Radical Missions October Newsletter |
Radical Missions does not employ executives or have any other payroll or administrative expenses. Our organization is run by volunteers and missionaries. All donations go to help real Guatemalans in Guatemala. We are a 501(c)3 organization registered with the IRS. Donations made to Radical Missions are tax deductible. |
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Email us to learn more about ways you can help make a real difference here, and also reduce the amount of money you need to pay the IRS for the 2024 tax year. Or, click below to make a one-time or monthly donation. Every $1 makes a huge difference!
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The Story of Pastor Misael in Tzampetey |
We invite you to learn about this opportunity to further God’s kingdom as you learn about the way God is using Pastor Misael.
In the heart of the highlands, nestled between the towering mountains and the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán, the small village of Tzampetey, San Antonio Palopó, seems like a place frozen in time. Simple homes line its dirt roads, and its people live closely tied to the rhythms of the earth. For the past year, Pastor Misael, along with his wife Celina and their lively three-year-old son, Hedrey, have called this village their home. |
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Misael arrived with a sense of purpose, knowing the challenges that awaited him. He was not the first to pastor this small congregation. A young woman named Pastora Micaela served before him, and though she was strong in her faith, she faced harsh treatment from the men in the village. Micaela’s work was not in vain, but the toll it took on her spirit was evident. When Misael took over, she moved on to another calling, leaving behind a church in need of healing.
At first, Pastor Misael and Celina found the village wary of them, particularly some of the men who had long resisted the presence of the Christian Church. One man, in particular, was openly hostile. Just a few weeks after Misael began leading services, this man stood outside the small metal structure that serves as the church and hurled rocks at its walls. The sharp clang of metal echoed through the air as the congregation sat inside, trying to focus on the Word of God while the building reverberated. Misael remained calm, continuing the service as best he could, even as fear settled in the eyes of the congregation.
Afterward, Celina, holding Hedrey close, looked at Misael with concern. But he reassured her, “God has called us here for a reason. We will not be moved by fear.” |
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In the days that followed, Misael prayed fervently for wisdom. He knew he had to approach the situation with both strength and grace. Before long, he had an opportunity to meet with the village leaders, some of whom were also skeptical of his presence, to share his heart and genuine care for the community. He listened to their concerns, and in turn, they begin
to listen to his message.
To Misael's surprise, the leaders offered their support. They had grown tired of the unrest caused by a small number of dissenters in the village. The rocks had not only struck the church but also the heart of a community trying to find its way. United in their desire for peace, they stood with him. |
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From that moment, the atmosphere began to change. No longer was the church a place of tension and fear, but one of refuge and growth. The man who had thrown rocks eventually stopped his harassment, either through the quiet conviction of seeing the community come together or simply because his efforts proved futile against the growing unity in Tzampetey.
Over the next year, the church flourished. New families joined, drawn not only by the message Misael preached but by the love and acceptance that radiated from its walls. Celina grew into a key figure in the village, ministering to the women and children with a warmth that softened even the hardest of hearts. Little Hedrey was often seen playing with
the other children, his laughter a reminder of the simple joys of life.
Though there are still challenges, the village of Tzampetey has become a place of hope. Pastor Misael has found his calling here, and the church, once shaken by rocks, now stands firm as a beacon of faith and community. |
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In the midst of these blessings, a new chapter for the church is unfolding. The congregation has outgrown the small, metal structure that has been the meeting place, and it’s clear that a more permanent building is needed. By God's grace, the church has recently purchased a 10x19 meter piece of land with the dream of building a new block structure where the community can gather in safety and comfort. Though the funds for construction are not yet in hand, Pastor Misael and the congregation continue to trust that God will provide. With each step forward, we are reminded that this is not just our project, but a work of faith, believing that what began in hope will be brought to completion in God's perfect timing.
If you feel led to support this project, please reach out directly to Crystal Dawson at crystal-ray2010@hotmail.com or Carolyn Hanlin at carolynhanlin@gmail.com. |
Will you partner with us through a tax-deductible monthly gift? Your monthly support, no matter the size makes a huge difference, allowing us to plan for projects further in advance, and letting us allocate resources to the projects that have the biggest impact here in Guatemala.
As always, your prayer is much appreciated. Thank you again for your past support. Please prayerfully consider making a monthly gift of any amount using this link here:
...one life at a time |
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