Homes of Life in Central America
Guatemala
May 2015

Teams Working

 

Short Term Missions is an integral part of the ministry of Hogar de Vida Guatemala. It has an effect on and benefits both those who serve and those whom they serve.

 

Norman and Vickie Sutton, full-time missionaries to Home of Life Guatemala, have a heart to receive teams because they have experienced, first hand, the impact a short term trip can have on a team member. God used short term trips to reveal and confirm to them His call to long term missions. For many people, missions is something they have heard a lot about but don't really know what it looks like in its practicality. That is where short term missions comes into play. It gives an opportunity for people to learn about missions, to see that missionaries are ordinary people being obedient to God's calling. It helps people get a little glimpse of what life is like on the mission field and helps them to pray with understanding. In addition, short term team members get to learn about another culture and learn how big God's kingdom really is. They get to share the good news with those who desperately need to hear it!

 

A question the Suttons are asked often is, "Do teams really help, or are they just a lot of work? Would it be better to just stay home and send the money?" That is something that is evaluated often by the missionaries and national staff. We don't want to do anything just because "we've always done it". But so far the answer has been, "Yes, teams have an impact on the home and the community and it is worth the extra effort to host them." Teams bring a freshness and excitement to the everyday routine of life. Teams do physical projects that are needed to keep the Home running in an efficient manner. But they do so much more than that. They encourage and give a break to the missionaries and national staff by easing some of their load and interacting with the kids. It is encouraging to know that someone from another country cares about what you are doing, has taken the time and resources to come and help out, and will go home and continue to pray for you. Teams feed into the kids emotionally and spiritually. They have an opportunity to reinforce the spiritual things the kids have been taught. They give the kids a heavy dose of one-on-one attention and pour out God's love all over them. Coming and sharing the love and encouragement of Jesus in person is just priceless.

 

In the last year, teams helped in many ways. They built a play room, 4 cribs, and a prayer chapel; terraced a hill; poured a cement pad and sidewalks; helped paint the new Life Plan house; and gave the Home a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. They shared the gospel with 100's of kids in schools in the surrounding villages; did VBS programs with the kids in the home; helped the kids write letters to their sponsors; and loved on them and played with them. Most importantly they poured out prayer and God's love on those who are serving the Lord by caring for these precious children day by day, and encouragement to continue on in the work of the Lord.

 

We have already received a few teams this year and soon the busy team season will be upon us. We are anticipating the wonderful blessings the teams will bring. If you have never served on a short-term mission trip, we encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and go. Allow God to stretch you and introduce you to your brothers and sisters in Christ in another part of the world!   

 

Vickie Sutton 

Advances in Life Plan Program 

 We have often shared our goal to raise up the kids in our care to be responsible adults. One way we strive to do this is by giving them an opportunity to learn a skill that they can use to earn money. This program has continued to develop over the past year. The teenagers have been learning skills in cooking, sewing, gardening, and woodworking.

Three young ladies and one young man have learned and perfected their sewing skills. They have been making purses to sell to team members. Initially they learned to make 2 or 3 designs. Now they are creating new, unique designs.

 

Seven young people have taken an interest in cooking and baking. The youngest two have mastered making desserts and have made cookies to sell or to use as treats for birthdays. The older five are now cooking lunches for our teams. The teams have ranted and raved on how good the meals are. One of the older boys is also working for a nearby ministry cooking for teams and visitors.

 

Three of the boys have taken an interest in woodworking. After learning woodworking basics as well as tool and machine safety, they started on simple projects and are expanding from there. They are currently finishing an order from a nearby school for 4 tables.

 

In January we acquired the materials for drip irrigation which we are initially using to grow leaf lettuce in raised garden beds that those involved have constructed. It is working very well and the first batch of lettuce turned out great.

 

Thank you for your investment and prayers for this program. All praise goes to the Lord for its success!  

 

Vickie Sutton  

Tell Your Friends

One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner in our ministry is to tell your friends about the Homes of Life. It's easy to just to to a friend and share your own thoughts.

Disclaimer

Children of Promise International (COPI) does not provide goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part except where noted, for contributions received. COPI is organized exclusively for religious purposes and the only benefit provided to you is an intangible religious benefit. Upon receipt of a donation, a receipt letter is sent and should be retained for income tax purposes. COPI may direct contributions where deemed necessary for ministry purposes. All contributions are income tax deductible in the United States and are made with the understanding that COPI has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
In This Issue
Team Work
Photo Gallery 
Painting Team
Painting Team at Work

Bethany Men's Cradles
Bethany Men Build Cribs

Terraced Hillside
Terraced Hillside

Ministering to Nearby Village
Sharing the Gospel
in Surrounding Villages

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 Reply Slip for Sponsorships 

 

Monthly Donations:

Life Plan
Photo Gallery
Sewing Class
Learning to Sew

Sewing Product for Sale
Finished Product for Sale

Cooking
Learning to Cook

Tables Ready for Finishing
Ready for Finishing

Woodworking Product
Craftmanship on Display

Table for School
School Table Ready to Ship

Lettuce Beds
Lettuce Ready for Market











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