 The situation we are experiencing has impacted me a lot. Every day, there are more people infected with COVID. However, despite the crisis that we are going through, God is working in the church and in the ministry. We have tried to continue working, and we have tried to help and show a lot of faith to help motivate people. It has been quite difficult to change the way we do ministry, but with God's help, we are gradually adapting. Many of the families are in great need, and we also have the challenge with the teens of Project Valor. We need to help them a little more, and we need to find the best way to support them so that they can continue with their studies at home. It makes me a little sad not to see the teens, but I know they are well with their families. It is very sad to see the elderly at the nursing home alone. They await our visit every Tuesday, but it is impossible for us to be with them since we must make sure that they do not get infected. It is painful to know that they are waiting for us, but we cannot come in and greet them with a hug or a handshake and ask how they are, listen to them sing, watch them eat their fruit and know that they are fine by seeing them face to face. I thank God that we can do this ministry. For me, it is a very great privilege to be able to share God's love with people and also to bring the message of God's word to children, even though I cannot see them now. I know that God will have mercy on each one of us and heal our earth and his creation. This is the confidence that I have in these difficult times that we are going through. En Español:
Me impacta mucho la situación que estamos viviendo y que cada día hay más personas infectadas, pero a pesar de la crisis que estamos pasando Dios esta obrando en la iglesia y como ministerio hemos tratado de seguir activando y hemos tratado de ayudar y mostrar mucha fe para motivar a las personas. Ha sido bastante difícil cambiar nuestra forma de hacer el ministerio, pero con la ayuda de Dios poco a poco estamos adaptándonos. Hay mucha necesidad en las familias, pero también tenemos el reto con los chicos del proyecto valor, necesitamos ayudar un poco más, pero tenemos que buscar la forma correcta de hacerlo y no afectar sus estudios y que sigan estudiando en sus casas sin que se descuiden de hacer sus tareas. Me pone un poquito triste no ver a los chicos, pero sé que están bien con sus familias. Los ancianos del asilo es muy triste ver que están solos, ellos esperan nuestra visita cada martes, pero es imposible poder estar con ellos en estos momentos ya que debemos cuidar de que no se contagien, aunque es doloroso saber que nos esperan, pero no podemos entrar y saludarles con un abrazo o un saludo de manos y preguntar como están, escucharlos cantar, verlos comer su fruta y saber que ellos están bien al verlos cara a cara. Gracias a Dios porque podemos hacer este ministerio para mi es un privilegio muy grande el poder compartir del amor de Dios con las personas y también el llevar el mensaje de la palabra de Dios a los niños, aunque ahora no les pueda ver. Se que Dios tendrá misericordia de cada uno de nosotros y sanara nuestra tierra y a su creación es la confianza que tengo en estos momentos difíciles que estamos pasando.
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 I am very grateful to God for his love and mercy. It has been approximately five months that we are not carrying out the ministries as we have always done. I miss the children, the elderly, and the teens at the tutoring program. These have been difficult days for many. We have totally changed the way we carry out the ministries. In the nursing home, for safety we cannot go in and give them hugs, sing praises and pray with them. But, it gives us joy to see them, even from afar, every Tuesday and give them a snack. Visiting my “grandparents” every Tuesday has been a great blessing to my life. With Club Exploradores, we cannot bring the children together to sing and teach them. We are trying to record videos for them so that they can always listen to the word of God. I pray that each video reaches all people and children that need to hear from God and can feel God's love right now. At the beginning of the year, we did not imagine that this year we would be able to carry out the ministries as always, but I know that God's plans are perfect and I trust God that He will help us through this global crisis. Soon, we will be together teaching his word to the children at Club Exploradores, singing praises and praying with the grandparents of the nursing home, helping with the children in the orphanage, and supporting the kids from Project Valor to become professionals. I am also looking forward to meeting soon at the church that I am a member of and being able to serve. Prayer requests: -For every family that has lost a relative due to Covid-19, or that has a sick relative, may God strengthen their lives and give peace in these difficult times -For people who have lost faith, who can feel the presence of God and believe again -For every child, young, adult, and old that is a part of Pure Joy, may God protect and bless you. -For Kathy, her family and board of directors in the United States and supporters, may God bless and protect you from any illness or danger, each by name En Español:Estoy muy agradecida con Dios por su amor y misericordia, llevamos 5 meses aproximadamente que no estamos llevando a cabo los ministerios como siempre lo habíamos hecho, extraño mucho a los niños a los abuelitos y a los chicos de la tutoría.
Han sido días difíciles para muchos, hemos cambiado totalmente la manera de realizar los ministerios, en el asilo por seguridad no podemos entrar y darles abrazos, cantar alabanzas y orar con ellos, pero nos da alegría verlos, aunque sea de lejos cada martes y dejarles su refacción, visitar cada martes a los abuelitos ha sido de gran bendición a mi vida Y en el club Exploradores tampoco podemos reunir a los niños para poder cantar y enseñar a los niños, estamos tratando de grabar videos para ellos y que siempre estén escuchando de la palabra de Dios, oro para que cada video llegue a todas las personas y niños que necesitan escuchar de Dios y puedan sentir el amor de Dios en estos momentos. A inicio de año no nos imaginábamos que este año no desarrollaríamos los ministerios como siempre, pero sé que los planes de Dios son perfectos y confío en Dios que el nos ayudara a pasar esta crisis mundial, y pronto estaremos reunidos enseñando su palabra a los niños en el club exploradores, cantando alabanzas y orando con los abuelitos del asilo(los dos asilos) ayudando con los niños en el orfanato, y apoyando a los chicos de proyecto valor a ser profesionales. También estoy ansiosa por reunirnos pronto en la iglesia a la que soy miembro y poder servir. Peticiones de oración: Por cada familia que ha perdido a un familiar a causa de covid-19, o que tienen algún familiar enfermo que Dios fortalezca sus vidas y de paz en estos momentos difíciles Por las personas que han perdido la fe, que puedan sentir la presencia de Dios y vuelvan a creer Por cada niño joven, adulto y anciano que es parte de Pure Joy, que Dios los proteja y los bendiga. Por Kathy, su familia y directiva en Estados Unidos y apoyadores, que Dios les bendiga y proteja de cualquier enfermedad o peligro, a cada uno por nombre  Well. It has certainly been a different year than anyone in the entire world was expecting. I agree with whoever it was that quipped that everyone in 2015 who was asked the question “where do you see yourself in 5 years time” was most likely answered incorrectly!
We enjoyed being able to be a part of the usual running of Pure Joy in the first quarter of the year, this being our first year as full time staff, and it was great to build relationships with the children, young people, and seniors that we interact with in our different projects. But it’s been quite a change since then. Other members of the team will be able to recount a bit more about some of the things we have been able to achieve with those we reach during normal ministry times, so I’d like to share about three different things that I’ve been able to lean into as a result of being at home so much during lockdown. Firstly, I was able spend time getting a lot of administrative work done for the organization, developing some draft documentation which is now in the process of further development. This included some proposed policy documents such as a Child Protection Policy, Crisis Management Procedures, and Health & Safety Principles. These are the kinds of things that can fall to the wayside in the midst of “doing ministry” but are important to have thought through and put in place in case of future need, so it has been great to get these put forward for implementation. It also included developing a staff manual that looks at things like having a clear vision and mission, the structure of the team and various responsibilities or its members, and expectations of all staff. All of these are under review by the Board of Directors, to be followed up by discussion by the team here in Guatemala, so that improvements and changes can be made before they are officially adopted. Secondly, I have been able to start an online ministry (giving Pure Joy another international reach of sorts) offering training to new missionaries in support raising. As staff from a background with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), we raise our entire financial support to be on the missions field and so have friends, family, and a couple of churches that generously give to support us and our work. Being at home has offered time to use zoom and other platforms to engage with and train those who are preparing to join the mission field who will be raising support to do so. It has been great to encourage new missionaries in Africa, the UK, The Carribean, and the US, with some interest from other places too, and it’s encouraging to be able to contribute to global missions this way, even whilst stuck at home. Thirdly, I have been able to take advantage of some web-based training opportunities for myself during this time. Part of this has been training related to coaching and support raising teaching, to better prepare and equip myself to teach those that I have been engaging with in that ministry. Another part of it has been training in Member Care (how to care for missionaries), through two online courses offered by the Global Member Care Network. The two of us are also currently completing a leadership school offered by a church in the US called the Square, which is focused on spiritual leadership. Finally, although not ministry-related per se, we have been doing a course called the Marriage Sessions, offered by Care for the Family in the UK. Admittedly, this time during lockdown with limited options for going out has also involved more Netflix than usual, but it has been good to be a part of all of the things I have mentioned, as well as continue to be involved with the rest of the Pure Joy team. Thank you for your support during this unprecedented (however overused that word has become) time - we hope to come out of it better equipped for ministry than ever, and to make as much of a difference during it as we can. -Francis & Andrea  In this time of the pandemic, we have been affected because we cannot carry out the ministries as before the pandemic. However, I am sure that God is in control of everything, even though we cannot see. On Tuesdays, as always, we continue to bring a snack to the elderly at the nursing home. Although we can no longer sing, pray, give a message of the word of God and spend time with them as we used to, we still come to the door to leave the snack and call the nursing home for updates.
A testimony that impacted me greatly was knowing that one of the elderly residents who recently passed away was singing to the Lord Jesus shortly before his passing. Hearing that gave me great satisfaction because the main objective for me of what we do in Pure Joy Missions is to present the Love of God and the plan of salvation, and knowing that even though we are not with them for now, the seed that was planted is growing.  Recently, we also began to call local pastors who have been affected by the pandemic to offer prayer support, encourage them, and see if they have any needs that Pure Joy can cover. I was very happy to listen to them and establish this relationship. God is good and knows what He is doing. I trust that this will pass and we will go back to doing the ministries as before. In the meantime, I hope that God continues to surprise us as only He knows how to do. -Yeni, Guatemala Director of Pure Joy Missions En Español...En este tiempo de la pandemia nos hemos visto afectados porque no podemos realizar los ministerios como antes de la pandemia, pero estoy segura que Dios tienen el control de todo, aunque no podamos ver. Los martes como siempre continuamos llevando la refacción a los abuelos, aunque ya no podemos cantar, orar, dar un mensaje de la palabra de Dios y pasar tiempo con ellos como acostumbrábamos solo llegamos a la puerta a dejar la refa y llamar para preguntar por ellos. Un Testimonio que me impacto mucho fue saber que unos de los ancianos que falleció en estos días pasados estaba cantado al Señor Jesús poco antes de fallecer y eso me dio mucha satisfacción porque el objetivo principal para mí de lo que hacemos en PURE JOY MISSIONS es presentar el Amor de Dios y el Plan de Salvación, y saber que a pesar que por ahora no estamos con ellos la semilla germina en su momento.
Ayer iniciamos a llamar a pastores que por lo de la pandemia se han visto afectados para brindar apoyo en oración, animarles y si tuvieran alguna necesidad que sea posible para PURE JOY cubrir, me dio mucho gozo escucharles y establecer esa relación de comunicación. Dios es bueno y sabe lo que hace confío en que todo está pasara y volvamos a hacer los ministerios como antes, mientras tanto espero que Dios nos continúe sorprendiendo como solo El sabe hacer. -Yeni, La Directora de Pure Joy en Guatemala In the month of February, for the first time, I helped with the Project Valor service project where we painted the classrooms of the Piedra Parada school, it was a very good experience to work with the teens. The group that was in charge of worked very hard and all worked very well together. We managed to finish all the work in half a day. I saw them enjoy and work with great enthusiasm creating a very pleasant atmosphere. That experience made me understand that there are many ways to bear witness and show the love of God in our lives. We can transmit it to the children and the community so that they too are part of this great ministry. In March, we were only able to go to the ministries for two weeks, it is unfortunate what we are experiencing with this pandemic. I am very sad to know that we cannot go see the the elderly. To think that our visits made their day brighter and that they eagerly awaited the day and time for us to see them, and that it has been two weeks where they have received no visits... I can't imagine how they feel. Here in Guatemala, the order of our president was very clear that we should take care not to expose the elderly to this virus, so he prohibited the nursing homes from being visited to avoid exposure. But we trust God that he is going to keep us from this and soon we are going to return to our ministry and tell them about the great love of God for each of them and all of humanity. Pray that God will do a very special work and soon that virus will disappear and we will be able to give our time again to the ministry.  En Español:
En el mes de febrero por primera vez participe con los chicos de tutoría en su proyecto social donde pintamos las aulas de la escuelita de Piedra Parada, fue una muy buena experiencia trabajar con ellos el equipo que estuvo a mi cargo trabajo muy bien, todos colaboraron y fueron muy unidos. Logramos terminar en medio día todo el trabajo, los vi disfrutar y trabajar con mucho entusiasmo creando un ambiente muy agradable. Esa experiencia me hizo comprender que hay muchas formas de dar testimonio y mostrar el amor de Dios en nuestras vidas y lo podemos transmitir a los chicos y a la comunidad para que ellos también sean parte de este gran ministerio y que podemos hacer mucho por las personas que necesitan escuchar, pero también necesitan lo material que Dios piensa siempre en ellos. Es mes de marzo solo pudimos ir dos semanas a los ministerios, es lamentable lo que estamos viviendo con esta pandemia (si se puede decir a nivel mundial). Me da mucha tristeza saber que no podemos ir a ver a los abuelitos pensar que nuestras visitas les alegraban el día y que ellos esperaban ansiosos el día y la hora para que nosotros lleguemos a verlos y que ya van dos semanas en que no han recibido visitas, no puedo imaginar como se sienten. Aquí en Guatemala la orden de nuestro presidente fue muy clara que debíamos cuidar de no exponer a las personas mayores a este virus por lo que prohibió que los asilos fueran visitados para evitar que sean expuestos a esto. Pero confiamos en Dios que el nos va a guardar de esto y pronto vamos a volver a nuestro ministerio y hablarles de ese amor tan grande de Dios por cada uno de ellos y toda la humanidad. Oremos para que pronto Dios haga una obra muy especial y pronto ese virus desaparezca y podamos dar nuevamente nuestro tiempo al ministerio. En el mes de febrero por primera vez participe con los chicos de tutoría en su proyecto social donde pintamos las aulas de la escuelita de Piedra Parada, fue una muy buena experiencia trabajar con ellos el equipo que estuvo a mi cargo trabajo muy bien, todos colaboraron y fueron muy unidos. Logramos terminar en medio día todo el trabajo, los vi disfrutar y trabajar con mucho entusiasmo creando un ambiente muy agradable. Esa experiencia me hizo comprender que hay muchas formas de dar testimonio y mostrar el amor de Dios en nuestras vidas y lo podemos transmitir a los chicos y a la comunidad para que ellos también sean parte de este gran ministerio y que podemos hacer mucho por las personas que necesitan escuchar, pero también necesitan lo material que Dios piensa siempre en ellos. En el mes de febrero por primera vez participe con los chicos de tutoría en su proyecto social donde pintamos las aulas de la escuelita de Piedra Parada, fue una muy buena experiencia trabajar con ellos el equipo que estuvo a mi cargo trabajo muy bien, todos colaboraron y fueron muy unidos. Logramos terminar en medio día todo el trabajo, los vi disfrutar y trabajar con mucho entusiasmo creando un ambiente muy agradable. Esa experiencia me hizo comprender que hay muchas formas de dar testimonio y mostrar el amor de Dios en nuestras vidas y lo podemos transmitir a los chicos y a la comunidad para que ellos también sean parte de este gran ministerio y que podemos hacer mucho por las personas que necesitan escuchar, pero también necesitan lo material que Dios piensa siempre en ellos. Check out the updates and stories from our director, Yeni! Y si prefiere leer en español abajo está en español.  This year has been a year with many challenges for me, that has led me to trust and believe in God even when I don't see a way out of something. For many, being the Director of a program may be something that they feel is easy, but for me it has been a challenge that has taught me to depend on God even more and to know that if He goes with me, I can go. It has been God who has led me to do things that I did not think I could do, like learn to drive a car on my own, and today more than ever my request is “I want to be an instrument of God” and my motto is “IF YOU GO, I GO”. At Club Exploradores, I work with the older kids there now and I feel a great responsibility that these kids hear from God. I thought that the group’s attendance would lower with the changes and I would have less, but God has been faithful and the groups keep growing. God is Faithful. On Tuesdays, we go to the nursing home. Some time ago I asked God, “One More, Lord” – for Him to allow me to do the Prayer of Faith with one of the residents prior to their departure. That is one of my objectives. Also on Friendship Day (Valentine’s Day), I had the privilege of giving a small message and God put in my heart to talk about the friendship of David and Jonathan. We expressed to them that they are important people to us, that we love them very much, and I could see some of the residents shedding tears of happiness and others giving thanks with words and that filled my heart. This happened in the both elderly centers (the nursing home and senior center). At Project Valor, last year God allowed 7 students to graduate. It was a great triumph for them and a great satisfaction for me. I know that now we have 38 kids who have one, two, three, or more years to go to achieve their graduation and to know that we can be an instrument for that achievement is wonderful. God is Faithful with PURE JOY MISSIONS - thank you for the opportunity to serve and feel useful in the hands of God. PURE JOY MISSIONS, is an adventure with God, every day there is something new to learn how to give and receive. Este años a sido un año con muchos desafíos para Mí que me ha llevado a confiar y creerle a Dios aunque no vea una salida, para muchos La dirección de un programa puede ser algo con lo que sientan que es fácil, pero para mí a sido un desafío que me a enseñado a depender de Dios aún más y saber que si El va conmigo Yo voy, y me ha llevado a hacer cosas que no pensé que haría como aprender a manejar carro solo a sido Dios, Hoy más que nunca mi petición es quiero ser un instrumento de Dios, y mi lema SI TU VAS, YO VOY.
EL CLUB EXPLORADORES, allí trabajo con los chicos Grandes ahora, y siento una gran responsabilidad de que estos chicos escuchen de Dios, creí que el grupo bajaría su asistencia con el cambio de yo tenía a los más chicos pero Dios a sido fiel y el grupos sigue asistiendo, Dios es Fiel. Los Martes, En el asilo de ancianos, de hace un tiempo acá le he pedido a Dios Uno Más Señor que me permitas hacer la Oración de Fe con él o ella previo a su partida, ese es uno de mis objetivos, también el día de la Amistad, tuve el privilegio de dar un pequeño mensaje y Dios puso en mi corazón hablar de la amistad de David y Jonatán , y les Expresamos que ellos son personas importantes para nosotros que los queremos mucho y pude ver abuelos derramar sus lágrimas de felicidad y otros agradecieron con palabras y eso lleno mi corazón y eso paso en los dos asilos en mis Años Dorados también. En proyecto Valor, este año pasado Dios le permitió a 7 chicos graduarse fue un gran triunfo para ellos y una gran satisfacción para mí, saber que ahora contamos con 38 chicos en esa dirección a quienes faltan uno, dos, tres, o más años para lograrlo y que podemos ser instrumento de para ese logro es maravilloso. Dios es Fiel con PURE JOY MISSIONS, gracias por la oportunidad de servir y sentirme útil en las manos de Dios. PURE JOY MISSIONS, es una aventura en Dios, cada día hay algo nuevo por conocer dar y recibir. -Yeni Elizabeth Marroquín de Henry Check out a story from our missionary Alex! Y si prefiere leer en español abajo está en español.  I remember several unique days from working with Pure Joy Missions, each one is special in it’s own way. One day in particular in the Club Exploradores, It seemed like it would be a sunny day but in reality it started to rain later on. The children were already in their class rooms when we told them to return home. Then the children started running in the rain although we told them not to because they could get sick. I was thinking like their teacher but for a moment it made me stop and think and I saw how much fun they were having. They were enjoying the rain, something so simple but something that is a gift from God. It made me remember when I was a child and I would play in the rain with my friends. The opportunity to be able to enjoy the moment of running in the rain. It made me remember that it doesn’t matter what kind of day you are having, God can do something special in it and each day we are alive because of him. Recuerdo varios días particulares de Pure Joy cada uno especial a su manera, sin embargo recuerdo un día muy peculiar en el Club de exploradores, parecía un día soleado en realidad pero comenzó a llover demasiado y los niños ya se encontraban en sus salones, cuando decimos salir para regresar a casa muchos de los niños corrieron a la lluvia a mojarse aunque les dijimos que no lo hicieran porque se podían enfermar, pensaba como su profesor pero por un momento me detuve a pensar y vi como se divertían con algo tan común que es la lluvia pero especial por ser un regalo de Dios y diferente para ellos porque lo disfrutaban tanto y recordé cuando era niño que no importaba mojarme mientras disfrutara con mis amigos, la convencía y el disfrutar el momento y me dejo la lección que a pesar del día particular que sea, Dios puede hacerlo tan especial y cada día lo es por el hecho de estar vivos.
Si prefiere leer en español abajo está en español. TEAM UPDATE: During the month of December and January the ministry in Guatemala underwent an almost complete change where our missionaries Abi and Pastor Rony as our director moved on from the ministry. It was a change in which together with Yeni we saw the hand of God because many of the responsibilities that Pastor Rony had been in charge of we now had. While we were adjusting to these changes we had many challenges but we also saw the support of God. We learned from each of these trials, and I am very grateful to God for his love and support in each one of the ministries in Guatemala.  MINISTRY UPDATE @ THE NURSING HOME: Don Miguel Ángel is in the old people's home here, he has been a very active and very happy grandfather, but in February he had a sick stomach and had to be admitted to the local hospital. We went to visit the hospital and he gave his life to God that day as we prayed for him – his situation was quite delicate. Every Wednesday the Pure Joy team has a time of praise & prayer to God and we have the opportunity to present our requests. During the praise that week, I could imagine the face of Don Miguel Ángel so did not hesitate at that moment to put his life in the hands of God. I also shared it with the team and we prayed together for God to take control of the life of Don Miguel Ángel. It is here that I see the hand of God because the following week when we visited the home he was already back there, he had left the hospital, and the last week that we visited the home before COVID-19. He rose from his bed to come and sing, pray and listen to the word of God together with the rest of us! I ask you to have Don Miguel Ángel in your prayers and for each elderly resident of the home.  Request for Prayer:
“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:15 (NIV) Durante el mes de diciembre y enero el ministerio en Guatemala sufrió un cambio casi total en donde nuestros misioneros Abi y Pastor Rony como nuestro director abandonaban el ministerio, fue un cambio en que junto a Seño Yeni vimos la mano de Dios porque muchos de los cargos que Pastor Rony tenia a cargo ahora los teníamos nosotras, mientras nos acomodábamos al cambio tuvimos muchas pruebas pero también veíamos el respaldo de Dios, aprendimos de cada una de las pruebas y estoy muy agradecida con Dios por su amor y respaldo en cada uno de los ministerios en Guatemala.
En el asilo de ancianos de la 22 calle en Puerto Barrios está don Miguel Ángel, él ha sido un abuelito muy activo y muy alegre pero en el mes de febrero el enfermo del estómago y tuvo que ser internado en el hospital de la localidad, lo fuimos a visitar al hospital y el entrego su vida a Dios ese día que oramos por él, su situación era bastante delicada, pero cada miércoles el equipo de Pure Joy tenemos un momento de alabanza y oración a Dios y tenemos oportunidad de presentar nuestras peticiones.. y durante la alabanza pude imaginar el rostro de don Miguel Ángel así que no dude en ese momento de poner su vida en las manos de Dios y también lo manifesté al equipo y oramos juntos para que Dios tomara el control de la vida de Don Miguel Ángel, y es aquí donde yo veo la mano de Dios porque la siguiente semana que visitamos el asilo él ya estaba ahí, había salido del hospital, y la última semana que visitamos el asilo antes del COVID- 19 él se levantó de su cama para ir a cantar, orar y escuchar la palabra de Dios todos juntos, pido tengan a don Miguel Ángel en sus oraciones y por cada abuelito del asilo. Petición de Oración: 1. Por cada abuelito del asilo de ancianos de la 22 calle y mis Años dorados por la situación del covid-19 en Guatemala que ahora se extiende el estado de calamidad por 30 días mas eso quiere decir que los estaremos visitando aproximadamente en mayo, digo aproximadamente porque no sabemos si después que pase el estado de calamidad nos dejaran ir a visitar a los abuelitos ya que ellos son muy vulnerables a esta enfermedad, pido a que pronto podamos ir a visitarlos los extraño mucho 2. También por los niños del orfanato para que Dios los guarde de este virus 3. Y por cada país en donde el covid-19 está cobrando vidas. 2da. Crónicas 7:15 mantendré abiertos mis ojos, y atentos mis oídos a las oraciones que se eleven en este lugar An update from Francis & Andrea: What an interesting new year we have had with Pure Joy! Having worked alongside Pure Joy a few times in the past, it has been a true pleasure to join the team properly this year and get to be a part of the day to day work that this ministry is delivering to those in need here in Puerto Barrios. We appreciated being able to start in January whilst everything was being put together to get ready for the year, as it gave us the opportunity to become more familiar with how everything functions without being thrown in at the deep end (in comparison to if we had started at some point in the middle of the year when we would have had to figure things in out in the midst of them happening). We are grateful to be a part of the ministries to the kids with Club Exploradores on Mondays and visiting the Orphanage on Thurdsays. Both of our kids have been along with us to the club, though it can be a distraction having to deal with our own kids whilst trying to focus on the kids the club is reaching and so we are still trying to figure out the best way to balance both of those responsibilities. Our youngest loves going to the orphanage (whilst his older sister is in school) to play with the little kids since they are close in age to him. As with the rest of the staff, we have both enjoyed the opportunities to serve the older generation through the ministries at the retirement home on Tuesdays and the senior centre on Thursdays and we all miss that at the moment since it is not safe for any of us to visit them. The tutoring program on Wednesdays and Fridays is the most involved of the ministries, both in terms of time and effort, but it is so encouraging to see the impact that is having on all of the young people that it is helping. Unfortunately, at the end of January, during one of these times, Andrea had a big fall and broke her wrist when she hit the floor. Needless to say this necessitated some changes to how we have been balancing which of the two of us is at home and which is at ministry, but we have been doing what we can to continue to support all of the projects as much as possible. And now, of course, we are not only the both of us staying at home but the entire team, as we try to figure out what, if anything, we can do to offer any sort of support to those we would normally be reaching. We’ve been able to do a little from home, as well as focus on our kids a bit more, and are continuing to have videochat meetings to talk about what we can be doing. Please keep praying for us – for Andrea’s arm to heal completely, for our time in self isolation, for our entire team doing the same, for all of those we cannot see through ministries at the moment – and thank you for your support of Pure Joy! God bless Francis & Andrea  Francis at the nursing home  Andrea with Wendy & Ana at the senior center
Si prefiere leer en español abajo está en español. Hello! My name is Brianda, I’m 29 years old, and I am a volunteer with Pure Joy Missions. I was born and raised in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, in a Christian home with parents & siblings that have always supported me, shown me the right path, worked in an honest manner, and over everything, showed goodness, helping whoever needed it as much as possible. I have always had a good relationship with God, but over the years, even though I always have and still remain sure in my convictions as a Christian, my church attendance had been up & down.  In 2017, there were hard times with my dad’s health, my heart was in a very emotionally unstable way, my brother moved to another country with his family, the economy in my home was not the best, and in the end different factors that had a big impact on my frame of mind led me to alienate myself from the church. However, God was there in every moment. That year I decided to become a volunteer with a foundation that constructs homes for those in need. I met all kinds of people and had all kinds of thoughts that made me see life in another way, and my happiness returned. I learned that using my own hands to help build a roof for someone that didn’t have one made me immensely happy.  Then came a new year, 2018 & 2019, with the blessing of a lot of work. But although there was a lot of stress (too much stress!) everything came together! University, more work! Despite this, I managed to graduate from university in 2018 (I obtained a degree in education) and in 2019, due to almost reaching a tipping point of stress, I decided that in 2020 I would slow down – I would dedicate myself only to my morning work (teaching adolescents) and I would return to my life as a volunteer in some foundation or mission. A week later, I received a call from Yeni (the current Director of Pure Joy Missions, Guatemala), inviting me to volunteer at the Bible School and without thinking I said YES!!! I didn't know much about the mission then, but I knew I wanted to be a part. So in 2020 I joined Pure Joy and met Kathy Jacobs, such a great person, humble but above all a heart of gold, and in meeting her I learned about her vision for mission and really liked it. Of all that Pure Joy does, what I love the most is visiting the nursing home. At first I left crying after talking to Doña Marita (an elderly resident of the home), a mother of many children of whom none visit. It broke my heart – how is it possible that she gave everything for them and now they leave her like this? ... I knew that my place was there, bringing love, laughter, a hug, a talk – it is so easy to make them happy! The day I liked the most was when we celebrated Friendship Day (Valentine’s Day), and we exchanged cards, ate cake and learned a new song (which we decided we will sing every Tuesday we visit!). It was a very beautiful afternoon, full of a lot of love & blessing.  Pure Joy gave me the opportunity to get closer to God again, and feel full helping people. It is great to be close to God – to attend church and worship him – but outside there are also many needs that we can reduce if we take the initiative outside of those 4 walls ... There is the challenge! Among all the havoc, God in his immense goodness sent me a boy who supports me and admires the work we do at Pure Joy, and we decided to attend church again. My youngest niece is part of this volunteering now too and so life becomes better. So I invite you to support us, help is always welcome, and I ask you to please include our friends from the nursing home in your prayers, since they are the most vulnerable to this virus (Covid-19). Also for this mission, that its purpose is to bring joy and happiness to those who need it most, I have faith that this will happen, and our faith will be stronger than ever. And I have faith that we will visit my friends at the nursing home again, we will sing again and hear the word of God !!. God bless you! Historias Misioneras {Brianda} // EspañolHola! Me llamo Brianda tengo 29 años y soy voluntaria en Pure Joy Missions. Nací y crecí en Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, en un hogar cristiano, con padres y hermanos que siempre me apoyaron, me mostraron el camino correcto, trabajar de manera honesta y sobre todo, a ser bondadosa, ayudar a quien lo necesite dentro de las posibilidades. Siempre he tenido buena relación con Dios, pero con los años, aunque siempre estuve y estoy segura de mis convicciones como cristiana, hubo mucho ir y venir con respeto a la asistencia en mi iglesia. En el 2017, pase etapas muy duras, la salud de mi papa, un corazón muy inestable emocionalmente, mi hermano se mudo a otro país con su familia, la economía en mi hogar no fue la mejor y en fin, diferentes factores que hicieron cambiar mucho mi estado de ánimo, el mismo me llevo a alejarme de la iglesia. Sin embargo Dios estuvo en todo momento, ese año, decidí unirme como voluntaria a una fundación que construye casas para personas que no lo tienen, conocí todo tipo de personas, todo tipo de pensamientos, que me hicieron ver la vida de otra manera, y la felicidad regreso, supe que ayudar, y construir con mis manos un techo para quien no lo tiene, me hacía inmensamente feliz. Llego un nuevo año, 2018 y 2019 mucha bendición laboral, pero todo con mucho estrés, demasiado, se me junto todo! Universidad, mas trabajo! A pesar de todo logre graduarme de la universidad en el 2018 obtuve una licenciatura en educación, y en el 2019 tras un casi un punto de derrame por el estrés, decidí que el 2020 bajaria el ritmo, me dedicaría únicamente a mi trabajo matutino (docente de adolescentes) y regresaría a mi vida de voluntaria en alguna fundación o misión. Una semana después, recibi un llamado por partede Jenny (Directora actual de Pure Joy Mission Guatemala), invitándome como voluntaria a la Escuela Biblica y sin pensarlo dije que SI!!! aun no conocía mucho sobre la misión, pero sabia que quería ser parte. Asi que en 2020 me uni, y conoci a Katy Jacobs, una persona tan genial, humilde pero sobre todo un corazón de oro, en una reunión, conocí su plan de trabajo, y me gusto mucho. De todo lo que hace Pure Joy, lo que mas me encanta es visitar el asilo de ancianos, al principio, Sali llorando, al platicar con Doña Mariita (adulto mayor que reside en el asilo), madre, de muchos hijos, y ninguno la visita, me partio el corazón, como es posible que diste todo por ellos y ahora la abandonan asi? … supe que mi lugar era ahí, llevar amor, risas, un abrazo, una platica, es tan fácil hacerlos felices! , el día que más me gusto fue cuando celebramos el dia de la amistad, e hicimos intercambio de tarjetas, comimos pastel y aprendimos un canto nuevo, que decidimos que cada martes que los visitemos lo vamos a cantar! Fue una tarde muy linda, llena de mucho amor y bendición. Pure Joy me dio la oportunidad de acercarme a Dios de nuevo, y sentirme llena ayudando a las personas, es genial estar cerca de Dios, asistir a la iglesia y adorarle, pero afuera también hay muchísimas necesidades que podemos minorar si tomamos la iniciativa, fuera de esas 4 paredes… Ahí esta el desafío!. Dentro de todos los estragos, Dios en su inmensa bondad envio me envio a un chavo que me apoya y admira la labor que hacemos en Pure Joy, y decidimos asistir de nuevo a la iglesia, incluso e incluido a mi sobrina mas pequeña en este voluntariado y asi la vida se torna mejor. Asi que te invito, a que nos apoyes, la ayuda siempre es bienvenida, y te pido por favor que en tus oraciones, incluyas a nuestros amigos del asilo de ancianos, ya que son los mas vulnerables a este virus, también por esta misión, que su fin es llevar gozo y alegría a quien mas lo necesita, tengo fe que esto pasara, y nuestra fe estará mas fuerte que nunca. Y tengo fe que volveremos a visitar a mis amigos del asilo, volveremos a cantar y escuchar palabra de Dios!!. Dios te bendiga! |
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