CALMS NEWS

Guatemala in a State of Emergency

2010-05-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, I am righ now in Guatemala with my friend Denny and the situation of the country is very delicate. Most of the people, especialyl the ones that live nearby the Pacaya Volcano and in Guatemala City are desperate because of the tragedies that are sweeping them.

The Pacaya Volcano continue to erupt, the danger persists, and many people were moved out of their homes for safety reasons. According to the Prensa Libre of Guatemala,

Picture of the Volcano in eruption

1,924 people have been evacuated from the surrounding towns of the Pacaya Volcano.

1,865 people are in seven shelters were located in three municipalities.

4 transferred to medical centers for various reasons from the volcano.

Cleaning the streets of Guatemala City was the priority of thousands of people

3 people missing since the afternoon of Thursday, when the eruption occurred.

2 killed, one in the place of the eruption, and another that fell from the roof where withdrawing ash.

Houses like that were destroyed after the eruption

80 flights were suspended between last Thursday afternoon and yesterday, and about three thousand people were left without entering or leaving the country as a result of the cancellation of activities at the La Aurora International Airport.

Photos of the aircraft parked on the Aurora were covered with sand

In the video below, published by the newspaper El Periodico of Guatemala, you will see more scenes of the volcano erupting and the fateful trajedy of the death of a journalist at the time he was recording images near the Pacaya.

However, the Tropical Storm Agatha is sweeping the country right now. Even worse, the rain increases distress of people affected by the eruption of Pacaya (they are expecting 20 to 30 inches of rain). The rain that keeps falling for three days further aggravates the plight of the residents surrounding the Pacaya Volcano, that while women, children and the elderly in shelters are eligible for CONRED (National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction), men dedicated to caring homes, they warned that criminals have taken to plunder.

Picture took this afternnon in Guatemala City

Please, pray for our brothers and sisters in Guatemala.

Please, if you are able to help them, you can make your donation through:

Central American Lutheran Mission Society - CALMS

11906 Manchester Road, Suite 110
St. Louis, MO 63131

Or online http://www.calms.org/

We are using the money to go to local churches and local organizations like World Vision that will use these funds to help the people. These organizations we have worked with in the past.

Eruption in Guatemala

2010-05-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala erupted. Because of this, the government of Guatemala declared a state of public calamity in Guatemala, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez. These three departments of Guatemala were affected through this violent eruption that left 3 people died and hundreds of people without their homes.

Picture of a car in Guatemala City with volcanic send

CALMS helps the Holy Cross Clinic in Amatitlan, nearby the Volcano. This morning (May the 28th) Dr. Elry Orozco sent me an e-mail saying: “Hello pastor, now the Volcano Pacaya is beginning to erupt, the entire area of Amatitlan is with rain of sand. Tonight the sand covered the entire capital (Guatemala City) with accumulation of about 2 centimeters of sand.
In the clinic in Amatitlan, to build up more, but thank God there was not a misfortune.”

Picture of the Pacaya Volcano erupting this morning

When I get more information about the needs of the people that lives close of the Clinic, we will post more information on the blog. Blessings to all.

Could you help the Lutherans of El Salvador?

2009-11-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Mission,

Last week I received this email from a member of the Divine Savior Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana El Divino Salvador) in Zacapa.

“Pastor Miguel:

Que la Paz de Dios sea con usted.

Gracias por sus noticias. Esta vez quiero compartir con usted unas fotos del desastre en El Salvador, quiero pedirle si usted puede o conoce a algún programa o persona que pueda hacer algo por los hermanos Salvadoreños. Entiendo que hay muchos en la fe afectados, conozco personas de confianza que pueden ampliar las noticias y servir de enlace en caso de ayuda, entre ellos ex-alumnos del Hogar Luterano de Zacapa.

Dios con usted siempre.

Luis Mazariegos”

Translation:

Pastor Miguel:

May the Peace of God be with you.

Thanks for your news. This time I want to share with you some photos of the disaster in El Salvador, I want to ask if you, or if you know a person or a program who could do something for our El Salvadorian brothers. I understand there are many people of faith who have been affected, I know trustworthy people who can spread the news and serve as a connection if help is received, among whom are former students of the Lutheran boarding school in Zacapa.

God with you always.

The disaster happed when Hurricane Ida hit El Salvador. Many of the people, including Lutherans, have been affected by this disaster and need help.

The Bishop Merardo Gomez said: “The victims of this disaster are due to the high environmental vulnerability and fragility of the infrastructure nationwide...” He also called for the people and sister churches to join in solidarity and address the emergency that exists in Central America.

If you or your church is able to help them, you can do so through CALMS. Pastor Miguel, and probably Pastor Steve, will go to Guatemala en December, from the 7th to the 12th and would like to take advantage of this trip to go to El Salvador to help the El Salvadorians and see what they are doing there, especially the Salvadoran Lutheran Church.

Also, I asked José Vásquez, the President of the Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Zacapa where I used to be Pastor, to support this cause. They agreed to help and he is open to accompany me to El Salvador. So, if you are able to help them, please let us know. Also, if you are able to make donations, you can either go to our website or send a donation to this address:

Central American Lutheran Mission Society - CALMS
11906 Manchester Road, Suite 110
St. Louis, MO 63131

E-mail:calms@calms.org

May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you always.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6)

Showing CALMS to LCC

2009-11-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

November 11th, Pastor Steve Hughey and I had the privilege to introduce CALM’s missionary work and outreach to the representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada (LCC); Rev. Robert Bugbee, President, Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Director of Missions and Social Ministry, and Dr. Iam Adnams, Director of Communications.

From the left: Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Rev. Miguel Torneire, Rev. Steve Hughey, Rev. Robert Bugbee and Dr. Iam Adnams

CALMS has as a goal to Connect and Advance Leaders in Mission and Service to win the lost for Christ. This is coming to pass in Belize, Guatemala, and Panama, but we would like to reach all of Central America. In order for this to happen, we present our mission work and ask permission from our sister churches and synods to work in partnership with them.

Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, Rev. Miguel Torneire and Rev. Steve Hughey

LCC has presence in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras and we see this as an excellent opportunity to geographically extend our work, unite forces and equip the saints in Central America. Therefore, we ask all of our readers to include this in their prayers, as proclaming Christ to all is our desire.

My last days at the Mission Trip – July 24th to 28th

2009-09-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

My last days were extraordinary. After Sue and I left Amatitlán, we went to Antigua Guatemala to visit the Lutheran Center, make some reservations for our teams at the end of the year, and show Sue some of the tourist attractions in Antigua. In addition, we looked for other hotels for our teams to stay, as Antigua offers a lot of good hotels.

Pictures of Lutheran Center in Antigua Guatemala

On the 25th, I left Sue at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala and met with Ramiro Peñate to collect the equipment for the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Spring, TX team that arrived on the same day that Sue left. It was an excellent opportunity to welcome them and take them to Zacapa. But before going directly to Zacapa, we all ate lunch at Pollo Campero.

Resurrection Team was having a lunch at Pollo Campero in Guatemala City

All 26 all of us participated in worship in Zacapa at the Lutheran Church The Divine Savior (Iglesia Luterana El Divino Salvador). Afterward, we ate lunch with the families who received houses and the leaders of the church. After lunch, we visited the construction sites, to show the team where they were going to be working.

Inside of The Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Zacapa, Guatemala

The team built a house for the family of Sara de Pivaral in Zacapa, repaired the house of Gisela Ventura in La Majada, and held a Vacation Bible School – VBS for the primary school children at the Divine Savior Lutheran School of Zacapa.

Walther, Sara, Audillo and Sara's son in front of her house

Gisela Ventura and her son

Those were days of great blessing poured out from God for our good - we served people and God said that when we serve others we are serving Him. The team from the Resurrection Lutheran Church team returned to the United States very satisfied with what they did, the Zacapa Church is also happy to have worked with this team and gracious families benefited because they received a great gift.

First picture: Resurrection Team in front of Gisela Ventura home; Second and tird picture: Pastor André and Pastor Rick at the dedication of the house; Fourth picture: Misael Ortiz, Pastor André, Gisela Ventura, and Pastor Rick

First pictures: Dedication of the house; Lasto picture: Pastor Gerardo Vásquez, Audillo Pivaral, Sara de Pivaral, Walther Pivaral and Pastor Rick McMillian

God willing, we will continue sending short-term teams to Guatemala so that together with the local church, we grow together, transform lives and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. If you want to participate in a Mission Trip, contact us, and we will gladly connect you with our brothers and sisters in Central America.

My seventh, eighth and ninth days at the Mission Trip - July 21st, 22sc and 23th

2009-08-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

On 21, Sue Dick and I went to see the future house that the new missionaries we are sending to Guatemala will live - Miles and Elma Richmond. This visit was a fact-finding one, as the owner of the house was there to show us the house, and to talk about the neighborhood and on the price of renting the house.

The house that Miles and Elma will live. This house is located in Estazuela, Zaqcapa

After visiting the house, we had lunch with Ramiro Peñate (Program Coordinator CALMS Housing in Guatemala) and his wife Marubeni de Peñate. It was an important time to rest, talk and get to know each other more.

On day 22 we traveled to Guatemala City, to meet with Dr. Elry and Liz Orozco, who brought us to Amatitlán. In Amatitlán we had the privilege of seeing Dr. Elry seeing patients at Holy Cross Clinic (Clínica Santa Cruz).

Dr. Elry Orozco in front of Holy Cross Clinic

Pictures of Holy Cross Clinic (outside and inside the house) where the teams stay

Pastor Miguel, Dr. Elry and Liz having breakfast

This clinic is an excellent opportunity for those congregations that have a medical team and want to go on a Mission Trip. Dr. Elry has an excellent program in partnership with CALMS that provides an opportunity for doctors here in the United States to have a Long-Term Work with patients and through it receive information from patients.

Dr. Elry helping their patients at the Holy Cross Clinic

Dr. Elry also began visiting Llano de Animas, a community near Amatitlán. Once a week he goes there to meet a woman who for over 20 years has had a wound on her leg. She feels so relieved to be treated by Elry. If you have any ideas or can help this woman, get in touch with us, because we want to see our sister in Christ well again.

Picture of Llano de Animas

Dr. Elry helping the wonan in Llano de Animas

I know this picture is very harsh, but what I want to demonstrate is that by sending medical teams to Guatemala, as well as support for Dr. Elry, you/we are making a difference in the lives of Guatemalans who don’t have the means to receive medical treatment and healing, just as is the case for this woman. However, with the medical help that you/we provide, you/we can relieve a little bit of her pain and offer her not only physical treatment, but also spiritual, which is eternal healing.

Then we visited the school where the team of seminarians evangelized. Really, this activity was impacted the community so much, that several parents of children came to attend the clinic then they had a good impression of the activity and how they worked.

Picture of the school that the seminarians worked

Dr. Elry I also visited some families in front of the clinic. These people live in houses made of zinc sheets, and without windows, comfort and basic needs. For them, they are "cooked" (when the weather’s hot) and "frozen" (when it’s cold), because of these abysmal living conditions.

Picture of the house that live some families in front of the Holy Cross Clinic

We were privileged to sit for a while, talk with them and pray. We listened to their needs and offered some comfort to these families through the Word of God. After that, we returned to the clinic, where we rested because they following day we had to go to Antigua Guatemala.

Dr. Elry and I visited this family. This woman wash clothes and sell tortillas to raise money to support her family. She is single mom

That is all that we did in the two days we were in Amatitlán. We rejoiced being able to be there, talk, see the great work he is doing through Elry, and see that, the people in Amatitlán are getting spiritual and physical help.

My fifth and sixth day at the Mission Trip - July 19th and 20th

2009-08-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Taking the time that I have, I want to share with you a little more about my 5th and 6th days of my mission trip to Guatemala.

A youth leader helping Pastor Luis Jasinto at the service

The 19th was a Sunday, so Sue and I took the opportunity to visit the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Gualán and attend a service there.

Pastor Luis Jasinto was preaching

The church services at the Lutheran church in Gualán are at 9am and the pastor of the church is Pastor Luis Jasinto. On the day we went, the church was full and a lot of children attended. There was even a baptism.

Pastor Luis was baptizing a child

After the service, we had a lunch with Pastor Luis Jasinto, his wife, Nancy, and his oldest son, Luis Alberto. Afterward, we started to visit the families that have received houses in Gualán, beginning with the town of Los Limones. We had the privilege to visit all 7 families that received houses in Los Limones.

Hugo Rolando Méndez with his family in front of his house. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, helped build this house in August 2008

Matilde Orellana with her family in front of her house. Carmel Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN, helped build this house in Octuber 2008

Cupertino Mansilla with his family in front his house. Trinity Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA, helped build this house in June 2008

Olimpia Orellana with her daugther in front of her house. First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, WI, helped build this house in February 2009

Ana María Alvarez Pineda with her daugther in front of her house. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, MO, helped build this house in June 2009

Humberto Pérez with his family in front of his house. First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, WI, helped build this house in February 2009

Alida Orellana with her kids in front of her house. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparíso, IN, helped build this house in March 2008

Pastor Luis took the opportunity to show us the land that the municipality of Gualán gifted the church. On this land the church is thinking of building a multi-purpose room, as well as a medical clinic to tend to this community that doesn’t have any medical offices. In case you are interested in carrying out this project or know about a church who would be interested in this project, contact me and I will happily give more details about it.

The lot that the municipality of Gualán gave to The Resurrection Lutheran Church

After we visited the brothers and sisters that live in Los Limones, we returned to the church to visit and see the Lutheran School of Gualán. Pastor Luis showed us the whole school and told us he is working to get the school functioning by next year.

Pastor Luis Jasinto with his family in front of a classroom of the new school

He also took the opportunity to tell us about a project that he has called, “Adopt a Teacher”. This project consists of Lutheran schools in the U.S. “adopting” a teacher at the Lutheran School in Gualán by giving $15,000 over 5 years to help pay a teacher’s salary. These funds would reduce each year and as the Lutheran School in Gualán grows, it would pay more and more of the teacher’s salary. As such, in the 1st year, the Lutheran school in the U.S. would give $5,000, $4,000 in the second, $3,000 in the third, and so on successively. On the other hand, the Lutheran School in Gualán would pay $1,000 in the first year, $2,000 in the second, and so on until it assumes the whole $6,000 salary expense.

A picture of the new school

It is a great challenge to get a school functioning, but we believe we can support the Lutheran Church in Gualán through this start up project. If you are a member of a church that has a school and would like to help the Lutheran School in Gualán, you can also contact us – calms@calms.org.

Another picture of the school

At night, I met with Pastor Luis Jasinto to talk about his ministry, as well as his challenges and opportunities. We also talked about the congregation, the congregations in the rural areas, the new school, the new work that is beginning in Los Limones. We also talked about leadership training, being that it is a very big necessity in the Lutheran Churches in Guatemala.

Another picture of the school

On the 20th, Ramiro, Sue, and I visited La Union. It’s incredible that after 1 year since the tragedy (a major mud slide), not much has changed. The population still does not have access to the city through the main entrance. They have to enter by foot because the main entrance is still destroyed.

Photos of the entrance to La Unión

We took advantage of the opportunity to introduce Sue Dick to the leaders of the “Companario” town that we helped this year through CALMS and some Lutheran churches, including Gloria Dei Lutheran Church & Carmel Lutheran Church. The 2 leaders told us that they are so grateful to CLAMS and the brothers and sisters in the US who have helped them when they most needed it, especially because many of them were left with no job, no house and without access to the town, due to the mud slide.

Ramiro with the two leaders of the village The Campanareo. The two leaders were helped after the tragedy in La Union. CALMS was present to help them through a very difficult time in their life

Upon entering into La Union, we visited the parents of some of the students and graduates of the Lutheran school who lived at the boarding school, Hogar Luterano para Estudiantes Edie Jorns, in Zacapa. CALMS helped a lot of these students with food, medicine, personal hygene items, and mattresses, but a lot of these people still live in the danger zone in La Union.

Laura with her Mom at her house. Laura graduated from the Lutheran School in Zacapa. She received humanitarian help from CALMS

Later we met with the Vice-Mayor of La Union municipality. He told us that there’s a project to build 900 houses in La Union, but only 250 were approved, but they are oben to accept whatever help that come from the exterior to help build living spaces and even have land approved to use for them.

Rev. Miguel Torneire, Sue Dick and Ramiro Peñate with the Vice-Mayor from La Unión at his Office

But the most difficult part of this visit was leaving the most damaged neighborhood in La Union. 1 year after the disaster, the destruction still remains; the ruins of the houses that remain after the mud slide. The most interesting thing is that the government has not done much.

Pictures of the houses or at least what was left of them after the desaster

CALMS has sent help during these shortages of work and food, as well as medical teams that offer first aid help for the most urgent needs.

Sue in front of a destroyed house

We have had a little trouble getting medical teams or doctors that wasn to offer a little of their time to help the town of La Union. If in your congregation there are doctors that have the desire to serve and provide Human Care to meet this need, I invite you to go and help these people through acts of love.

Another house about to fall

After we retruend to La Union, we visted the rest of the brothers and sisters that received houses in Gualán. In the town, Piedras Azules, we visted our sister, Madgalena Salguero and later our brother, Ubaldo Ramirez.

Magdalena Salguero with her granddaughter and Sue in front of her house. Carmel Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN, helped build this house in October 2008

Ubaldo Ramirez with his family and Pastor Luis' family in front of his house. Carmel Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN, helped build this house in November 2007

Being that were already close to the sister church of the Lutheran Church in Gualán, we visted the “El Buen Pastor” (Good Shepherd) Lutheran Church in Piedras Azules, and later the Lutheran Church in the town of Shim Shim.

Pastor Luis Jasinto, Sue Dick, Nancy de Jasinto, Ramiro Pañate and Ubaldo Ramírez in front of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Piedras Azules, Gualán

Pastor Miguel Torneire y Ubaldo Ramirez in front of the Lutheran Church in Shim Shim, Gualán

Upon finishing these visits, we also visited 2 of our Christian sisters who received houses in Gualán. Our sister, Nora Morales and also Rosa Jasinto, who is the mother of Pastor Luis Jasinto. One interesting fact is that Nora signed a contract in front of us, committing to pay ¼ of the total value of the house.

Nora Morales with her mom in front of her house. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL, helped build this house in June 2009

Nora signing the contract in front of Ramiro, Pastor Miguel and Sue

Rosa Jacinto with Sue in front of her house. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, helped build this house in August 2008

To end the day, we had a meeting with the church Board of Directors in “La Resurreccion” Lutheran Church in Gualán. In this meeting we addressed different subjects, such as continuous education for the leaders and members of the church, the growth of the housing program, the Partnership Pact between CALMS and the church in Gualán, the construction of houses in Los Limones, the block-factory that CALMS wants to open to help our housing program grown, projects for the new school and a community hall for the land that the church got in Los Limones.

Photo of Sue and Pastor Miguel attending Parish Council

That is what happened during those 2 days. In case you have a question or suggestion, let us know and with pleasure we will answer. It will be a pleasure to inform you more about the mission work we are developing in Central America.

My fourth day at the Mission Trip - July 18th

2009-07-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dear all readers, sorry for having said I was going to publish news from Guatemala constantly on my blog. I Raised your expectations and fell short. The great truth is that I could not do it for several reasons: lack of time, fatigue and lack of internet. But since I am at home again, I will be posting a little each day what I did in Guatemala during the two weeks I was there.

Sue Dick and I in front of Chepito's house in Zacapa

On the fourth day itself, I can say that everything proceeded as we planned. I picked up Sue, who came to Belize (she was in the house of José "Chepito" Vásquez). For those who do not know, Sue is part of the leadership of CALMS and came from Belize to Guatemala to learn about the work that CALMS is developing through its partners in mission.

Chepito, Lili (Chepito's wife), doña Olga (Chepito's mother-in-law) and I at doña Olga's house

After I picked her up, we visited families who received houses in Zacapa and Chiquimula, and churches of the The Divine Savior Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana El Divino Salvador) from Zacapa.

Starting our visit, we had the privilege of visiting the first Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Santísima Trinidad) from La Trementina. Then we went to visit Doña Teresa Pérez, our sister in Christ who received a first home in this community through the CALMS housing program.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, La Trementina, Zacapa

Dona Teresa is very grateful to God because she received this house and asked to express her special thanks to all the brothers and sisters who came from Immanuel Lutheran Church from Valparaiso, IN so far to sustain and build their home.

Doña Teresa Pérez with Sue Dick in front her house in La Trementina

Doña Tere's house. This house was built by Immanuel Lutheran Church from Valparaiso, IN

Then we went to Chiquimula to visit our brother in Christ, Juan Vicente. Juan was not there, but his brother and sisters were. We could see them, could see his house and pray with them. It is also important to inform all of you that the church that built this house was Christ the King Lutheran Church from Houston, TX.

Sue with Juan Vicente's family in front of their house in Chiquimula

What left us very sad was the state of the family of Juan Vicente - very sick and weak as a result of lifestyle they live. I invite you all to pray for these brothers and sisters, and if possible, help us help this family!

Pictures of Juan Vicente's house

The next house we visited was the home of Eugenia Peñate, the first house of our housing program. Eugenia as always, very grateful to God and to brothers: David Reed, Bob Jacobs, Randall Ronning, Rev. Steve Hughey and Samuel Brown, who were there in February 2007 to build a house and change the life of this sister.

Ramiro Peñate, Eugenia Peñate and Vivian de León in front of eugenia's house. This house was built by CALMS team

After this house, we visited some families who received repairs. Just as we have a housing program in Guatemala, the team of volunteers who go to Guatemala to build house, also used to repair some houses.

Mildred and Franklin in front of her house. This house was repaired by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church from Houston, TX

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church built a bathroom and roof

Oliverio's family in front of his house. At the picture are: Sonia Cordón, her niece, her Mom, Bertulia, her son, Misael Ortiz and Saraí.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church from Lake Mary, FL built a room, made a floor and put a roof at the Oliverio's house

Norma's husband and Norma at the picture in front the bathroom that was built by Trinity Lutheran Church from Bend, OR

Then we visited the houses remaining in Zacapa. Don Ángel and Francisco Martínez, Nury Méndez, Mario Aura and Misael Ortiz.

Pastor Miguel, Ramiro, Misael's son, Misael and Evangelina in front of Misael's house. This house was built by Carmel Lutheran Church from Carmel, IN

Behind: Don Ángel, his daughter-in-law, Francisco, Don Ángel's grandson, doña Maria Magdalena (Don Ángel wife) and hiz other son. In front: Francisco's son. Every one infront of Francisco house. This house was built by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church from Houston, TX.

Nuri, Sue and Ramiro in front of Nuri's house. This house was built by Trinity Lutheran Church from Bend, OR.

Mario Aura in front his house. This house was built by Holy Cross Lutheran Church from Lake Mary, FL

So we ended up visiting the families who received houses, visited two construction sites, the home of Sara de Pivaral (in Zacapa) and the repair of the house of Gisela Ventura (in La Majada).

Ramiro Peñate, Gisela's daughter and Gisela in front of her future house

Ramiro Peñate (Our Housing Coordinator) and Pastor Miguel in front of Sara's house

This was was built by The Resurrection Lutheran Church from Spring, TX. This house belongs Sara de Pivaral

This house and the repairs were completed by the team from Resurrection Lutheran Church from Spring, TX. With great joy, they built relationships with the brothers and sisters of Zacapa and completed construction and repair of these two houses.

The Divine Savior Lutheran Church from Zacapa, Guatemala. Note: this church now is yellow.

Jesus is the Way Lutheran Church from La Majada, Zacapa. Members of the church with Sue Dick and Ramiro Peñate in front of the church

Juses is the Life Evangelical Lutheran Church from La Fragua, Zacapa

Jesus is the Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church from El Maguey, Zacapa

St. Paul Lutheran Church from St. Paul, Zacapa. This church was started to build by Trinity Lutheran Church from Richmond, VA and was finished by The Divine Savior Lutheran Church from Zacapa

Also we still visited other Lutheran churches in Zacapa. The Jesus is the Way Lutheran Church from La Majada, Jesus is the Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church from El Maguey, St. Paul Lutheran Church from St. Paul and Jesus is the Life Lutheran Church of La Fragua. So, we're meeting our goals for the fourth day and visiting all the Lutheran churches of Zacapa.

My first, second and third days in Guatemala

2009-07-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Upon arrival in Guatemala, I went straight to the Lutheran Center in Antigua Guatemala, the retreat house of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala. I was staying there two nights.

In front of the main entrance of Lutheran Center

The Lutheran Center is a good retreat house and Antigua is a beautiful place to visit and learn a little about the culture of the country of eternal spring.

On July 16, I met with Mr. Reynaldo Corado. Reynaldo is a lawyer and with his wife Maribel Orellana, are our legal representatives in Guatemala.

This day, Reynaldo and I tried two important issues: 1) the visa for Miles and his wife (both of them will be missionaries in Guatemala), 2) discuss the possibility to open a Christian society in Guatemala;

On the 17th, I met with Dr. Elry Orozco. Dr. Elry is responsible for the medical program in Guatemala. On this day we met to talk about various topics, such as evangelistic opportunities in Amatitlán, my plan to visit Amatitlán with Sue Dick next week and the next medical teams.

Dr. Elry Orozco (right) and I

After, I went to Zacapa to have a dinner with Pastor André Wandscheer, Carlos Figueroa and Nora de Figueroa. Then I went to the Lutheran Boarding School to visit The Figueroa’s.

To the left (in front): Pastor Miguel Torneire, Carlos Alejandro Figueroa, Nora de Figueroa, Carlos David Figueroa; To the left (behind): José Carlo Figueroa, Carlos Figueroa, Pastor André Wandscheer

Tomorrow I will publish more pictures of Antigua Guatemala, the Lutheran School and Lutheran Boarding Scholl of Zacapa.

Mission Trip in Guatemala

2009-07-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

From 15 to July 28, I will be in Guatemala representing CALMS at the request of the Executive Director, Pastor Steve Hughey.

With the idea of keeping up to date and know what I'm doing, I will be updating my blog daily, publishing details of my trip.

This trip will serve to interact with our fellow friends of Guatemala, to help our missionaries Miles Richmond and his wife Elma to move to Guatemala, visiting the families who received houses in Guatemala, visiting the Clinic Santa Cruz, make some logistical arrangements, etc.

My schedule will be:

Wednesday 15 - Arrive in Guatemala;
Go to Antigua Guatemala;

Thursday 16 - Meet with the lawyer, Lic. Reynaldo Alonzo in Guatemala City.

Friday 17 - Visit to hotels in Antigua Guatemala (search for other options)
Meet with Dr. Elry Orozco;
Travel to Zacapa;

Saturday 18 - Pick up Sue Dick;
Visit with Sue Dick, families who received houses in Zacapa and Chiquimula;
Sunday 19 – Participate of the worship at the Resurrection Lutheran Church of Gualán; Meet Pastor Luis and his family;

Monday 20 - Visit La Union and some families who were helped by CALMS;
Visit with Sue Dick, families who received houses in Gualán;
Meet with the leaders from Resurrection Lutheran Church of Gualán;

Tuesday 21 - Visit the house that will live Miles Richmond, a new missionary from CALMS in Guatemala;
Meet the teacher will give Spanish classes to Miles;
Meet with Lic. Ramiro Peñate, the Housing Program Coordinator of CALMS in Guatemala;
Meet with the leaders from The Divine Savior Lutheran Church of Zacapa;

Wednesday 22 - Go to the Holy Cross Clinic in Amatitlán;
Help Dr. Elry at tha Holy Cross Clinic;
Visit Llano de Animas;

Thursday 23 - Back to Antigua Guatemala;

Friday 24 - Visit the Crowne Plaza Hotel and other hotels in Guatemala City;

Saturday 25 - Let Sue Dick at La Aurora Airport;
Meet with the Team's Resurrection, from Spring, TX;

Sunday 26 – Participate of the worship at The Divine Savior Lutheran Church of Zacapa; Visit workplace, Lutheran School, and Boarding Lutheran School in Zacapa;

Monday 27 - Working with the Resurrection’s team from Spring, TX in Zacapa;

Tuesday 28 - Return to my home, next to my beloved wife Diane;

So, I ask your prayers for this trip is for growth of the Kingdom of God and his work.

Descubra la Diferencia / Discover the Difference

2009-01-19T10:06:00.000-08:00

Estimados amigos, publiqué un video en el “YouTube”, con el título: CALMS. Básicamente la idea de publicar este video fue para mostrar lo que estamos haciendo para Conectar y Avanzar los Líderes en la Misión y Servicio para ganar los perdidos para Cristo.

Llevar a cabo la misión de Dios que Él nos ha encomendado es un privilegio que todos nosotros tenemos, Jesús mismo dijo: “Id por todo el mundo y predicad el Evangelio a toda criatura” (Mc 16.15). Central American Lutheran Mission Society – CALMS está logrando dicho privilegio, con la ayuda de muchos cristianos de los Estados Unidos, de Panamá, de Nicaragua, de Guatemala y de Belize. Por eso, compartimos este video contigo para que descubras la diferencia que puedes hacer a través de CALMS!

Si deseas compartir este video en su congregación, con un amigo, con su vecino o inclusive con alguien de su familia, puedes hacerlo, ya que la idea es conectar y avanzar más cristianos en la misión.

Dear friends, I published a video on YouTube, titled, “CALMS”. Basically, the idea for publishing this video was to show what we are doing to Connect and Advance Leaders in Mission and Service to win the lost for Christ.

To fulfill the mission of God that he gave us is a privilege that we al have. Jesus himself said, “Go inot all the world and preach the good news to all creation,”(Mark 16:15). Central American Lutheran Mission Society – CALMS - is succeeding in this commission, with the help of many Christians from the United States, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize. So, we share this video with you so that you can discover the difference that you can make through CALMS!

If you want to share this video with your congregation, friend, neighbor or someone in your family, feel free to do so, as the idea is to connect and advance more Christians in missions.

Central American Lutheran Mission Society - CALMS

11906 Manchester Road

Suite 110

St. Louis, MO 63131

Phone: 314-640-4830

www.calms.org

E-mail: calms@calms.org

Nuevo blog - New blog

2008-10-22T10:04:00.001-07:00

Yo crié un nuevo blog y quiero compartirlo con Uds. De ahora en adelante estaré publicando Buenas Noticias acerca de la obra misionera de CALMS en America Central, especialmente lo que estamos haciendo para alcanzar a los “perdidos” y ayudar a las personas pobres.

Pero también quiero aprovechar la oportunidad para informarles que ya no vivo más en Zacapa, Guatemala, sino que estoy sirviendo al Señor Jesús como pastor asistente y misionero de Central American Lutheran Mission Society – CALMS, en los Estados Unidos desde el día 09 de agosto del presente año.

Apesar de estar viviendo en un nuevo país, la adaptación está siendo muy rápida. Muchas transformaciones estoy experimentando a la vez – nueva vida de casado, nuevo trabajo, nueva cultura y nuevo idioma. Sin embargo, con la ayuda de Dios, todo está ocurriendo bien.

La mayor parte de mi tiempo ahora estoy dedicando para el aprendizaje del inglés. Estoy estudiando 8 horas por día en la universidad - St. Charles Community College, lo que me ayudará mucho en el futuro en mi trabajo con CALMS, principalmene para conectar los líderes estadounidenses e iglesias con los líderes e iglesias de America Central.

Diane y yo rogamos las oraciones de todos los amigos y lectores de este blog. Confiamos que Dios está con nosotros y que seguirá bendiciéndonos como ha hecho hasta ahorita. Les envío un caluroso abrazo a todos y agurden el nuevo blog.

Miguel y/and Diane Torneire

I created a new blog and I want to share it with you all. From now on, I will be posting the Good News about CALMS mission work in Central America, especially what we are doing to reach the lost and help the poor.

But I also want to take this opportunity to inform you that I no longer live in Zacapa, Guatemala, but rather I am serving the Lord Jesus as an assistant pastor and missionary for the Central American Lutheran Mission Society - CALMS - in the United States since August 9 of this year.

Even though I am living in a new country, I am adapting rather quickly. I am experiencing a lot of transformations at one time - new married life, new job, new culture, new language. However, with the help of God, everthing is going well.

The majority of my time right now is dedicated to learning English. I have been studying eight hours per day at St. Charles Community College, which will help me a lot with my job with CALMS in the future, primarily for connecting U.S. leaders and churches with Central American leaders and churches.

Diane (my wife) and I ask for prayers from all of our friends and readers of this blog. We trust that God is with us and will continue to bless us as he has until now. We send you warm hugs and ask you to await our next post.