on Mondays. Not only does his show reach thousands in the Zacapa area, it is also now global on the Internet. All through the day today, Gio was receiving messages from people around the world asking about tonight’s show. Tonight’s show was “Missionaries: why do they exist, what do they do, and what are their motivations.” Gio interviewed Steve and Christopher, and Alejandro did an excellent job of queueing music, switching the mic, managing the sound levels, and fielding incoming questions for the show. The current one-hour show is not long enough for the topics to be fully explored, and many listeners have asked for it to be extend to two hours. We pray that can happen soon with some additional funding. 

Through the activities and interactions today, the team had more of a glimpse into Giovanni’s work and heart for the people. It is amazing for us to see him in his element, working with the women, playing with the kids, working on logistics with everyone at the construction site, and addressing thousands on the radio. In every situation, he is encouraging and sharing the Love of Jesus in real, genuine ways. It is such a blessing for us to be a part of this.

We found that regardless of age, experience, or expertise, everyone was used by God to do meaningful and rewarding work today. The relationships that were built and strengthened are a blessing from God, and we are so happy to have this opportunity to be here with our family in Christ’s church. 

Day 3 (February 2, 2020)

Worship and rest

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God

Hebrews 4:9

Today we had a relatively light schedule to honor the Sabbath and prepare for the busy days to come. 

This morning we attended service in Zacapa where we met Ryan from New Hampshire. He has lived and worked in Guatemala at the church and an orphanage for almost 14 years now, and leads worship when Giovanni is out of town. He received us very warmly indeed. 

We had a chance to sing the two songs in Spanish we have been practicing. The church members enjoyed it and some sang along with us.

Mark and Steve shared their testimonies with Gio translating. The congregation was able to relate and connect with their stories and engaged with them after service. Our team was very encouraged by the large number of older boys in attendance, one of whom read scripture in the service. Gio explained that he is training them to be leaders in the church and that their lives are being transformed by Christ. Most of them have no positive male role models and would otherwise most likely end up on the streets and/or in a life of crime.

Following church service we had an opportunity to visit with two families in their homes. First was the home of Miriam (80) and her grandson Alejandro (16). Miriam has such a heart for the homeless in her community, and she shares what little she has with those in need. She encouraged us to see those on the streets with compassion and treat them with kindness regardless of their situation. Alejandro cares for his grandmother and has helped her recover after she was hit by a motorcycle three years ago. He also helps Giovanni produce his live radio show by monitoring the incoming text questions and running the music. Alejandro does such an excellent job that the radio station owners have taken notice and are considering him for a paid internship. He is one of the kids Gio is training to be a leader in the church as well.

Next we visited the home of Pastor Favio and his family. Favio is the president of the pastors association in Zacapa, and given his background in construction he will be leading us on the construction of the shelter tomorrow through Wednesday. He and Giovanni have many things in common, especially a good sense of humor, and we are excited to work with him. 

After home visits and lunch we received some handsewn gifts made by the women in Juan Ponce. These were unexpected and very thoughtful. 

Some of the team had a very engaging discussion with Gio about theology, different religions, difficulties facing society, and the church being the hope that brings the Gospel to those who Jesus misses most. In these moments we gained important glimpses into Giovanni’s heart and what is most energizing for him, and we are very glad to have these opportunities to share and grow together. 

Prayers for strength for the team as we enter into the most physically rigorous three days of the trip from Monday through Wednesday, and also for Miriam’s health to remain strong. We did not visit the radio station today, but instead will do so tomorrow night for a live radio show. Praise God for the unusually wonderful weather, with some rare rain last night and resulting fresh day today. 

Lastly, in preparation for the hospital visit on Thursday we were able to buy all the remaining items needed to pack 20 additional bags, which are supplies for new mothers. We also picked up 15 pounds of candy to give to the kids in Piedras Azules.

Looking forward to what tomorrow will bring with the start of construction and time with the women’s group in Juan Ponce, more home visits, and the radio broadcast!

Day 2 (February 1, 2020)

Learning about Giovanni’s ministry

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven 

Ecclesiastes 3:1

After a very restful night, we started the day with an excellent breakfast cooked by Magaly and Carmen, and had a chance to practice the two Spanish songs that we plan to sing at church services: Bellas Palabras de Vida (Wonderful Words of Life) and A Su Nombre Gloria (Glory to His Name).

Giovanni took some time to give us an overview of the active ministries (sewing, hospital, radio show, home visits, pastoral care and training, student sponsorships, bags of blessings, VBS, and more). He also shared stories about his childhood, the journey that God has led him and Magaly through, some of his dreams of building a school in Juan Ponce, and the difference between existing — as many are doing now — and living with purpose in Christ. 

Introduction to students and families

The highlight of the day was a special visit from most of the sponsored students and some of their families back at Gio’s house. We had an opportunity to hear from each what they are studying and what year they are in school, as well as their thanks to the sponsors and specific prayer requests.

We also introduced ourselves and expressed our thanks to them for taking time off work, traveling a long way by bus, and many other logistical inconveniences specifically to meet with us.

We did our best to convey that we are all family in Christ and encouraged them in their studies so that they can make the most of the opportunities that they have; and, in turn, some day be in a position to be used mightily by God in giving back.

They were all so respectful and attentive, and had joyful spirits. It was a very humbling and encouraging experience for our team. After prayers, there were a lot of pictures and hugs. What a blessing!

Brief discovery of Zacapa

We also had a quick visit to the bank and walked through the downtown market where we had a chance to interact with the people of Zacapa in their element. The smells of fresh fruit and tamales, and all the sounds helped us to feel the energy of the people and culture. 

With team complete, preparing hearts for Day 3

Margo and Dean arrived safely at Gio’s house before dinner tonight after Gio’s son Marving and Marving’s oldest son, Fabio, navigated them through the difficult north route from the airport in Guatemala City around the largest motorcycle convoy of the year called Caravana Del Zoro (think Sturgis). 

Now that the traveling is over and we have gotten our bearings in Zacapa, the team is feeling a sense of Peace that we are where we are supposed to be and doing what God has planned for us to do. 

Tomorrow we will attend Church in Zacapa where some of the team will share their stories, sing the songs we practiced today, and make friends and encourage the people that we meet. After that, we plan to do house visits in Zacapa and then go to the radio station for Gio’s evening radio show where we will have a chance to greet the listeners. 

Thank you all for continued prayers and encouragement. This is one of the most important contributions to the success of the trip, and we are very grateful for it. Please pray for the students you see in these pictures, as they all have unique and significant struggles. Your prayers are so important to them as well. If anyone would like to know more about the student sponsorship ministry, please contact Vicki Effertz.

Good night from the Mission Team, and God bless!

Day 1 (January 31, 2020)

Travel to Guatemala

By the grace of God, we made it!

After an early 6:30am departure from Minneapolis and a transfer in Dallas, the partial team landed in Guatemala City on time at 3:00pm today. All of our checked luggage with the balance of tools arrived with us and we cleared customs quickly. Gio and Karen, one of the sponsored students and Gio’s niece, welcomed us very warmly.

He had the 14 passenger van and his SUV ready, and Pat courageously navigated the manual van through an especially congested rush hour. Everyone gets payed at the end of the month here and, being that it fell on a Friday, the roads were packed, which added a few extra hours to our trip.

We arrived at the hotel around 10:30pm, very grateful to Pat for getting us safely through the mountains, construction, and abundant motorcycles in the dark.

From deicing the plane at sub freezing temps in Minneapolis to a balmy ~90° here in Zacapa, it has been quite a journey. We are glad to finally be here and ready to do what God has planned for us after these many months of careful preparation. 

After we rest tonight, we will walk over to Gio and Maga’s place tomorrow morning for breakfast. We will be taking care of logistics (e.g. exchanging money to Guatemalan quetzals), hopefully meeting with some of the other sponsored students, and reviewing again in person all the plans for our time here as we await the safe arrival of the Halversons on Saturday. 

Thank you all for your prayers and support back home. We hope that Vicki and Ross are doing well and we look forward to sharing more tomorrow. 

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Faith Church, Minnetonka MN