Mission 412 Guatemala Newsletter

May / 2014
In This Issue
Special Opportunity
Equipping
Mother's Day Ministry
Special Opportunity
We are so proud of our MKs (Missionary Kids).  They have their share of unique challenges growing up on the mission field.  They have also grown up ministering to others and love to take part as much as they can. 
Ashley (Victoria) recently participated in a young leader's preaching contest held by Let's Pray America.  We were so amazed as she dedicated herself to prepare a 5 minute teaching (you can see it here) aimed at youth, then on her own, recorded, edited and posted her video to the contest page.  She finished in the top 10 which was an amazing honor.  As a result of this contest she has been asked to participate in a Pray Gathering being held in Wichita Falls, Texas in July.  She will have time in the morning to be with the others that finished in the top 10 in a time of learning and networking and in the evening will participate on stage at the prayer gathering.  We would love to give her this opportunity, but it is not something we had planned in our yearly budget.  We would like to ask you to consider giving a special offering to help us make this opportunity a reality for her.



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As some of you may know, tropical storm Boris has been dropping lots of rain on us for the last three days.  These days have been cold and dreary, with the sun hiding behind the menacing clouds.   I started this letter when the storm was at it's worse, and as I was writing, I realized one thing.  The sun may not have been shining, but all that had happened over the last month and a half was proof that the real light, the light of God, shines through the darkness.  We have a lot to rejoice over.
Equipping
Team Ministry
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A huge part of our work here in Guatemala is to equip and train leaders to do the work of the gospel.  This is the reason we chose the name Mission 412 Guatemala, coming from Ephesians 4:12 which lays out this principle.  When we have guests, we love to to share those talents that God has placed in them with those we minister to as well.  Towards the end of April we had a wonderful visit from friends and fellow ministers Terry Scott and Jason Shirley. 
While they were here, we had the opportunity to hold a training seminar for pastors, youth pastors and youth leaders.  We opened the invitation to various churches around Quetzaltenango.  We were so blessed that evening when 70 pastors and leaders came to learn and study with us.  It was such a wonderful evening.  We had an amazing time and the best part was the pastors asked us to continue this, so we are in the process of planning and scheduling several more training seminars over the next few months to continue to help these pastors with the training of their leaders and future leaders.  We also ministered in several of the churches and held a youth outreach with Aviva Church here in Xela.  It was an amazing time!
Mother's Day Ministry

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This year Mother's Day was double the blessing.  In the morning, I (Tracy) had the wonderful privilege to sit and enjoy the service while my Ashley, Elizabeth and the other children and youth at Iglesia Aviva shared with us their talents in worship and drama.  It was a great time and what a joy to see my girls using the special abilities God has placed in them. 

Ashley & Elizabeth are teaching the children's Sunday School classes each week at the church and are planting what they have been taught into the next generation coming up behind them.  It is amazing to watch them each week as they prepare and study to share the Word of God with these precious little ones.  For Mother's Day they had prepared there classes to share with the Mother's through crafts and drama.  It was a very special service. 

That same afternoon I drove to Totonicap�n, a city about 45 minutes away,  to share with a ladies group from the Word in Action Church there.   We had a large crowd and most of the women were guests hearing the gospel for the first time.  I had prepared a special Mother's Day lesson focusing on their worth in God's eyes.  What an honor to share God's love with them and pray with them.  It was a very special honor.   
 
 
As you can see, the rains came and the sky turned gray, but the SONLIGHT shines no matter what the weather.  Thank you for your continual support and prayers.  We have seen the power of prayer on many occasions and are thankful for all you that remember us in your prayer time.  We also know that NOTHING we do would be possible if it were not for faithful financial partners that join with our vision to spread the gospel and equip the national believers here in Guatemala.  Pray with us as we are believing to increase our partner base so that we can fulfill the vision that God has given us here in Guatemala.  There is still so much to be done.  You can give online at www.worldoutreach.org/donations or mail in your tax deductible donation to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta GA 30061.  Remember to mark your donations for John & Tracy Batchelor, fund code 28. 
 
In Him,
 

John & Tracy Batchelor
Mission 412 Guatemala