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, …
Martinez Mail November 2017
Advanced education is not guaranteed in Guatemala. For most of these Bible students financial sacrifice by family, community or village, and church provide room, board, and materials as they pursue their ministerial goals. Here in Guatemala many activities overlap as the year spools down. Of special note is the graduation of the Living Water Teaching (Ensenanza) de Agua Viva) Bible Institute. Each year Bible scholars who have completed courses and …
Martinez Mail Sep-Oct 2017 pt.2- Coming to America
As we left our missionaries Chuck & Robin Martinez from pt.1, they has just put the pedal-to-the-metal aimed for Rowlett TX and a brief visit with family. We began to accomplish tasks that can only be done while in the states, medical checkups, banking, purchases of everything we may need in Guatemala for the next 11 months. Oddly enough, we never seem to empty a suitcase, even though most of …
Martinez Mail Sept-Oct 2017 pt.1- The Departure
Even as prepared as one can be, there are circumstances that can never be anticipated. Such was the case as Robin and I made our plans for 30 days in the US. Our carefully constructed plans included keeping up with our normal ministry outreach’s in Guatemala while adjusting the focus of one eye, towards Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Mid September is the culmination of weeks of celebrating “Independence” across the …
Martinez Mail July & August 2017
Rain or shine, school children across the western highlands of Guatemala are treated to evangelistic outreach and one-on-one ministry. Living Water Teaching Summer Campaigns are in full swing. Three months, three youth teams. The fiery teams arrive overflowing with the zeal and enthusiasm only teens on a mission can. For these school aged children its a welcome break from the ordinary day at school. Today, a group of high energy, …
Martinez Mail June 2017 part 2
Most days in “the city“, Guatemala City that is, can be an adventure. Driving in the heavy traffic, on narrow streets, and trying to identify poorly marked intersections, is just another day on the mission field in Central America. On this day we are hunting down the most favorable prices on needed equipment. Generous support has made it possible to purchase sewing machines in country, facilitating additional outreaches. Robin gearing …