 (front) Christina & Ben Martin |
Mission to Guatemala |
(front) Christina & Ben Martin |
Mission to Guatemala |
The Plant
"I planted..." 1 Cor. 3:6aIn 1986, the church in Guatemala City was planted by brother Vaughn Elliott who used Bible correspondence courses to evangelize. The church slowly grew to around 25 -30 believers.
After a decade, he and his wife Margaret returned to the states for health reasons. The Christians continued to meet, but no elders or deacons were appointed.
The Elliott's departure in 1996 left a void in leadership.
The Plea
"...Apollos watered..." 1 Cor. 3:6bIsmael Rivera, evangelist in neighboring El Salvador, has made monthly trips to the church in Guatemala. Those visits have helped to encourage the church and keep the work going, but the void still remains.
In the winter of 1998, Ismael sent out a plea for help:
"Come over to Guatemala and help us." (Acts 16:9 DMV)We answered the plea, visiting and gathering information in January, 1999.
The Plan
"...but God was causing the growth." 1 Cor. 3:6cWe have made a minimum ten-year commitment to Guatemala. This is our plan:
• Study language and culture acquisition in Antigua, Guatemala.
• Strengthen existing church and appoint elders and deacons.
• Plant new churches throughout the city.
• Send evangelists throughout the country.We will continually plant, water, and pray, knowing that God will cause the growth.
"For the love of Christ compels us.. ." (2 Cor. 5:14a)This year we will celebrate twenty-three years of marriage. We have four children: Michael, Jonathan, Ben, and Christina. Three of them will accompany us to Guatemala. We became Christians in the early 1980's. Carrie was taught by a student in her aerobics class. I turned to God through the faithful visits of the preacher. We know first-hand the need for someone to care about the condition of lost souls.
In 1994, we sold our home in Manteca, California, and moved to Vancouver, Washington, where I enrolled at Northwest College of the Bible to prepare for the mission field. We both worked to support our family during this time. Carrie also continued to home school our children. While serving on the church's missions committee, we attended the World Mission Workshop in Abilene, Texas. I graduated from NCB in the Spring of 1998.
Even before my graduation we began to explore mission opportunities. In the summer of 1996, we made a survey trip to Indonesia. When it seemed that that was not where God was leading us, we continued to prayerfully search for other opportunities. That search led us to the work in Guatemala.
We would be glad to provide personal references for your review.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!Jesus told his apostles, ".. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . ." Matt. 28:19
We have spent the last five years preparing to GO. Now we need you to become partners with us to fulfill the great commission in Guatemala. Please consider assisting in any of the following ways:
• Pray regularly that funds for monthly support and moving expenses will be pledged. (James 5:16b)
• Give one-time financial support to help with our moving and set-up costs.
• Give monthly support to help meet our living expenses and the costs of ministry.
• Pray that God will use us mightily among the people of Guatemala.
OUR BUDGETJesus said, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Matt. 5:19a
Monthly expenses: $2,475.00
(Includes working fund)
Moving & Set-up: $35,000.00
(Includes language school and vehicle)
We would love to come and share our vision for Guatemala with you or your church.We can be reached at:
Denny & Carrie Martin
6111½ NE Hazel Dell Avenue
Vancouver,WA 98665
(360) 906-1576
dennymartin@juno.comOur sending church:
Mid-valley Church
P.O. Box 31153
Stockton, CA 95213
dardreyfwa@AOL.com
YES! I Will Help! You may e-mail Denny and Carrie from here and tell them how you will help. They are ready to go.
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