Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger (TAP) - May 2016 Update

Guatemala

Dear mission partners, 

Greetings in Christ from Guatemala! The tradition of missionary home assignments (“furloughs” years ago) started with the Apostles. In Acts, we find Paul returning to his sending church in Antioch after his first missionary journey. Ever since, missionaries have periodically headed home, interpreting their work, bolstering support networks, renewing ties to loved ones and seeking spiritual and vocational rejuvenation. 

At times people wonder when we will have a home assignment. For several reasons, we have not planned one. First, we have two countries of origin, the U.S. and Honduras, and we try to visit both. Second, long U.S. stays are harder to justify for us than for earlier missionaries. Technology (Skype, email, Facebook, blogs, etc.) helps keep us connected. Lengthy absences from Guatemala seriously disrupt mission work and school in Cobán and pose big logistical and financial challenges. Our alternative is short partnership visits, which aren’t difficult thanks to easy flights between Guatemala and the U.S. 

This year has been stellar so far, with a brief January trip to Bacilia’s home in Honduras and then two visits to the U.S. In February, the whole family went to the Presbytery of South Alabama, where Philip keynoted their plenary meeting. It was exciting to be at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church and Foley Presbyterian Church, sharing about God’s work in Guatemala. Their hospitality was overwhelming, plus we couldn’t get enough of the awesome scenery around Mobile Bay. We enjoyed a family reunion in Nashville, TN and also got to see mission partners in Middle TN Presbytery, The Outreach Foundation, and Hendersonville First Presbyterian Church. 

In April, I took a ten day trip to Virginia and Ohio, first to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church then to Northminster and Sycamore Presbyterian Churches in Cincinnati. These dedicated congregations have long-term partnerships with Guatemalan Presbyterians, and it was inspiring to be with them. Yes, we’d love to visit your church someday. Check with Philip about possibilities at pbpres@bellsouth.net. Back here, we’re eagerly preparing for groups from Colorado, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio and Washington. Stay updated about upcoming activities on Philip’s blog: http://pbpres.wordpress.com. 

When Jesus sent his disciples out into the world, he promised, “I’ll be with you until the end of the age.” That’s a long-term partnership covenant! We’re grateful for the many ways that the Body of Christ empowers us to do his will. Your prayerful support is indispensable to our work. Financially, we’ve raised about ⅓ of what’s needed for the year’s living and ministry expenses.

Please keep praying for this struggling country to keep moving toward a more just and prosperous future. President Jimmy Morales has held office for three months; Guatemalans still wonder what kind of changes, if any, he represents. There’s been a dramatic reshuffling of political blocs in the legislature since last year’s “Guatemalan Spring,” when the two most powerful parties collapsed amidst massive protests and charges of high-level corruption. 

May every blessing come your way, including the joy of participating in Christ’s mission around the world. 

Yours in Christ,

Philip, Bacilia, Matthew, Manuel and Estefana Beisswenger

Read more about the Beisswenger's ministry by clicking HERE.

Philip with youth at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church

Philip with youth at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church


Amount needed in 2016

The Outreach Foundation seeks to raise a minimum of $10,000 or $850 per month for the Beisswenger's support. To make a donation, click the Donate Now link in the sidebar.

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