Eight years ago, upon landing in a Latin American country to begin 2 years of missionary work, a sister warned us that once we spent time in Latin America, it would be in our blood forever. Feeling overwhelmed by the new situation ahead of us, the prospect of learning Spanish, and the completely different culture that surrounded us, we highly doubted that that could be the case. As we landed in Guatemala a few short days ago, we reflected upon her words as we felt the rising excitement of returning to this part of the world. The familiar smells, sounds and sights felt strangely like home, and in the few times we have returned to Latin America since our couple of years spent there, we have learned that yes... you've lived in Latin America, it is in your blood forever!

We decided to travel to Guatemala for four short days to meet with the ecclesia to discuss ways that we can preach, and reach out to existing contacts who have yet to make personal contact with the Christadelphian Ecclesia there. There are currently 7 active members of this small lightstand. The ecclesia is young, with the first member having been baptized in 1995, and the most recent baptism being in December 2006.

The newest brother of the Guatemalan ecclesia impressed us greatly with his love and enthusiasm for the Truth. It is such a good reminder for us sometimes to see the energy and faith that emanates from one so newly baptized into the saving name of our Lord. The day we arrived, this new brother (who is in his fifties) sought us out at our hotel, located in the historical district of downtown Guatemala. He walked us around the busy streets, explaining each building in detail, and helping us to orient ourselves. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful in this old city, and full of history.

On Saturday afternoon, we met with the ecclesial members. We were thrilled that all of the active brothers showed up with ideas and visions for the future of the ecclesia. The brothers are feeling a bit discouraged at the lack of contacts that actually come to the lectures, or to seek more information from the Christadelphians. We discussed preaching ideas, among other things, and were delighted to hear how the ecclesia started, and how each member came to find the Truth. It was interesting to hear that every member had come to an understanding of the scriptures by answering a small ad in the newspaper, and completing the correspondence course. Each one described vividly the excitement they felt at learning our different doctrines, and seeing clearly the Truth of the scriptures. It was especially touching when one brother began is story by saying: "I remember it was September 16th the day I saw the ad for the Christadelphians..."

On Sunday we shared in the breaking of bread, followed by a class entitled "The Effective Preaching of the Apostles", based primarily on the example of the establishment of the ecclesia in Thessalonica. The brothers were thrilled when four visitors, who had been invited by phone, showed up for the class.

After sharing a lunch of pizza and Pepsi, we headed back to the hotel with a brother as our guide. We decided to attempt the bus system, since it is always an interesting experience, and gives one a strong sense of the culture of the people. It is also a good way to tour the city, and at a cost of one Quetzal (about 15 cents US) each we couldn't resist.

Our taxi picked us up Monday morning at 4:30 am to get to the airport. Along the way, we had a great conversation with our taxi driver, and by the time he dropped us off at the airport, we had his address in hand, and he says he will be eagerly awaiting the first lessons of the correspondence course!

A couple of things became very apparent to us during our short stay. 1 - the young ecclesia in Guatemala consists of a solid group of brothers with a strong love of the Truth, and 2 - these brothers need help! The thing that the ecclesia could use the most at this time is a missionary couple to help out for a few years, in order to work consistently with the contacts, and help the brothers grow in their faith. Guatemala is a large city of about 2.5 million. There are so many, many people and so many that have yet to hear the Truth of the Gospel, and the wonderful hope of the return of Christ!

Brothers and sisters, we have been given the pearl of great price - we are so blessed. Why is it that compared to other churches that are in darkness, we have so few that are willing to sacrifice a fraction of their lives in service to God in another country? Please consider giving some time to labour in His vineyard. It won't be long before Jesus comes back, and will he find us about our Father's business?