We have had to go by bus to El Salvador for the last 3+ years. We're happy to do it, of course, for the wonderful spiritual food and friendships, but it is a long, exhausting, expensive trip to a dangerous country. (Of course, those from El Salvador think Guatemala is terribly dangerous, and vice versa, and don't even get us started on Honduras! Grin...)
The three congregations (in Guatemala City, Antigua and Panajachel) and one group (in Quetzaltenango) met in the Kingdom Hall in Antigua. We had 176 attending! I'd guess each congregation has between 25-35 publishers tops, so that's an amazing attendance. Some were visitors from other places, some were English speakers who are actually part of a Spanish congregation - but many were Bible students!
In addition to it being more convenient for the friends, the best thing was that we could bring our Bible students! Here are the stats: Between assemblies located in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala for this series (the Imitate Jehovah assembly), there were 595 in attendance. But there are just 358 Jehovah's witnesses (publishers) in those areas, so we had 166% attending!
I will never ever forget these assemblies. It is amazing to hear the singing in particular - strong voices singing out! Maybe because in a 'need-greater' situation, there is a higher percentage of adults to children, thus louder singing. Or is it just the love and zeal of these dear ones? It is unforgettable.
It was also so moving to see the love and friendship of so many people who sacrificed to serve in English in Guatemala. Some moved here from far away - some from Australia, England, Canada, and the US. Others are Guatemalans who volunteered to use their English to support us. We absolutely LOVE the spirit these dear ones show!
Here are some photos:
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| This was a panorama shot of the assembly, but squished! There was more seating outside on the right side there. |
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| Adolfo on the left (an elder in Cacquichel) and Lissette Garcia, Neto's mother. |
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| Andy and Natalie Perez. They were the first to arrive to start the work in English in Pana. We arrived three weeks later! |
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| Neto Garcia on the left, our one remaining elder in Pana. Next are Nabil and Lena Naguib visiting from Canada, Mellanie and Mike Harrison (in Pana til they leave Monday), then Mike and Jolyane Jubinville visiting from Canada. |
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| Nabil and Lena Naguib visiting from Canada, Mellanie and Mike Harrison, then Mike and Jolyane Jubinville visiting from Canada |
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| Nancy (me) then Natalie and Andy Perez, and Bill |
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| With Michaela. What a story she has! She was found in service here. She grew up as a witness, but disassociated herself when she was 15. She remembered her happiness when she was serving Jehovah, so quickly started coming back, made big changes in her life, and was soon reinstated. She's a treasure! |
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| Nayeli at left (my dear Bible student), Mima Calderon serving in Spanish in Chiquimula, and Bill and another sister whose name I regret I don't recall! |
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| Neto Garcia (Ernesto). He is now our only elder in Panajachel. Hard working brother! |
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| The Cains. They are the parents of Brianne Revolorio and arrived here a few months ago. |
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| with Pamela West. She is a missionary here in Guatemala City. We both agreed we wished we'd had a chance to get to know one another better! |
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| Nayeli in front. Behind her, on left is Aiden Colvin, then Welkers with Marlin in the middle. |
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| with Nayeli, my Bible student and friend. What a treasure. She recently became an unbaptized publisher - but in Spanish congregation because she got her family to start attending, so even though her English is excellent, she attends the Spanish congregation in Pana. |
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| Nayeli |
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| Welker family and Marlin. |
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| Mitch and Jill Wright. He was an elder in English but moved over to help the Spanish congregation in Panajachel |
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| Our CO, Shawn Verbeek. |
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