"As the Guatemala team began to form again this year, I found myself questioning whether or not I should go back. In my head, I found so many excuses – tight finances, limited time, and a fresh awareness of the risks involved, to name a few. In my heart, however, I desperately wanted to go. Over a few weeks, I thought and prayed about the decision before me. As I sifted through pictures from last year, the face of a little girl named Maria caught my eye. My memory brought back a very vivid and sincere promise I made to her in the midst of goodbyes. With a mutually teary hug, she wrapped her skinny little arms around me and, with pleading eyes, asked: “Sόlo un ano? Si?” (which means “Only a year? Right?” in Spanish) Assuring her that we would see one another again soon, I looked her in the eye and pulled her closer to me repeating in broken Spanish: “Si, un ano…”

                From April 4 – 13, I have one final chance to return to San Andreas, Sajcabaja, Guatemala.  Like the past two years, we will have the opportunity to share the Gospel in surrounding villages by performing skits, braiding/washing hair, painting churches, and providing supplies. In addition, we organize crafts, games, and special outings for the children. Each year, the kids anxiously await the rowdy return of our team “like they would anticipate seeing aunts and uncles”, according to missionary Dina Stromstead. It is our joy to serve brothers and sisters in Christ at Hogar de Vida y Nutricion (“Home of Life and Nutrition”).  

                As my church family, you have been and continue to be a crucial part of this ministry in Guatemala. If you feel led to support us through prayer, please pray for God’s blessing, provision, and presence in the trip. Ask the Lord to grant the leader’s wisdom as they plan, the team unity as we prepare, and the staff of the orphanage strength as they work against all odds to keep things running smoothly. If you feel led to contribute financially to the mission trip, checks may be made out to “Inner City Outreach Guatemala” and mailed to Lissa Swanson, Grove City College, Box #2026, 200 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA, 16127 as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. "