We started the month with our yearly Church leaders retreat. For the first time in our 12-year history all nine of the Central American churches were represented as we decided to be "United by the Cross". We spent three days in El Salvador praying and preaching the word together. Editor's Notes: This is an excerpt from the most recent update of Bill Ellis' monthly newsletter about Guatemala and Central America missions. He also has a more-frequently updated blog, called the "Guatemala Notebook" (Firefox web browser recommended -- will not display properly in IE).
Bill's funding was cut during the recent period of upheaval in the church and he is still seeking funding to remain in Guatemala. (He is the only remaining US missionary in Central America.) His book business was destroyed last year when their house was flooded by raw sewage. You can read more details about how to help at the bottom of this page.
Wow, I can't believe a month has passed already!!! December was a month for us. We started the month with our yearly Church leaders retreat. For the first time in our 12-year history all nine of the Central American churches were represented as we decided to be "United by the Cross". We spent three days in El Salvador praying and preaching the word together.
In this year's meeting some dear friends were welcomed back to Central America. Hector and Dulce Cruz, who are now leading the church in San Pedro Sula (they planted the church 11 years ago), along with Hector and Sandra Maradiaga and Wilfredo and Diana Coello (who returned to Central America after spending the last four years in their native Mexico). Alex and Andrea Paiz returned to Guatemala after eight years as missionaries in Mexico; they will be leading the Guatemalan leadership team along with Jose Luis and Elizabeth Estrada and Wendy and myself.
During the retreat, the churches elected an eight member decision-making body for the Central American family of churches. Chosen were Alex and Andrea Paiz (Guatemala), Hector and Dulce Cruz (SPS, Honduras), Guillermo and Wendy Ellis (Guatemala), and Wilfredo and Diana Coello (Honduras).
Returning from the trip I had a relapse of my Pneumonia and spent two weeks in bed trying to catch my breath.
As the year winded down we saw two teens baptized: Odeth Barrientos (Dec. 17) and Leonel Osorio (Dec. 3), bringing our region's total baptisms to 36 in the year.
Please pray that God may bless our ministry in 2007.
Prayer needs ...
When we came home on Jan 4th our home had once again been flooded by raw sewage (for those of you who don't know, last year our home was flooded by raw sewage on Dec. 31). This year our property damage was significantly less than last year due to the fact that we have less stuff this year.
As a result of the sewage in our home, Angelina (4 yrs old) is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea because of the E-coli bacteria.
Ellis wish list ...
We are still looking for monthly sponsors for our mission work here in Guatemala (we need to raise $1000 a month) you can donate through www.paypal.com using the email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I'm looking for creative ways to see my family this year. If you or someone you know could transfer frequent flyer miles please let me know.
I hope to have my bogs up and running this weekend, it all depends how we do on clean-up.
I pray that God will fill your 2007 with many blessings.
Can you sponsor our mission work?
We still need to raise a substantial amount of support (at least $500 per month) in order to continue with our mission work here. As you sit down to work out you budget for 2007, I would like to ask you to please consider setting aside some money to support mission work in Central America. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help our family (I am the only remaining American missionary in Central America), donations can be made through PayPal using the email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or directly in to my Bank of America account (click here for information).
You might also consider donating to the MCA Mission Society.
Yes, I can be a "Partner in the Gospel" and commit to a monthly donation of $50.00 ???Click Here.
Yes, I can make a one time donation ???Click Here.
I can???t help financially but would like to find out other ways I can help ???This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you and God bless.
"God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints." -- Hebrews 6:10