Where do you work?
Mario: I work in the Carpentry site in Magdalena, Guatemala. In our site we work with young boys and youth from the community to teach them new woodworking techniques and projects so that they will learn a new trade. Our hope is that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior through attending carpentry classes.

How long have you worked with SI?
M: I have worked with SI for 4 years and this year will start my fifth year on the mission field.

Kara: I joined the SI Guatemala team this January.

What is your favorite part of your work?
M: My favorite part of the site is uniting two cultures. It is such a beautiful experience to connect the outreach participants and the students of the woodshop together.

Where are you from?
M: I was born and raised in Magdalena, Guatemala.

K: I am from the St. Louis area in Granite City, Illinois.

Do you have a favorite verse(s) you’d like to share?
M: My favorite verses are Psalms 121:1-8 because it helps me to trust in the Lord in all things. This passage especially helps me when I am discouraged or weary. I know that He will never leave my side.

K: My favorite verse is Habakkuk 1:5. I love that verse because it is a great reminder to faithfully seek Him and is God’s promise to us that will do great things in our lives. He loves us that much.

What are you looking forward to in your ministry?
K: I work at Mount Sinai Christian School in Guatemala. Our site is a great opportunity to work with preschool and grade school children and share Jesus’ love with them through their education. I love my Guatemalan students, but I am so excited to mix outreach participants with our students in Magdalena this year. This will spark an open door for sharing Jesus and experiencing transformation in our lives.

Habakkuk 1:5
Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe, even if you were told.