A mission team from Immanuel (Ed Mell, Stephanie Glanzer, Diane Reimold, and Joe Snyder) recently spent June 1-8 working in Guatemala.  Immanuel is dedicated to helping fulfill the Great Commission by making and growing disciples who make more disciples for Jesus.  We do this by working collaboratively with our mission partners and the people of Guatemala to help build the capacity of leaders, churches, ministries, and communities while addressing physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs, so that they can live in healthy ways to carry out God’s mission in the world.  Our theme this year was based on Psalm 39:7 “God is my hope”.

In addition to participating in worship at Iglesia Luterana Santa Cruz, the team taught English, music (using recorders), and Bible stories as part of the children’s ministry in the El Salitre area and also painted Santa Cruz church.  During its second year of continuing to develop relationships in Laguna Seca, the team met with the mayor and school principal and also purchased and distributed 50 lime trees (many of which the team planted at family homes while visiting with them).  The team spent lots of time teaching a Bible story, hygiene education, and English to 170 PK-6th grade students at the public school.  Cross necklaces hand-made from olive tree wood in Bethlehem were distributed to all the students and teachers, which provided another opportunity to share Jesus.  Hygiene kits were also distributed.  The team helped another mission team who came to install stoves by carrying concrete blocks and stove parts to numerous family homes in Laguna Seca (yes, we deliver).  We also met with several students who are receiving education scholarships supported by the generosity of Immanuel members and friends.  Stephanie is serving as our short-term missionary and will be serving in Guatemala through June 22.