Update from Guatemala in light of the Global Pandemic
To our Faithful Supporters and Partners in the Ministry
It goes without saying that these last few weeks have shown us more than in any time in the history of HOPE, the power of God and the inability of man to control the world around us. Our confidence has been and will continue to be in the love and care of our Heavenly Father. Isaiah 41:10 strengthens us with these words, Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
At H.O.P.E. Bible Mission we have ministered in faith for 70 years and there is no reason to change today. Our ministry team in Guatemala at this time is as challenged as we are here in New York City today. The national curfew is 4:00pm to 4:00am. Travel is restricted and all meetings are restricted. People are struggling to get food and living supplies and most work is suspended at this time. The country’s economy is taking a severe blow. What is our Resolve? H.O.P.E. Bible Mission was founded to bring spiritual and physical relief to war torn Europe after World War II. Today that mission continues with a different war. Our ministry team is resolved to continue to focus on strengthening the rural church in Guatemala. We will continue to teach leaders to spiritually lead their churches and reach their communities for Christ. We cannot physically travel to the rural areas at this time and our team is preparing creative ways with the limited technology that is available. Read about the Founding of H.O.P.E. Bible Mission We will continue to focus on strengthening the rural schools. At this time school is not in session and virtual learning is not an option. We are working with our schools on how to continue to provide a quality education which our children must have in this new world. We are looking at new methods which will involve technology. These are ideas that we have dreamed about addressing in the near future and now they are the vital needs of this new reality. We will continue to help meet the physical needs of the community in partnership with the local churches with which we have strong relationships. Our medical team is ready to be on the ground caring for those in need. The rural areas do not have hospitals or clinics. Respirators are hours away. Our team is preparing for how we will respond. For the A.G.A.P.E. partner ministry, for the time being, ministry flights in Guatemala are closed. However, we are allowed to do relief flights. We have the most experienced aviation team for small airplanes in Guatemala for this challenge to reach the rural areas. Eri, our director, just did an emergency evacuation flight for six US women this past Monday, who found themselves stranded in the Peten region unable to get to Guatemala City for the last evacuation flight out to the U.S. You can view an update of this flight on our webpage hopebiblemission.org or our facebook page “Hope Bible Mission.” Read on our Blog, "Flights During Difficult Times" about a recent AGAPE relief flight What is the Need First and foremost we need your PRAYERS. We have personally experienced this in the United States. We want to DO something and they tell us that the best thing that we can do is to stay home. In NYC we have been physically restricted but we are in no way spiritually restricted. We are called to Pray. We need all of our HBM supporters to pray. Second, we do continue to face the financial challenges that many of you are facing. We deeply appreciate each of you whether or not you are able to continue your financial support. We recognize that some will not be able to continue financially, but we so want the continued support in PRAYER. Many have asked us about our needs at this time. Here is a general budget of our needs as we consider ministry opportunities during this time:
Our Confidence As we mentioned earlier in this letter God has always met the needs of this ministry. There have been days where we went to bed wondering what would happen to our mission financially, to wake up the next day seeing God’s provision. We believe that this is because of the current prayer support and the original vision of a faith based ministry from our founders 70 years ago. Whatever financial or physical situation your church is currently experiencing, we know that prayer is the most vital resource for all of us at this time. We are praying for you. Please take care of your families and your communities. God has given His church the opportunity to shine. In Christ, The HBM Team |
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About HOPE
H.O.P.E. is a nonprofit ministry partnering with national organizations in Guatemala and Spain. Learn more about our Purpose and Vision here. |
Our Partners
H.O.P.E. works with a variety of partner organizations to develop leadership programs and education initiatives that strengthen the local church and communities. Learn more about our Partners here! |
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