Twelve years ago, Robin and I arrived in Guatemala with only what we could carry in two suitcases. Soon thereafter, we purchased an ordinary charcoal grill at the roadside near our mission base in Quetzaltenango. We could not have known then how many thousands of occasions it would be put to use–simple meals with visitors, holiday meals with Bible Institute students, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with fellow missionaries, or quiet …
A Small Piece of the Puzzle
When your heart is knitted to a people or place, as ours is in Guatemala, you are always on the lookout for way to serve the people. This sometimes takes the form of collaboration with other ministries or missionaries. This way real needs are met by real people, simple missionaries on the ground, in the neighborhoods, touching lives with faith and works.
Brought Out Into the Light
Everything seemed okay, it had been months since we move to a new residence in Quetzaltenango. Most of our belongings were out of boxes, the furniture had been arrange, and re-arranged. We had slowly become accustom to the sounds and personality quirks of our new home. It was the very last of the dry season, the grass was mostly brown, except in one area. Out back there is a 4 …
The Wind Beneath Our Wings
In May 2018, Chuck & Robin will be traveling out of Guatemala to the U.S. We will be raising funds/awareness, highlighting the mission of Mercy Wings in Guatemala. What can you do to “Speed the Gospel” to the people of Guatemala? I’ll tell you, just email me directly at mwi@lwtusa.org or call my direct cell in Guatemala is 011 502 5736 1362. Chuck & Robin Martinez, let us be your …
A Fresh Approach
Robin loves these special projects. After many years, the prayer tower on LWT campus needed some TLC inside and out. Paint, light fixtures, wood facings were all updated. including Robin’s contribution, making covers for the new cushions. Looking around for an upholstery capable machine, this was found in a corner of the LWT/Bible Institute, just waiting to be called into service. The aircraft mechanic in me was curious and proceeded …
Medical Outreach- Chitay
Medical outreach in Chitay. This small farming community is out of sight but not out of mind. If not for the blowing dust, you’d see that the fields are furrowed and waiting for the rains that hopefully will begin any time now. Meanwhile, five volunteers from Arizona and Texas have come to Guatemala to make a statement. What they have come to say is that “God loves you and has …
Keeping A Close Watch
Aircraft on the mission field require constant and detailed maintenance. The unforgiving nature of this mountainous region, coupled with near unpredictable weather patterns that accept no excuses when it comes to the condition of our mission aircraft. Unlike your personal vehicle, where you may choose to find out what’s making that “Funny Noise (FN)” when you have the time or notion. Aircraft are very different. Prudence dictates that the FN …
Sewing For a harvest
Now in its 4th year, Robins “beginners” sewing classes are programmed to be completed in about four months. When these Living Water Teaching / Bible Institute students complete all projects, a formal certificate is presented on graduation day. Each student also receives sewing related gifts. And, a selected “stand-out” student will receive a sewing machine as their very own. These classes are made possible by donations that enable Robin to …
Martinez Mail December 2017- Closing Thoughts
It’s here in the last week of 2017, Robin and I look back and reflect on the happenings over the last 12 months. We agreed with one another that the entire year has been defined by an overwhelming urgency to be about the Fathers business. Then, with spiritual eyes we began to look ahead and sense a new wind forming. A wind that will propel us to destinations far beyond …
Martinez Mail Dec 2017
Overlapping the months of November and December come the initial preparations for Operation Shoebox. Two containers of finished and filled gift shoeboxes are transported to Guatemala weeks in advance. Unloading, warehousing, and separating into 12 age/gender specific stages is accomplished before the 39 volunteers from across the U.S. arrives. But once the team is on the ground and in place……….Operation Shoebox really takes off! Its all hands on deck- missionaries, …