Guatemala Update
We are so excited to work with two great ministries when
we arrive in Guatemala in July 2013.
Iglesia del Camino and Campos de Suenos both seek to show the love of
Christ by meeting the physical needs of the people.
IGLESIA DEL CAMINO:
Our main role will be working with Iglesia del Camino’s
building ministry. We will help
Guatemalans work to build stronger, stable homes. Many village homes are made of bamboo,
cornstalks, sugarcane, mud and any refuse they have been able to find. These homes do not fare well in the weather
elements and they provide little sanitation, which can cause severe health
problems. They lack safety and security
from animals and crime, as well. This
ministry is building new homes constructed on concrete slabs with galvanized
steel walls and secure doors. A water
filtration system is then added and a solar power unit for lighting. To us, a 12’ x 16’ structure would be a room,
to them it is a home which provides them with exceeding opportunities.
CAMPOS
DE SUENSOS:
The second ministry we will be assisting with is Campos de
Suenos. This is a new center that is
currently able to feed 200 children at one time. They are providing nutritional meals, in
hopes of eliminating the elements that have stunted generations of growth in
the indigenous folks in Guatemala.
Campos de Suenos is working toward good health, education, and economic
stimulus and showing the love of God to this wonderful community. It is our strong belief that we show the love
of Christ by meeting the physical needs as well as the spiritual.
Current Fundraisers
Example: If Great Aunt Lily is turning 91, you may want to ask
for Envelope #91. You choose any number you want from 1-200!
You would have the blessing of donating or raising the number of
your choice for Guatemala! All donations are tax deductible.
Over $3000 has been raised through this fundraiser so far. These
are the numbers still available: 28-29,
33, 37-39, 41-43, 46-49, 51-52, 54, 56-59, 61-63, 65-68, 70-74, 76, 78-79,
81-85, 87, 89-92, 94-95, 97, 104-114, 116-127, 129-143, 145-198
How Can You Help?
1. Email us at townsendguat@gmail.com and let us know which envelope
(s) you would like. We will send a self -addressed
envelope (with your number) to send your tax deductible contribution back. We will include a NEW Townsend Family magnet,
too! ;)
2. Join us at: https://www.facebook.com/ToGuatemalaWithJoy to keep up with
this exciting fundraiser.
3. Share, share, share!
Please share this great opportunity to raise money with your friends.
If all
200 envelopes are filled, this will raise over $20,000 for the mission.
Financial Report
Praise God! Our one
time fees should be fully funded by January!
This is a HUGE expense which will pay for our airfare, residency fees
and other one time expenses.
We
have generous folks donating $10, $20, $25, $35 $50, $75, $200 a month. It is an honor to have so many people on this
journey to help Guatemalans live safer, healthier lives. Our monthly need is $4120 for our living
expenses. This will sustain our family
of 8 in Guatemala for two years. Currently
we are at $1430 and need financial help in this area.
When a young boy of 11 years old
comes forward with his birthday money and gives us a check for $55, it
strengthens our faith. When a couple
living on a limited income, who need financial help themselves, tell us they
want to be a part of changing Guatemalans lives and honor God with their income
by pledging $50 a month, it humbles us.
When our children hand us a $1 they received from a lost tooth and tell
us it is for Guatemala, we give thanks to God.
Occasionally, raising support can be overwhelming and
stressful. We have made the choice to
find JOY in this part of the faith journey.
Every time someone makes a pledge or one time donation, our hearts
rejoice, no matter the amount.
Would you consider giving a monthly donation? Contact us if this is something you would be
interested in doing as a family, small group or church.
What do we need to be funded?
108 pledges of $25 a month
54 pledges of $50 a month
27 pledges of $100 a month
130 one time donations of $500
Family Update
We recently celebrated Joseph’s six month anniversary
since arriving home! He has grown leaps
and bounds and we are extremely blessed to have him in our family! He is walking more and learning how to
maneuver in a sighted world. The other
kids have adapted so well to his homecoming.
The time has flown by…but it also seems like we’ve always been a family
of eight.
All of the kids have been so open and honest about moving
to Guatemala. Some of the girls will
become teenagers while we are away and the boys will be changing from babies to
school age boys! They share their hopes
and dreams and most of all, can’t wait to spend time getting to know the people
and culture.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Jack, Susie, Sophie, Annabelle, Ava Mae, Pearl,
Joseph, and Jude Townsend
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