EL Zapotillo

Saturday and Sunday we were in EL Zapatillo. the journey took us about 7 hours, of which the last hour was on gravel roads through the country side / bush. The road was very difficult in spots, including crossing a river, getting out to lighten the load on the rental van so that we didn't take the oil pan out. The last part of the road was fresh gravel that has only been in existance from September. the road itslef is a result of CH's work in the area to empower the people and develop their village and give opportunity.

Rudy and Sully have been invloved iwth this community for the last 7 years, building a church, creating economic opportunities, planting a school and literacy programs for adults and spreading the Gospel of Christ. They have journied by boat and walking for most of that time until the road came.

Our time was spent in a childrens program, providing some care packages to families in the village and visiting some very needy families.

One example was Anna, she is a 14 year old girl with a disfiguring termal tumor on her face. She has been able to have 3 surgeries, which involved the villages carrying her on a stretcher down the mountain to waiting boats. However none of these surgeries have worked and now she is either home to experience healing or waiting for her passing. And that is exactly what the familh has asked that we pray for her healing or passing. Needless to say it was a very difficult situation, But it was also a situation filled with hope. Anna expressed her trust in God and we talked of being with her in Glory! Wow, what an experince. To add to this difficulty, this family lives an extremely improverised existance, living in a home that we would equate to a barn, possibly less.

In the evening we enjoyed worshiping with the people of El Zap. approx 150 people packed the church. Thought the language was diffrent, we certainly shared the same purpose. The service in total was over 4 hours long. But that wasn't a problem, no one got bored and left, the kids only curled up at their parents feet and slept, and the singing and praising was spontanious and continuous. Among the most touching was a group of teen age girls that passionatly wanted to continue to bless the church in song as well and lead others in worship.

Some other highlights of the service were a presentation of new bibles that have been provided by the partnership between CH Global and the Bible Leauge. what a blessing to put Gods word into their hands. Another highlight was that we Canadian sang a song in their local Cachee language, Our hosts taught us well! We were also blessed with gifts that the local members of the church made for us, carvings and basket work.

The church members have also provided us with a request to bring back to canada, more like a plea actually. More on that later.

Late in the evening it was to bed. The women in a local house (i use the term lightly) and the men in the church. A hard rain forest rain pelted the tin roof in the middle of the night and we wondered if we would actually be able to leave the next day with crossing the river and all.

The day was long and heart rentching so sleep came easy and deep, so deep that sleeping in was easy. So some of our group rounded up the local childern and came bursting into the chruch with cans full of rocks and pots and pans clanging and banging. Needless to say, we were up in a shot. I'm so glad that their first plan of fire crackers didn't work out.

After a quick breakfast and continuing to be with the people we shared good-byes, blessings and prayers together. I had the opportunity to give some gifts from sponsors in Canada to their sponsored child and families. Sponsorhip has had, is having and will continue to have such an increadable impact on this community it is hard to describe.

We made it out of the area via the same road that we got their on, the river wasn't too high and we only had to push the van out of the mud once. but getting in and out of the van so it could navigate deep ruts and high rocks took its toll on the van, Red mud, much like clay all over the place.

Enjoy the pictures.

tomorrow starts the construction work in Lake Amatitlan. We are so excited.



Bruce giving gifts to the men of the church




having fun with David I. the van while he naps

Colleen, in trouble with the Law! Send Money so se can bail her out!

I got to drive a motor bike accross the river


With the Xo family (sponsored)


The Candian Team with the kids of the Church


Doing crafts with the kids

The New Road to El Zap

God promises - True in El Zap that is for sure!

Getting ready for the Kids Meeting!

The Red Mud

A letter written from the El Zapotillo Church to Canada - A request for help!