(11) (Dec 16th) As we sailed back to sea down the Rio Dulce we learned about a large but poorly funded orphanage on the river nearby and, since we had only been able to carry half of our 'cargo' by bus to Myra's, decided to visit them with a Christmas blessing as well.

Curious eyes as we approach

Some of the Casa's 200 children

Such joy to be able to share with the children the clothing, toys, writing pads, lotions and shampoos, and to be able to present to the volunteer staff medicines and Spanish Bibles that had been donated by dear church friends back home in North Carolina.

Debbie giving away some of her own hats

(12)  (Dec 17th)  Now anchored back in Livingston, Debbie and I boarded a fast little water taxi for Puerto Barrios, the busy commercial port across the bay.  There we met with Pastor Jose Estuardo Clara Vela who supervises over 100 Church of God congregations in the northern Guatemalan province of Peten.  He also administrates the Shofar Christian radio station which reaches an important region of the seacoast providing teaching and inspiration to thousands.

Pastor Clara Vela at the radio controls. They desperately need new equipment.

David presenting 200 Spanish Bibles and the Bible on cassette for radio.

We are scheduled to assist them this Spring by carrying to Guatemala portable solar-powered radios donated by Mike Escalante of Radio Encounter Ministries. Visit their website at:

www.radioencounter.com

Pastor Clara Vela wants David to return to conduct training seminars for his pastors in the north near Mexico.  We will also be doing our Children's Crusades as well.  Pray that we can complete our boat repairs and make the necessary preparations quickly...there is much work ahead for us to do in our new partnership with this great man of God!

◄Some of the children we look forward to returning to with our puppets and skits!

►One of the many churches David will be speaking at when we  return to Guatemala.

(Dec 18th) We are on our way home now sadly saying goodbye to a new found love.  We know we will be returning soon but, as Debbie's tears spoke so well, it is good to know that we were here in the Lord's will and 'Lord willing' will be back in His time.

(Dec 31st)  As we passed through the Yucutan Channel, which seperates Mexico and Cuba, we came upon a boat load of Cuban refugees late in the night.  They had been lost and adrift for four days without food and water.  One young girl was going into shock from dehydration. We were able to nurse her back to health and to get all 17, including a small infant, safely to Mexico.  Had the Lord not delayed our travel by the storms we encountered they would have drifted endlessly in the currents of the Gulf of Mexico. 

This was a very humbling experience for Debbie and me, to be used to save the lives of so many.  We have returned to the States with an even greater conviction of the importance of our ministry, having a much firmer commitment to complete our repairs, raise our support, gather our supplies, and get back to the field quickly. Thank you to all of the churches and families that have helped to make this and all of our trips possible!!