Vision Trip Refections & Answered Prayers

Brandy and I continue to reflect and rejoice over our vision trip to Petén. God blessed us greatly in the week we were there. We met many wonderful people and began to build relationships. He showed us where and how we will serve, and He gave us the gift of confirmation over and over again. There is no doubt in our minds that Petén Guatemala is where we have been called and that He is faithfully equipping us to serve the unique needs of the place and the people. I pray that this report of what we saw, heard, and experienced will glorify Him, and encourage each of you.

​During our time in Petén, we met with several pastors that World Reach Missions supports both financially and through pastoral support and care. I would like to highlight some of the things we learned and share with you how God is doing a mighty work in Petén. Specifically, among the Q’eqchi people group. The Q’eqchi are one of 23 indigenous people groups, they have their own language (Q’eqchi) which is a Mayan dialect. The Bible was not translated into their language until 2023, and they are known to be hostile both to Hispanics and to the gospel.

​We met with Byron and his small, sweet family who live in what most people would consider the poorest of poor conditions. However, hearing their story one can quickly see the Lord is at work. Byron and his family live in an area called Sepur. It is a long and treacherous drive to get to them, and they are very isolated. Byron is one of the pastors who graduated from the Q’eqchi Bible Institute and planted a church in the Q’eqchi area of Sepur. Byron is Q’eqchi and because of his faith, he is seen by many as a traitor.

​The first week that he preached, only 5 people came to the service. In the months following, no one showed up. Many people spent many hours, days, and weeks in fervent prayer. During that time, Q’eqchi tribal members from the area around him threatened to burn down his church with him and his family inside. The persecution was serious and ministry partners paid for a security fence to be put up around his home and church. Many Catholic neighbors, most of whom were evangelized in the spirit of the inquisition, also threatened him and his family. Prayer continued. God has moved in a mighty way, answered those prayers, and protected them from danger.

By God’s grace, the situation has changed so much in that area that Byron and members of his church are now able to go door to door in the surrounding Q’eqchi villages - to invite people to church and to share the gospel. . Members of his church who are the same people who once threatened him, both Catholic and Q’eqchi. Byron tells us that he was ready to quit, that it is hard to be isolated and surrounded. However, it was the prayer of the body of Christ and his wife’s encouragement that led him to stay faithful.

May you be encouraged as the Lord is glorified in the work that He is doing. May many Q’eqchi speaking people and tribes be in the Lord’s presence in heaven as a result of the faithfulness of the body of Christ to pray, give, and go in support of the Church.

As we prepare, and as we go, our greatest need is partners who will pray with us and provide financial support for the work that God is doing in Guatemala. If you are interested in being a co-laborer as we carry out the Great Commission, please visit our giving page.