A letter from Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger in Guatemala
June 24, 2011, Guatemala City
Grace to you, and peace from Guatemala!
Lee la carta en español
Cooking corn atol drink.
Bacilia and I hosted a retreat this past week for Presbyterian leaders who are working on building ties to other countries. At their request, I started with a class on English phrases to use when hosting folks from the United States. This is always fun, because few things stir up good-natured laughter like grown-ups struggling to pronounce “Pleased to meet you” and “Are you thirsty?”
The retreat’s theme was hospitality, with focus on the story of the three strangers who came to Abraham’s house in the desert (Genesis 18:1-15). We noted the mysteriousness of this group, how it wasn’t obvious right away that they were God. We discussed Abraham’s enthusiastic welcome, how carefully he tended to the visitors’ needs for rest, food and drink. Someone pointed out that although Abraham didn’t seek a reward, his warm reception set the stage for the news of Sarah’s long-awaited pregnancy. Apparently our graciousness to others connects to God’s graciousness toward us.
We then discussed the ways that the Guatemalan Presbyterians receive groups of strangers who visit from afar. A woman commented, “When our brothers and sisters from the north come, usually they bring lots of material help, and we can feel like we can’t give much in return. The most important thing we can give is our welcome, like Abraham did. And who knows, it might somehow lead to blessings no one ever expected.”
Abraham’s model of hospitality was evident when a youth group traveled from Houston, Texas, in early June to visit Iglesia Presbiteriana Macedonia in San José el Ídolo on the coastal plain. During their visit, the congregation surrounded the visitors with all kinds of welcome—hugs and smiles, refreshing fruit drinks, and meals with local flavor. After days of painting the church together, a farewell service included joyful songs, prayers of thanksgiving, and homemade gifts. (Photos: cooking corn atol drink; hosts wave greetings to sponsoring church in Texas)
Hosts wave greetings to sponsoring church in Texas.
Rev. Isaías García, the new Permanent Secretary (i.e., Stated Clerk) for Guatemala’s national church, has asked us to forward his greetings to churches in the PC(USA) and extends his sincere invitation to them to visit Guatemala and witness what God is doing through Presbyterians here.
Presidential races: Campaigns continue to heat up in Guatemala, with 27 political parties competing for different elected offices. Candidates spend exorbitantly on advertising and huge rallies, but tend to be vague about how they’ll solve rampant crime, corruption, joblessness and malnutrition. In parts of the country drug violence has caused the government to declare states of siege. At least 26 candidates and campaign workers have been assassinated since campaigning officially began in May. Please pray for fair elections on Sept. 11, and for officials with wisdom and integrity.
Family news: Soon we’ll finish one year in Guatemala. Matthew and Manny just finished 3rd grade and kindergarten respectively, and they can’t wait for next year. Stefi enjoys preschool. Jesy, a niece of Bacilia’s from Honduras, is with us to lend a hand for a while. Our 6-month-old Labrador retriever Katzi (which means “our dog” in the Kek’chi language) has outgrown our little backyard. Taking him for walks helps keep us in shape. God’s been good to us, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to serve Christ in this place, and for the support that we’ve received from so many.
We pray that God’s grace and blessings be upon you,
Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 286
Blog: The Rooster Crows in Guatemala
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