Guatemala report – Hawatthia Jones
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Hawatthia Jones presented a comprehensive report on the Guatemala missions work conducted by Linder Road Church of Christ over the past 23 years. The presentation highlighted multiple congregations and initiatives throughout Guatemala, including works in Alto Verde Paz, Las Pacayas, Linda Vista, and San Cristobal, many of which were established by graduates of the Instituto de Traducción y Lenguas (ITL), a preaching school training indigenous ministers. Jones emphasized the growth and challenges within each congregation, noting both spiritual victories and practical struggles. Key highlights included the establishment of Brother Abner Ramos and his father Francisco in the Las Pacayas congregation, recent baptisms of new converts, and the graduation of four students from ITL's Saturday program, which was celebrated during the 13th annual lectureship in June 2023. A significant portion of the report addressed Brother Walter's situation in Linda Vista, where gang violence affecting his extended family forced him and his household to relocate temporarily, though he continues serving the congregation part-time. Despite these challenges, the report celebrated ongoing successes including the congregation's ability to financially support their full-time minister, the reinstatement of Sunday Bible classes, active women's ministries, and growing attendance at lectureships and services. Jones emphasized the interconnected nature of the missionary work, noting how different aspects of the ministry—congregational growth, ministerial training, and evangelism—work together toward kingdom advancement. The presentation concluded with an invitation for continued prayer support and announced plans for the 14th annual lectureship scheduled for March 21-24, 2024, encouraging church members to consider participating in upcoming mission opportunities in Guatemala.