Dear Bishops, Pastors, Brothers and Sisters, Friends:
Because I know very well the plans I have for you, says the Lord, welfare plans and not calamity, in order to give you a future and hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
We thank God for His immense mercy by allowing us to start a new year, even though new challenges we have the full confidence in Him that his plans are perfect.
We are starting 2019, with social challenges when facing government problems that attempt against the less favored populations.
At the same time, there is a problem of migration of church leaders to the United States, mainly due to debts they have acquired in the past to travel to the United States, mortgaging their lands and not achieving it, remaining in greater poverty and disadvantage.
Remembering that ILAG serves people in need and without resources, facing challenges to continue with the ministry of God in Guatemala.
But, in front of all these situations we do not give up, since we trust fully in the promises of our God of mercy, in it we put our hope.
We wish to all of you that this new year be full of blessings and that all plans be placed in the hands of our Lord.
At the same time, we share with you that unfortunately the secretary of the ILAG, Dorian Auceda, retired from his work, since he had an opportunity in the university where Dorian studies, of an internship where she was offered of improvement better than us we can offer. Please pray for Dorian as she moves forward for a better future. She will remain an active member of ILAG.
The elementary school began activities the past week, with 85 students so far.
MILAGRO center will start activities next week. The young women will start coming to the MILAGRO center next weekend.
Our first leadership meeting will take place in the Weekend of February 8 to 11, we hope you can send letters to the leaders.
We hope your congregations are doing well, and your friends and family as well. You are always in our prayers.
Our prayers are with all of you, trusting to see us in the near future when you come to visit your partner Churches, or when we make a visit to your Churches.
May our Almighty God bless you and take care of you.
In Christ,
Rev. Karen Castillo
President – Agustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala
