Thank you, Covenant!

Covenant Church has been such an encouragement to our family for many years. For the second time, their VBS has collected money to help support the mission in Guatemala.   

Thank you for affirming us in the family of God and strengthening our relationships with one another during times of adversity and times of joy.  We are grateful for your willingness to help spread the Gospel to other countries.  And to the adorable children in these videos, THANK YOU for your donations and especially your delightful spirit!

Jude Update!

Jude is a ball of energy.  At least once a week Jack and I look at each another and question if we will have enough gusto to parent him yet another day!

All kidding aside, he is just so much fun.  After four girls, I really wasn't sure how in the world I could be a mom to a little boy.  He has changed my life (haven't they all?) for the better.  I love him mightily and look forward to lying down with him each night as he snuggles me and says, "Dios es fantastico, fantastico es Dios!"

He has started school here with the big kids three days a week.  Of course he is a sponge and is picking up Spanish very quickly!

Here are a few pictures of Jude at a recent party with his friends:

Love him!  I am so thankful God brought him into our lives!

Science in Guatemala

Here's a quick update on the kids' school projects.  Recently they participated in a Science and Recycling Fair.

A few pics of their hard work:

Building Homes, Empowering People

I am so excited for this family!  The IDC Building Ministry has built on this land for other family members in the past and now this family of 6 is getting their own new home!  A few months ago, when my parents and aunt and uncle were here, we took a ride up to see this family.  So many kids came running to the van to meet us and talk with us.  Now my sister, Michele and brother-in-law, Mitch will get to meet them all and help build a home for them!

If you would like to make a donation towards the $3000 it takes to build a new home, please click here:

http://www.gofundme.com/wbnysw

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey!  I can't wait to show you pictures after the home is built!

To God be the glory.

ONE YEAR CELEBRATION GRANT!!!

IN JULY, WE CELEBRATE OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN GUATEMALA!!!

Woah.  Super exciting.  Super in love with this country.  Super joyful to serve here.

So, what's been going on during the past year with the IDC building ministry? 

*  Over 150 families have applied for housing.  Home visits have been made, some have already helped build their home and others are on a waiting list.  

*  30+ homes have been built.

*  $12, 000 has been raised for homes in the area by our family and friends back in the states.  

*  The kids have acclimated to a whole new culture and language and have adjusted fabulously!

*  Over 25 teams have come to help!  

*  We have had the honor to help with Campos de Suenos, an amazing local ministry.

*  Our family has personally grown in faith, though not without struggles along the way!  

It is such an honor to work here.  We are so thankful to live and serve here and not a day goes by that we don't thank the Lord for this opportunity.

When we left a year ago, the funding for our second year was not complete.  We took a leap of faith and decided to come down with 80% funding.  Only $6000 is needed to finish funding our second year here. 

Yesterday, an anonymous donor contacted our friends, the Rhodes, and offered a $1000 matching grant.  In celebration of being here a year, we are excited to get started on matching this grant!  

If you would like to make a donation, there are three options:

1.  Non Tax Deductible:  Send a PayPal payment to townsend164@bellsouth.net

2.  Tax Deductible:  Go to:  http://giving.iglesiadelcaminogt.com/  and scroll down to TOWNSEND FAMILY.  

3.  Another way to give, is to donate monthly.  Our desire is to stay three full years here.  Your monthly donation would be a two year commitment from this point forward.  Would you consider joining us by giving each month?  It's an easy tax deductible option which can be automatically drafted each month.  If so, go to http://giving.iglesiadelcaminogt.com/ and scroll down to missionaries and TOWNSEND FAMILY and then select the monthly frequency option to give.  Also, the first ten people/families who sign up for a monthly donation will receive a FREE tshirt!  Check it out here.  

Please take a screen shot of the giving page after it is filled in or confirmation email, so we can accurately account for all funds going towards the matching grant.  Then send the screen shot to mamarhodes@live.com. THANK YOU!  

It is such an amazing experience to work with Iglesia del Camino's building ministry.  To watch a father help build his own home, to help give a family a safer place to live, is humbling.  To hand the key over to a family after a house is built, is happiness.  To see the smiles on the new home owner's face, is just pure joy.  Most of all, to share the Word and God's love with others is simply amazing.  We are so thankful for our friends and family who have helped make this possible.  We thank God for your willingness to step out in faith and join us on this journey.  We sincerely thank you.  

T-Shirt Fundraiser - Take Two!

The Rhodes Family is at it again!  The last tshirt fundraiser did so well and everyone LOVES their shirts so Mandy is placing another order.  This time she is offering up a sweet deal!  The next ten people who commit to making a monthly donation of any amount (tax deductible, automatic draft is available) to our mission in Guatemala, will receive a FREE shirt!  

T-Shirt Details from Mandy:  

I'm selling these to help fund the Townsend Family's second year working in Guatemala.  They are available in adult sizes.  Adule S-XXXL.  XXL and larger should add $2 to the cost.  $25 shipped for the basic tee and $28 shipped for the blue Dolman (women's).  Message me (mamarhodes@live.com) to order and I'll let you know how to pay.  Thanks!

Joseph Video Update

A week ago I posted a video update on Joseph and how he LOVES David Crowder Band.  Click here to see the original post.  The video didn't load so I put it on YouTube.  Check it out:

 https://youtu.be/zzYHKSp4YXE

My Sister is Coming!!!

I am so excited that my sister, Michele, her husband, Mitch and my nephews and niece to visit at the end of July!  We haven't seen them in a year, which is the longest we have ever been apart.  To say I am full of joy is an understatement! 

We plan to do lots of fun things and show them around this beautiful country, but they are also determined to build a house for a family while they are here for two weeks.  My parents have already assisted in building a home so we are grateful they will be joining them, too! 

Would you consider making a donation to give a family a home, clean water, beds and a stove?  Check out what a family will receive for just $3000 by clicking here. 

Make a donation, small or large, by using the easy peasy GoFundMe page here or send a check to:

Rich DeVictor
1116 Millstream Court
Leland, NC 28451
 

Thank you in advance for your support! 

Astrid's Update

A few months ago we had the pleasure of hosting the Rhodes Family.  Prior to their arrival, they raised $6000 to build two homes.   Recently Jack was able to make a post-visit trip to see how the families were doing and to assess any additional needs with their new homes.  Rainy season is here so it's important to make sure the home is withstanding the harsh rainstorms. 

Astrid and her family received a home just a few days after giving birth to their second daughter so it was especially important for Jack to not only check up on the house, but also on their baby girl!  I know Mandy Rhodes and I know she would expect an update on the little sweet pea!

It was a great visit and Jack said the family is doing wonderfully.  The house has held up well with the recent rains.  The family is enjoying their new home and making it their own by adding an additional wall, hooks to hang personal items and of course, using the stove frequently!  Astrid's husband is a hard worker and takes care of his family's needs, while Astrid is busy taking care of her two little ones!  In a few months, the family will begin classes which will include lessons on physical health, financial stability and spiritual growth. 

If you are interested in sponsoring a home for a family, please check out what $3000 covers here.  Then send us an email at townsendguat@gmail.com!  We can help you raise funds to give a family a home and show God's love to a family. 

The Shop

I work with some amazing men in the back of the church.  We call it "The Shop" and it's where the homes are prefabricated.  These are extremely hard working men, who are always the first to arrive at work in the morning.

They cut metal.  They weld metal.  They grind metal.  They have safety goggles to protect their eyes. 

They need boots to protect their feet.

Materials fall all the time.  Heavy metal.  Heavy tools.  They need strong work boots.  If you are interested in purchasing a pair of boots for one or two or all three of these amazing guys, please let me know.  They cost $100 a pair.  Each shop worker makes 2700Q a month, which is roughly $375.  They have families they support, food to put on the table.  Boots are not a necessity on their budget.

Fernando.  Mardoqueo.  Aaron. 

Please let me know if you would like to purchase a pair of work boots for one (or more) of these amazing men.  Send me a message at townsendguat@gmail.com.

Thanks for following!


-Jack and Susie

Joseph Video!

You guys.  Joseph absolutely loves David Crowder Band music.

If he is upset, we play DCB and he calms down.

If he is listening to other music and DCB comes on, he gets excited.

Love his dance moves.  Love his rhythm.  Love his joy.   Love this boy.