I am writing to tell you about an opportunity Nathaniel and I have to participate on a mission team with West Congregational Church. We have been chosen to be part of a one-week mission trip to the village of Posa de Agua in Guazacapán, Guatemala. This experience will be full of learning opportunities, hard work, personal challenges, and serving others. I am hoping that this trip will not only benefit a community in need, but also that it will be an eye opening and life changing experience for me and my son.

 

We will be in Guatemala from April 2-10, 2022. The local church in Posa de Agua was started by the church planting ministry of Otto de La Cruz. Otto and his wife Rosa were supported by West Church for decades as national missionaries within Guatemala through the agency of Missions Door, Otto's ministry was started in 1990 and over the past 30 years he has started 40 churches throughout Guatemala. Otto also started a seminary to train the leaders and pastors that serve within these churches. As a result, thousands have come to know the gospel. Since his retirement in 2020, West Church has supported his daughter Victoria Pierce as she continues to work in the ministry started by her parents.

 

The West Church team will do manual labor each day alongside local Guatemalans to help in the construction of additional classroom space on the second floor of the existing church building. These classrooms will be used for Sunday School and Bible studies along with the pastor's housing. The team will also provide a VBS for the kids in the village. We look forward to being part of the ongoing relationship between West Church and this ministry in Guatemala and seeing how God will use me to serve others.

 

The total anticipated cost for each team member on this trip is $2,000. This will include air travel, room and board, and transportation. Each individual needs to raise their own support.

 

I am asking our friends and family to consider helping Nathaniel and me with this exciting project. Please consider making a commitment to pray for the team while we are away. Pray that in all circumstances during this trip we do God's will and that our team will make a lasting impact. In addition, any financial contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated. You can donate here or if you choose, you can make a check payable to West Church and on the memo line please write "Guatemala Team."

 

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

 

Sincerely,

Steve Simmons