Evangelism

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evangelism Overview

Though much of the country has been strongly evangelized over the years, this part of Guatemala only claims a 3-4% Christian population. There is still a very strong influence of “Mayan practices” which is nothing more than superstition and witchcraft.  Often times these practices are mixed with other more traditional religious beliefs to form a belief system that is not based on the Word of God or salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ. 

 

Servant Ministries has used many different forms of evangelism over the years. In addition to regular church services, both in town and in surrounding mountain villages, evangelistic crusades are a way of reaching the unsaved. Often teams come from the U.S. and Canada to help in these crusades, participating in the preaching, teaching, testimonies, music, and drama. 

 

Another popular way to reach those who don’t know Christ is the projection of Christian videos.  Videos are often shown at the ministry center, in the remote mountain villages, or in the town plaza.  Since most people in this area do not own a television, it is quite a novelty for them to see a movie.  It often draws people who come initially out of curiosity but end up giving their lives to the Lord. 

 

Christian children’s videos are also being shown on a Christian television program in various parts of Guatemala where thousands of children are hearing about the love of Jesus. 

 

Other outreaches include youth programs for both children and teens. Sports, music and drama events may be used as a medium to deliver the message of Christ to teenagers.  Vacation Bible School has been found to be an effective way to reach the younger children in the area through Bible stories, games and crafts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night of Lights

On Monday, December 19th, we hosted our annual “Night of Lights”.  This is when we open the ministry center to the public to come in and enjoy all of the Christmas lights and decorations.  We served coffee with chocolate (a Guatemalan Christmas tradition), handed out candy canes, Christmas tracts and had a lot of gifts and toys to raffle off.  About 200 people attended.  It is a fun family night and one that we try to use to plant the true meaning of the Christmas holiday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VBS 2011

 

November 28-30, 2011 was our 12th annual VBS that we hold at the ministry center, mostly as an outreach to the town kids from Camotan and Jocotan.  The children really look forward to this and start coming to the gate in November to ask “when it will be”.  This year we were fortunate to have an incoming team from Brown City, Michigan to help us sponsor and carry out this event.

 

 267 children were formally registered, from ages 6-11 but with all of the moms and younger siblings that came in “to watch”, we easily had 500 people that were part of this activity.  Children are given “bills of money” (that we print here) as they come in the gate.  They receive this “money” for attending, for their participation, for excelling in their craft, winning games etc.  The day starts with a joint time of our clown, Colorin, having an opening time with the children.  Then they divide up into groups to do crafts, games and another class time….by age!  It takes a lot of hands to keep the children going in each event, especially crafts!  Have you ever tried to have 100 children make a craft at the same time and take into account those that finish quickly and others who use every minute that is available????

 

The third and last day is what the children really look forward to.  After their opening time with Colorin, they have 2 hours to enjoy carnival games (dunk tank, duck pond, balloon darts, bean bag type games), face painting, buying popcorn (over 500 bags went in about 40 minutes), drinks, popsicles, blow up inflatable moon walk type games and of course……our “store”.  The store has all kinds of toys, candy and misc. items that the children can use their “money” for to purchase.  We allow 30 children in at a time and this is one of the highlights for them.  

 

It is 3 days filled with fun and much activity but one that we try to plant lasting seeds into the children’s hearts to let them know of God’s love for them and to encourage them to get involved in a church somewhere.  We thank the Brown City team for their awesome participation, alongside with our Guatemalan volunteers and staff.  It was another success year to bless the children with this outreach!  Below is a video presentation to show you some of the highlights!