Feeding Program
Our numbers for the feeding program have dropped significantly in recent weeks. About a month ago, many of the men in town were hired to work in the sugar cane fields, which cover much of the surrounding region. This is a primary source of income for many families, but it’s seasonal, lasting only six months a year. The harvest season typically begins in November, and with it comes a pattern we’ve come to expect. In the months leading up to the start of the harvest, our numbers tend to increase as families struggle financially. But once the men receive their first paycheck, the numbers usually drop off—just as they have now.
While it’s a relief to see families less burdened by financial strain when they start getting paid again, we also miss the vibrant community of people coming together to share a meal. It’s a bittersweet shift, as we are grateful for the relief in their lives but also miss the full tent of people we’ve come to know and serve.
Clean Water Project
We are thrilled to announce that we now have our water filtration system! We are transporting it to the property today, so it is currently disassembled and in the back of a truck. Maudilio found an incredible deal on a system that had only been used for a year and a half, and it came with water tanks and a machine that packages the water in bags to sell. The previous owners, who are fellow Christians, generously lowered the price significantly since it’s for ministry use. To top it off, they are going to Aceituno with us this Sunday to teach us how to operate the machine—free of charge! We are so grateful to God for faithfully guiding us to the right people to help us with this project.
The only thing we need now to start distributing is a water pump. Please pray that God will give Maudilio wisdom as he makes this purchase. Our goal is to begin distributing water in January, and we are excited to see how God will continue to provide.
Personal Update
We had the incredible opportunity to travel north to the Petén region and explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal with some friends. A quick 40-minute flight took us there, and it was Maudilio and Delmy’s first time flying—an experience I was so happy to get to share with them! We’d already been planning a little end-of-year getaway, so when our friends invited us to join them on this adventure, it felt like the perfect opportunity.
We stayed right in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by tropical birds and monkeys. It was such a cool experience!
After exploring Tikal, we had the chance to visit some dear friends and fellow missionaries who live in the region. It had been a couple of years since we last saw them, so it was truly a joy to reconnect. Spending the day with them and catching up after such a long time was so nice, and we loved every moment. It was a true escape, and we are so grateful for the chance to enjoy such a fun and enriching couple of days. We returned exhausted, but our hearts were full and happy.
Each year, just before Christmas and extending into the New Year, we take a short break from serving meals. This time off not only allows us to rest, but also gives our dedicated staff the much-needed opportunity to recharge. They work tirelessly throughout the year, and this is the one time they actually accept a break. So, Monday will be our last day serving lunch until after the New Year. Please pray for a peaceful and restful break for all of us, and that everyone in the community will have enough food to get through this time.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for your prayers. And thank you for your support. We are only half of this ministry, you all are the other half. Thank you!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We would love to connect with all of you!
