Our Church In San Marcos

Our daughter, Courtney, and husband Josh own a school for pre-school children through the second grade in San Marcos on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. After our first flight here in March, they introduced us to a small church, Iglesia Esmirna San Marcos La Laguna. It can best be described as a non-denominational, evangelical community fellowship church. On both of our visits, we have attended their services nearly every Sunday. Jerry also went with them to their annual Easter picnic on the beach, and he and our granddaughter helped members pick up trash on the street near the church. Sunday services are held in the living room of one of the member families. There are approximately 70 members of which about half are very active. There is a healthy mix of senior, middle aged, young people, and children. Services are held Sunday mornings and evenings. Pastor Ruth is diminutive, dynamic, humorous, and has a big smile; she truly loves the Lord. We don’t understand a lot that she preaches, but our friend, Carlos, an American who has lived here 14 years, interprets for us. Ruth does not deviate from the Scriptures. The hymns they sing are mostly the same as ours but in Spanish. We are sometimes embarrassed when they ask us to stand for hugs, handshakes, and to say a few words, but they really do appreciate our support and encouragement. Pastor Ruth told the congregation on our first Sunday this trip that when we left in March she felt a void in the fellowship.

The church is building a new cement block structure right on the main street of town. It will have a roomy sanctuary, Sunday school area, and kitchen. They are eager to have a food ministry for the homeless and for derelicts. Overseeing the work is Carlos, a fantastic “design engineer” who is actually a former custom cabinet maker from Pennsylvania. He owns the best looking building, and Internet Café, in San Marcos; he personally designed and oversaw its construction. His current goal is to make the new church structure as sturdy and attractive as his own restaurant. Already, he has insured that the new building is on high enough ground to avoid flood waters during the rainy season. The walls are mostly done, but construction is now stalled. The plan is to build a curved metal roof over the sanctuary. The intended contractor has already built a similar roof in neighboring San Pedro and is the best person in the area to do this job. Before the roof can be built, however, the church needs to raise $10,000 over what they already have. That is a lot of money in Guatemala where the homes of most residents have dirt floors. The average church member probably earns less than $10 (74 quetzales) per day. No member except Carlos owns a motorized vehicle.

If you would like to contribute to this vital need, please email us, and we will tell you how to do it and get a tax deduction at the same time.