Alabama group

The Alabama team

Happy Birthday! 

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The grandmother (flower shirt above) and I got in trouble for letting her grandson drink out of the bottle and to drink Pepsi!

Shalom, one of great translators who worked with us all week.

Edu, another great translator who worked with us all week.

Last but not least, Gustavo, another translator who worked with us all week.

I had a great week working with a team from Alabama.  We did VBS activities at Impacto Biblico Church in Guatemala City and we did a lot of other fun things.

Christmas Display

At a hotel I went to the other week they had an incredible Christmas display of a small town.  It was so nice.  The next night I was able to take two groups of friends to see the display.  The one who set up the display was excited to show us.  We kept saying "wow, incredible".  Unfortunately the photos don't reflect all the detail and magnitude of the display.

Burning of the Devil Day

Taking the devil figure to sell.  Many were sold and burned on Friday December 7.

Burning of the Devil in the street.

Fireworks plus burning of the devil

When you burn the devil, you make way for Mary. The tradition of burning the devil began in colonial times. In anticipation of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day which honors the Virgin Mary, those who could afford it adorned the fronts of their houses with lanterns. The poor, who could not afford such lanterns, would clean out their homes, gathering all their garbage, and

would burn the year’s rubbish in front of their houses – the idea being to burn all of the bad from the previous year and to start anew from the ashes. Over time it was formalized and in addition to individual piles of garbage, communities started to burn effigies of the devil to clear the way for Mary’s feast.

In cities throughout the country, the devil is burned at the stroke of six o’clock in the evening. In La Antigua, head early to the east end of 4a Calle Oriente to secure a spot to view the spectacle. In Ciudad Vieja, one of the former capitals of Guatemala, a devil three stories tall is constructed and burned in the city square!

 

The burning occurs at 6 pm on December 7, you can set your watch by the 6 pm starting time.  

 

 

McDonalds in Antigua

McDonalds in Antigua, Guatemala, is always an enjoyable place to go.  It has a large courtyard area with beautiful views of the volcano. 

December 2012 prayer letter

THE NICODEMUS PROJECT, GUATEMALA CITY

DECEMBER 2012

As we close out November, this seemed to be a very appropriate prayer to start off the month of December.  It was taken from Compassion Net, a prayer publication of the IMB.  If you would like to sign up for the Compassion Net, go to www.imb.org and then look under the “Pray” section.  

Prayer for the month: "O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry. When I have work, help me to remember the jobless. When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all. When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer, and remembering, help me to destroy my complacency. Bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to help. By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen." - Samuel F. Pugh

Thank you for your gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which allows the IMB missionaries to live and minister throughout the world!

Saturday, December 1: As mentioned at the end of last month’s prayer letter the Alabama team arrives today.  After a mid afternoon lunch at their hotel the team will go to Impacto Biblico to begin setting up for the VBS activities.  Pray that the activities would all come together as some activities have been planned by the US team members and other activities have been planned by the Guatemalans.  Pray for a unity among all the workers for the week.  Praise God for all that He is going to coordinate and do during the week.

Sunday, December 2: Please pray for Doug Johnson, a missionary in Guatemala with Kids Alive Orphanage.  Recently, he was shot five times during a robbery.  He has made great improvements in his recovery however the doctors have said that it will be a long recovery.  Pray for his wife, Sara, and their children.  At times like these it is a reminder of the healing power of prayer and the miracles which God can do.

Monday, December 3: Today at 9:30 am Eastern Time the children will begin arriving for a week of VBS activities at Impacto Biblico Church.  Pray that God would lead children and youth to the activities.  Pray that the translators would have clarity of mind and thought as they translate the English into Spanish.  Pray for a unity among all who are involved in the week’s activities.  

Tuesday, December 4: For the most part the university students have completed their exams and are finished for another semester.  Pray specifically for Roger and Gaby, two students who Carol communicates with regularly.  Pray that Gaby would be able to help with the team this week.  Pray for the spiritual growth of both Gaby and Roger.  Pray for a time of prayer walking which the team will do on the campus this week.

Wednesday, December 5: Pray for Manuel this week as he works yet also wants to be at the activities with the team.  Pray that he would be able to participate in a lot of the activities.  Pray for Siomara as she leads the VBS activities.  Pray that she and the team members would have the ideas, resources, and energy which they need for the week.  

Thursday, December 6: Thank you for praying Kaila and Josiah Macumber.  Their Geometry and Biology grades have improved.  Pray that they would finish well this semester.

Friday, December 7:  Today the team will be going to Antigua and then returning tomorrow to Alabama.  Pray that they would have safety in travels.  Pray for the relationships which have been formed with the nationals.  Pray for the seeds which have been planted during the week.

Saturday, December 8: Please continue to pray for the Monday night Bible Study group as they continue to study the Fruit of the Spirit.  There has been a good response and the ladies are working hard to be able to say the 10 verses all at once at the end of the study.  Please pray that if any of them have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior that they will come to understand what that means and make a commitment to follow Him.

Sunday, December 9: Happy Birthday Helen Hardeman!  Ephesians 2:10 says

“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  May you have a day filled with God’s blessings!

Monday, December 10: Continue to pray for Noemi Macumber’s mom who is having dialysis.  A kidney transplant is not an option at her age, a young 75 years old.  Thus she will have to continue dialysis.  Continue to pray that her body would have a good reaction to the dialysis.

Tuesday, December 11: Pray for more pastors and others to recognize their need for theological education and to commit to dedicating themselves to it.  Richard Cook and the seminary leaders are expecting students from Honduras to start in the masters curriculum next year.  Pray for the partnerships that continue to form between seminaries in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama, and with Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth.

Wednesday, December 12: Pray for the finances of Manuel and Siomara.  They have had several unexpected expenses to come up recently. Pray that they would continue to put their trust in God to provide.  Praise God for the provisions He has provided for them.

Thursday, December 13: Victoria, Jennifer, Joel, Marlo, Allison, and Jonathan are all members of an ESL class which Noemi Macumber is teaching.  They are going through the book of Mark in their studies. Please pray specifically for the salvation of Victoria and her daughter Jennifer.

Friday, December 14:  Carol Wilkinson will be going on Stateside Assignment in April.  After the stateside time she will not be able to return to Guatemala per changes in the IMB organization.  Pray for her as she looks to finish well with the student ministry and pray for her as looks to see what God has for her next.   Pray that she would have wisdom in the decisions which she makes.

Saturday, December 15: Ellis and Judy Leagans thank you for your prayer support as they continue to work on plans for after IMB retirement in June 2013.  The death of Judy's mother in September has brought about more uncertainty on where to settle since caring for her is not now in the picture.  So pray that they will know where to settle and also for employment to supplement their retirement income.

Sunday, December 16:  Continue praying for Jeff Macumber as continues to learn his job.  Also pray for him as he works with the leadership of the Baptist Convention in transferring properties to the Convention.

Monday, December 17: As it has been mentioned before Jorge and Andrea are a great help to the missionaries and to Jeff and George who work with them in the mission office.  Pray for Jorge and Andrea and their families.  Praise God for them and their loyalty and honesty and their hard work.

Tuesday, December 18:  Pray for Manuel’s health.  He had surgery last month to have a growth removed from behind his ear.  He is recovering nicely from that.  Pray that he would continue to have a good recovery.

Wednesday, December 19: Pray for Sharon Cook and the Wednesday group.  They have grown spiritually if not in numbers.  Pray for Margarita, a member of the group.  Pray that she would heed Sharon’s request to turn the cellphone off during the study.  Pray for problems which she is having with her teenage daughter and their relationship.  

Thursday, December 20:  Ellis and Judy Leagans will be returning to Guatemala January 9-22 to coordinate an America's Urban Cluster meeting which is being held in Antigua.  Please pray for them as they continue preparations for various logistical and practical aspects of the meeting which is to be attended by 38 IMB personnel from 15 countries.

Friday, December 21: Pray for Walter, Delma, Walter Jr., Vivian, Inés, Efrén, Dina, Jonathan, Andrea, Mario, and Katy who are receiving discipleship classes from Jeff and Noemi Macumber. Pray that they would choose to obey the Scriptures as they encounter new lessons to apply to life every week.  Pray for the spiritual growth of each one of them.

Saturday, December 22: Guatemala City begins to shut down around this time for the Christmas holidays.   This coming week and Easter week are usually the two weeks during the year when the city clears out as people travel to other parts of Guatemala and throughout the world.  Pray that those who don’t know the true meaning of Christmas would come to know the true meaning of Jesus Christ and his birth, life and resurrection.  

Sunday, December 23:  Last month Carol Wilkinson had the opportunity to teach at a Women’s Baptist Conference.  One of the teachings was about sharing your testimony.  Pray that Carol and the ladies in attendance would have a desire to share with others and would be attuned to the divine appointments which God has for them.

Monday, December 24-Monday December 31: Luke 2:11 “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” As we remember and celebrate the love of God this Christmas season may we share it with others.  Use this last week in December to pray in whatever way God leads you.  Pray for the Nicodemus team as they continue to make plans and have plans for the upcoming New Year.  Pray for each other and praise God that He knows each and every one who is reading the prayer letter.   

May you have a blessed Christmas week!  

Thank you for your commitment to pray for the Nicodemus Team!  

To join or leave this prayer list group, please include your name and email address and send your request to prayerlist@multilingualservice.com.

  

Feminary

This past week I had the opportunity to speak at a Women's Conference in Guatemala. I was apprehensive about it because it was an hour or so of teaching each day in Spanish on the topic of "Discovering Your Call".  It turned out to be a great experience.  The ladies were alot of fun and they were interested in learning.  Each day I had a game for them.  One day I made the game harder than I realized...I had created a crossword puzzle on the internet using clues from what we had studied.  I think I stumped them on that one.  They all deserved the brownies which I had made as the prize for that day.

On the last day I ended with a foot washing.  It was something which only God lead me to do.  God had given me that thought the other week when I was thinking about the teaching.  Then it kept coming to mind.  I had different ideas for the last day however I went with the foot washing idea and I'm glad that I did. It was a good time to talk to the ladies one on one and ask them about their lives and prayer requests which they have.

Parting of the traffic

Traffic in Guatemala City can be frustrating however in the midst of all of it, it is so neat to see cars move out of the way when an ambulance comes with the sirens on.  Just when you think there isn't anywhere for cars to get out of the way, everyone moves to the side a little and the ambulance is able to pass.  This morning I watched it all happen. I was going to an appointment and I was in slow moving heavy traffic.  Then I heard the sound of the ambulance sirens.  Immediately almost 100% of the drivers moved to one side of the road whether they could move five inches or five feet over.  They made a path for the ambulance.  It was so neat and interesting to watch, we were in a place where it didn't look like anymore cars could fit however there was room.  I imagine it was kind of like the parting of the Red Sea...

Pastor Manuel and family

Please pray for Pastor Manuel, Siomara and their son Samuel.  He is pastor of a local Baptist Church and they are all greatly involved in the church.  Samuel was so cute on this day.  He had a play/toy cellphone which someone had given him.  So as we prayerwalked in a local neighborhood, he would stop at different places, hold up his cellphone and take a photo!  He was imitating what he has seen so many people do, taking photos with their cellphones.

A few animals of Guatemala

Recently a local magazine had a photo contest called "Animals of Guatemala".  Unfortunately I didn't get my entries in time for the contest.  So, I thought I would just put a few of the animal photos which I have taken on my blogspot.

The lady

Something about this lady grabbed my attention.  I was with a friend of mine and when I saw this lady I knew I had to take a picture.  She was walking down the road looking for any trash which people had thrown out.

Eggs anyone?

Are you ready for some scrambled eggs??  I don't know if I would want to be the driver of this truck!

Your usual seat

The other day I was on the university campus.  As I looked around it seemed like a normal morning on campus.  Students were sitting with their laptops plugged in, they were finishing assignments, they were working in groups, they were busily going through life.  They were in the moment without a care in the world except for finishing their assignment and going to class.  I was there at a different time from when I am usually there so it made me wonder did I take the "usual" table where some group "usually" sits.  I didn't see anyone come up and start for the table and then leave when they saw me sitting there.  As I thought about it, I made the connection to church seats and pews.  I thought I wonder if these students are as possessive of their seats and pews as we can be in churches.  I admit, I can be guilty of it at times because I have certain areas in the sanctuary where I like to sit. I remember the time when I was told I was in someone's seat in a Sunday School class and they asked me to move.  Needless to say I didn't return to that class.  I have been to Bible studies where I have watched others being told that they can't sit at a certain table because that is such and such a person's seat.  I wondered are the students as possessive of their tables and seats in the common areas of the university as we can be of our usual seats in our churches?  I hope not...

September Prayer Letter

As Guatemala celebrates their Independence Day on September 15, let’s start the month with a brief history lesson, as taken from Wikipedia. On September 15, 1821, the Captaincy-general of Guatemala (formed by Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras) officially proclaimed its independence from Spain and its incorporation into the Mexican Empire, which was dissolved two years later.^[18] This region had been formally subject to New Spain throughout the colonial period, but as a practical matter was administered separately. All but Chiapas soon separated from Mexico after Agustín I from Mexico was forced to abdicate. It was not until 1825 that Guatemala created its own flag.^[19]

As the nationals celebrate their independence pray that they would turn to Jesus Christ and celebrate the freedom that can be found in and through Him.

Saturday, September 1: This coming Monday, Sharon will be beginning the study on the Fruit of the Spirit with the Monday night group at the Hardemans’ house.  Ceci says she wants to begin again then and Kathy says she will also attend.  Several of the members of the group are also inviting friends to participate.  Pray for Sharon as she leads the group.  Pray that this study will be a great blessing and encouragement to each one.

Sunday, September 2: Labor Day weekend, George and Helen will be at a family reunion with their children, George’s siblings and dad, and some of his cousins.  Pray for wisdom for George and his siblings as they will be talking to his dad who has recently been diagnosed with moderate dementia and making some hard decisions about his house and possessions.  His dad still wants to go home, but the doctor has told him that it is impossible for him to live alone or drive, though he still hasn’t accepted this.

Monday, September 3: Adam and Jennifer Hammond are getting situated in Tennessee.  They still have a heart for international missions however at this time their place of service is in the US.  Arabella just began her first year of school; Corbin and AllieBeth are doing good as well.  Pray for Adam as he just recently began a new job.  Pray for Jennifer as they all adjust to being in the US again.

Tuesday, September 4: Guatemala is understandingly proud of the Guatemalan atheletes who participated in the Olympics.  Most notably, the Olympic silver medal winner, Erick Barronodo. Erick won the country's first Olympic medal in the Men's 20K race walk competition in August in London.  Praise God for the Christian trainer who worked with him.  Pray for Erick and other Christian athletes as they share their faith in their moments of fame.  Pray for Diego, an archery athlete, who didn't make the Olympic team this time but will continue to be in training for it.  Praise God that Diego has attended the Saturday Purpose Driven Life group when his schedule allows.

Wednesday, September 5: The Hardemans arrived safely in Greenville, SC, on August 23.  Pray for them during their 3-month stateside assignment that they will have good family time and will also be very sensitive to Spirit’s leadership as they have opportunities to share about their ministry and that of the International Mission Board in general.

Thursday, September 6:  Judy Leagans's mother Ava Halbert has been having some health issues.   Her congestive heart failure sometimes triggers medicines getting out of balance.   Ellis and Judy appreciate your prayer support that she will get leveled off okay. Ava remains very sharp mentally.  Judy and one of her sisters are taking turns staying at the hospital so prayer support for them is also appreciated.  Praise God that Judy is there close to her mother so she can help in taking care of her mother.

Friday, September 7: One of the last lessons from the Purpose Driven Life group is about writing and sharing your testimony.  As the Saturday group finishes up the study pray that each one who was involved will share their testimony with others.  Praise God for those who were able to attend.  Pray for Carol and Lissette as they pray about another potential study with this group.

Saturday, September 8: Both Goyo, a member of the Hardemans’ Monday night cell group, and Kathy’s mom died last month.  We trust that they had both accepted Christ as their Savior.  Please pray for strength, peace, and consolation for Kathy and Goyo’s wife Ceci and their children.  Kathy feels very alone now, discouraged, and depressed.

Sunday, September 9: On September 11 in Athens, GA, there will be a premiere showing of the documentary “The Boys of Paradise” featuring the Hardemans’ son Nathan and his ministry with boys in a violent squatter community in Guatemala City.  Nathan, Claudia and their sons Levi and Caleb will be in the US for three months working on her citizenship papers and visiting churches to get people involved in their project.  Pray that the paperwork for her papers would move smoothly and swiftly, pray for their safe travels as they will be have many miles to cover as they visit churches to raise support while at the same time they are “car-schooling” Levi in second grade.

Monday, September 10: Thank you for your prayers for the Hardemans’ trip to Peru.  In spite of a piece of luggage arriving a day late, the trip was very productive.  Continue to pray for the Logistic Coordinator leadership team as they have quite a bit to deal with and decisions to make concerning budgets throughout the region.  Several LC’s (Logistic Coordinators) in Latin America, as well as in other parts of the world, will be retiring in the relatively near future.  Pray for the Lord to call out others to assume this vital ministry.

Tuesday, September 11:  Ellis and Judy Leagans continue to work with various IMB projects.  One of these is the Cuba Mobilization Initiative in which nationals from most of our Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas will go to Cuba for ten days to study church planting there and observe what God is doing.  Then a few months later Cuban brothers will visit the countries who sent representatives.  This is a three-year Initiative through 2014.  The first groups go from Mexico and Costa Rica September 10-22.  Please pray that God will use this mightily across the Americas.  And we appreciate the prayer support for us as Ellis coordinates the external international logistics over the next three years.

Wednesday, September 12: Pray for Judith.  Several months ago, she decided to attend another church, but basically she has gone nowhere.  Helen and Sharon have been talking to her and encouraging her.  She says each Saturday she is determined to go to church the next day, but when Sunday comes, she is just not motivated.  She was a driving force as a new Christian inviting many people to cell group.  It is hard to know what exactly happened to put a damper on her spirit, but please pray that she will return to church, be strengthened by the fellowship and spiritual food and that the joy of her salvation will be renewed.

Thursday, September 13: Please be in prayer as IMB school-age children, including Josiah and Kaila Macumber, and college-age missionary kids across the world who have just begun a new school year. Pray for wisdom in their studies, for good transitions and for God to be glorified in their lives. Pray also as many are separated from their families (boarding schools & universities) and will be faced with issues of loneliness and anxiety. May the Lord grace them with His guidance

Friday, September 14:  While Helen Hardeman is stateside Sharon Cook will be teaching the Monday night group. This month she started a new series with them.  Praise God that several new people are coming to the study. Pray for Sharon as she prepares the teachings.  Pray that she would have the preparation time which she needs.  Pray that those in attendance would be open to what God has for them.

Saturday, September 15: Helen finished proofing the Hebrews study series and has sent 10 of the 14 Galatians studies to Dr. Daniel Sanchez for his input before final proofing.  All of the Galatians series has been used with the Monday night cell group, which gave some good feedback.  Praise God with us that the basic work is done and pray for his guidance as we try to get the studies in their final form.

Sunday, September 16: Pray for Manuel and Siomara and their leadership at Impacto Biblico.  Pray for Manuel as he coordinates working a fulltime job and being pastor at the church.  Pray for Siomara as she also leads in the church.  Continue to pray for Samuel and the students at his school.  Pray that Siomara and her family will continue to have the opportunity to share Christ with Samuel’s classmates.

Monday, September 17: Jorge, the messenger who works at the Baptist Mission office with Jeff and George, lives in a small shanty with his wife and three young sons on a corner of his mother-in-law’s property.  The Lord has laid it on the hearts of several people to help provide him with a better place to live.  A neighbor is selling his small house just in front of where they are living.  Please pray with us that if this is the Lord’s will there will soon be enough money to purchase this house.  There is a church in the US who wants to send a team down to do some improvements on the house if the purchase price can be raised.

Tuesday, September 18: Pray for Sharon Cook and others as they reach out to Ceci, the widow of Goyo, and to Kathy.  As Ceci and Kathy are both in the grieving process pray that their relationship to God would be strengthened.  Pray that they would have the desire to get out of the house and interact with others.    

Wednesday, September 19: Pray for Jeff as he continues to learn in his job.  Pray for him as he deals with questions, difficulties and situations, which arise.  Pray that he and George would be able to communicate through Skype or email as needed and would be a support for one another.

Thursday, September 20: Pray for the group that meets at Irina’s house.  They will be beginning a new Bible study series this month.  Helen has provided them with the first five Hebrew study guides, but they hadn’t decided what they will use.  All three women are strong Catholics, but they are reading through the Bible and trying to study it together.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to be their guide to truth while he reveals errors that they have long followed, and pray that they will have the strength and determination to follow truth.

Friday, September 21: Pray for J.  He and his dad have had an estranged relationship which included the dad kicking him out of the house.  However in a story kind of similar to the Prodigal Son, J went to see his dad and gave him his first paycheck from his job.  Pray for restoration in this relationship.  Praise God that J was obedient to God in this relationship.  Continue to pray for J and A as they want to get married but they do not have the family blessings because of their young age.

Saturday, September 22: Happy Birthday Noemi Macumber!  May the Lord bless Noemi and keep her and make his face to shine upon Noemi both now and forevermore.  Pray for Noemi and family as they continue to follow up and begin outreach activities based on contacts that their July teams made.

Sunday, September 23: Sharon will be finishing up two group studies this month.  Praise God for the ones who have been dedicated to attending these studies.  Pray that there would be long last results from the studies.  Pray that God would raise up group leaders from the participants.

Monday, September 24: The paper work for the sale of the houses in Nicaragua and Belize was not ready for George to sign before he left for his 3-month stateside assignment last month.  There is also the transfer of the title of a car in Guatemala pending, but it is a complicated situation, which also was not ready to be finalized.  There will be the need to keep in touch with what is going on in these matters and with the Logistic Coordinators in all the countries for which he is responsible during his time in the US.  Pray that the internet connections will be adequate while the Hardemans are on the road a lot. 

Tuesday, September 25: Continue to pray for the music ministry and other ministries at Impacto Biblico Church.  Pray for them as they plan activities and outreaches for the volunteer team, which is coming in December.  Pray that they would have opportunities to reach out to those in the church neighborhood.  Pray that the regular attenders would invite their friends and family to church.

Wednesday, September 26: Richard Cook is traveling to Panama this week to lead a conference for seminary professors.  Pray that he would have safety in travels and that he would have clarity of mind and thought in his teachings.  Thank you for praying last month for Richard’s travels.  He was able to return safely even though his arrival was delayed for several hours because of fog in Guatemala.

Thursday, September 27:  Pray for the members of the small groups and those who the Nicodemus Team members are discipling on an individual basis.  Pray that they will all mature in their walk with God.  Pray that they would share with others and have a desire to start other groups.  Pray that the leaders would have wisdom in answering questions of the group members.  Praise God for those who are taking the time to attend the group and those who are leading.

Friday, September 28: Pray for the student who had to have a friend pretend that she was his girlfriend so his dad would stop giving him a hard time about not having a girlfriend.  The student was approaching his 16^th birthday and the dad thought it was time for him to have a girlfriend. Pray for Christian families in Guatemala to rise up and put God first in their lives.

 
Saturday, September 29:  Pray for the members of the Nicodemus Team.  Pray that they would have wisdom and guidance and God’s direction in all that they do.  Pray for the unspoken requests which they may have.  Praise God that He knows each and every request and every desire of their heart.

  

Sunday, September 30: As we close out this moment take a moment to reflect on how God has lead you through the month.  Praise God that He is always faithful. Let’s close the month on the words of Ephesians 3:20-25 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

To join or leave this prayer list group, please include your name and
email address and send your request to
prayerlist@multilingualservice.com.

August 2012 Prayer Letter

Psalm 33:6-7 “⁶ The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.⁷ He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.”

            Isn’t it amazing to think how God spoke and everything was created?  He put the stars in place, He created the boundaries of oceans, rivers and lakes.  Then to think, this is the same God who we can have a personal relationship with every day.  As you think about the Nicodemus People and people throughout the world, pray that they would have a desire to have a personal relationship with God.  Pray that they would remember the words of Psalm 25:5 and put their hope in God all day long.

Wednesday, August 1: Thank you for your prayers about a team to come and work with Impacto Biblico VBS.  A church from Alabama has responded and they will send a mission team to Guatemala in early December to assist with the VBS!  Begin praying for relationships which will be formed during this time and for outreach activities which will be done in the neighborhood where Impacto Biblico meets.

Thursday, August 2: Camp Kirkland and orchestra members from all over the US were here last month.  They gave several musical presentations besides teaching classes and techniques at some universities, orphanages, etc.  Each time they gave a powerful testimony to God’s love and power.  Pray that this message will penetrate the hearts of those who heard it and will give them a hunger to seek God and follow him or to be more committed to him.

Friday, August 3: Kathy, a good friend of Sharon, Carol and Helen, is the main caregiver for her mom who without a miracle will soon be with the Lord.  Pray for strength and peace for Kathy as she is very stressed out as she sees her mom struggling to breath as well as has to deal with a broken refrigerator and other crises.  She and her mom live alone and Kathy also fears loneliness in the future.  Pray that the Lord will guide her in each decision.

Saturday, August 4: Goyo, one of the members of the Monday night cell group at the Hardemans’, was recently diagnosed with advanced bone cancer.  The doctor is not recommending any treatment, just to keep him as comfortable as possible.  Please pray for his security in the Lord.  Pray for Ceci and his and her children (a blended family), who are young adults, to be strengthened and comforted in the Lord as they wait for his will in Goyo’s life.

Sunday, August 5: Pray for Richard as he will be traveling to Houston this week for a week of meetings with seminary professors.  Pray for safety in his travels.  Pray that the group would have a spirit of unity and cooperation as they meet together.  Pray for decisions and partnerships which will be made and formed during these meetings.

Monday, August 6: Continue to pray for the music ministry and ministries of Impacto Biblico Church.  Pray for those are leading the music ministry and in different areas of the chuch.  Pray for Pastor Manuel and his leadership of the church.  Pray for the church members and those who faithfully attend the church activities.

Tuesday, August 7: The Hardemans are thankful for the visit of wonderful friends from college days last month as well as from daughter Lynna and her family.  Lynna and son John will be with them until August 9.  Pray for their safe trip back, and for Lynna as she has some dental and doctor appointments in Guatemala before she returns to the US.

Wednesday, August 8: Parents are very influential in the lives of their children.  In thinking of that, pray specifically for one of the members of the Saturday group. Pray that her parents would allow her to continue to attend the studies.  Pray for the salvation of her parents.  Pray specifically that the parents of the university students would have a positive impact on their children. 

Thursday, August 9: After summer vacation, Kaila and Josiah and the students at CAG School will be returning to classes next week.  Pray for the students, teachers and administration as they begin another year of studies.  Pray for the safe return of those who have spent the summer out of the country and will be returning to Guatemala this weekend.

Friday, August 10: The Friday group that meets at I’s house is coming to the end of the Rosary study.  They met irregularly in July.  Pray that Helen will be able to meet with them to encourage them.  "I" seems to have a good understanding of salvation by grace, but the other two women still have some questions about the place of good works.  Pray that they will seek truth in the Bible and follow it.

Saturday, August 11: Sue Lindwall, a long-time Baptist missionary to Guatemala, passed away last month in Texas.  Today there will be a memorial service in Guatemala for her and a celebration of her life and the many people whose lives she touched.  Pray that it will be a powerful testimony of a life well-lived and also be an encouragement and comfort for her husband Ted, son David, and any family members who might be able to come.

Sunday, August 12: The Hardemans will be making a trip to Lima, Peru August 14-18 to meet with the Lead Logistic Coordinator for South America and their mutual supervisor.  Pray that this would be a profitable meeting for them as they work on the 2013 budget for the Latin American countries and on plans for a mass meeting of missionaries in 2014.

Monday, August 13: Pray for the salvation of two people with whom Carol is helping with English practice.  One has specifically said “I don’t want to go to church.” Pray that their hearts would be open to God’s love.  Pray for the salvation of many others with whom the Nicodemus Team has contact with in their lives. 

Tuesday, August 14:  Please pray for the health and energy of Sharon as she leads four studies this fall and also mentors one young lady and continues discipleship training with her friend Ana.  Pray that she would feel the peace which comes from God’s people praying for her.

Wednesday, August 15:  Continue to pray for Ellis and Judy and their transition to retirement.  Pray for their health, life and all that is going on. Pray for other missionaries who are getting close to retirement with the IMB.  Pray that they have wisdom in the decisions which they are making about retirement and their live.

Thursday, August 16: Once the Hardemans return from their trip this week, they will only have a few days before they leave for their stateside assignment.  Pray that during these busy days in August, they will be able to get everything done they need to do without stressing out over things they have to leave for later.  Pray for the Lord to guide them in each commitment they make in the US and that they will have plenty of time to help and encourage George’s sister and brother who have been carrying the load of seeing after their dad’s needs.

Friday, August 17: Pray for George as he tries to get some car and property issues cleared up before the Hardemans head for the US on August 23 for their stateside assignment for three months.  He had to make another overnight trip to Nicaragua last month to sign some papers for the sale of a house and to sign a paper to complete the sale of a car.  He may have to make a trip to Belize to see about the sale of some properties.  He’s feeling a lot of pressure as he tries to tie up loose ends before August 23

Saturday, August 18: The Crown Financial study group is over halfway through the ten-week study.  Pray for Elvin and Jacqueline that they will be able to start their own group in their neighborhood when they finish up the study.  Pray for Sharon and Ana as they serve as leaders of the group for the last two weeks of the study.  Pray for Sharon as she leads the Monday group on the Fruit of the Spirit using scrap-booking once they finish the study on Galatians.

Sunday, August 19: Jeff and Noemi  and their kids hosted two teams recently.  Pray for followup which will be done in the communities where the team ministered.  Praise God for decisions for Christ which were made. 

Monday, August 20: Pray for Sharon as she finishes the study on the fruit of the Spirit and begins another study on Philippians.  Pray that she and Richard would have the words they need as they translate the Philippians study.  Pray that she would have wisdom, knowledge and clarity of mind and speech in the translation and study.

Tuesday, August 21: Continue to pray for the work which George and Jeff are doing and have to do in the mission office.  Pray that they would have wisdom in the buying and selling of houses and cars and other items. Praise God for Jorge and Andrea as they keep the office running smoothly when George and/or Jeff are out of the office. 

Wednesday, August 22: Pray for Manuel and Siomara.  Pray that they would be encouraged today.  Pray for Manuel in his job and responsibilities.  Pray for the small group which they are leading. 

Thursday, August 23: Helen still lacks proofing a few of the Hebrews studies to get them ready for publication with Dr. Daniel Sanchez.  She is also trying to get all the Galatians study guides in final form.  Pray that she will be able to do this before she leaves for stateside assignment.  The cell group members are expressing a deeper understanding each week of Biblical truth.  Praise God with us and pray that they will continue to be faithful in their Bible study and spiritual growth.

Friday, August 24: While Helen is gone on Stateside, Sharon will be filling in and leading the Bible study groups which Helen was leading. Pray that Sharon would have clarity of mind and thought as she prepares for the different groups. Pray the members of the group and their continuing spiritual growth.

Saturday, August 25: Continue to pray for all of the cell groups, those who lead them and the cell members.  Pray that God’s Word will speak to their hearts revealing doctrinal errors that are very ingrained and leading them into truth.  Pray that each one will have the boldness to turn from the error and follow God’s truth.

Sunday, August 26: Pray for R, an university student in Guatemala City.  He works full time and takes classes on weekends.  He is taking a class on Friday evenings which he has to pass or else he will be kicked out of the university.  He has failed this class once or twice before.  He is good student even though it might not sound like it.  He has helped Carol make some contacts at the university where he attends.  Pray that he would be able to pass the class. 

Monday, August 27:  After one of the Purpose Driven Life studies one of the participants began to cry and share her story.  She said that she had been wondering for the past eleven years (since she was 8 years old) what her purpose was on this earth.  She said I didn’t think I was here for any reason. She said that after this study I know that God created me for a purpose!  Praise God for this revelation which she had, please continue to pray for her.

Tuesday, August 28: Richard will be traveling to San Pedro Sula in early September to meet with seminary leaders to evaluate the partnership and extension center.  Also they will be making plans to continue the partnership.  Pray for him in his travels.  Pray for them as they make decisions and plans about what classes to offer and when and as the work out the partnership.

Wednesday, August 29: Tomorrow, Carol  has been invited to go with L, her co-leader in the Purpose Driven Life Group, to a private school in Guatemala City.  L will be doing the speaking at a "Blessing of the Student Service" for the students as they prepare to start a new school year.  Pray that Lissette would have the words to share.  Pray that Carol will be able to meet students and parents.  Pray for any potential Bible studies, contacts, and activities which may come about as a result of this event.

  

Thursday, August 30: Pray that Siomara would find other moms who she can meet with and they can encourage one another.  Pray for J, a mom who is going through a very difficult time right now.  Pray for God’s healing in J’s heart.  Praise God for the Christian home which Manuel and Siomara are raising Samuel in.

Friday, August 31: As you go throughout the day today remember the words of Mark 11:22-25.  “Have faith in God,' Jesus answered. 'I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins'"

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