MidnightCall Magazine
.jpg)
News From Israel MagazineGuatemala
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
This verse places the word “forget” in the same category as unrighteousness. Moses admonished Israel at least nine times not to forget. In Deuteronomy 4:9 we read: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” Those things that had been written, and the things the fathers had experienced, should always be remembered.
Also, the difference between the covenant and the graven image must not be forgotten: “Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee” (Deuteronomy 4:23). In chapter 8 we read: “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day” (verse 11).
It is eternally important for every believer to remember God, His deeds and His words.
The Apostle Paul urges us to remember our hopeless position before God saved us: “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:11-12).
When we read the introductory verse carefully we see that God notices each individual deed, which is summarized with the words, “Your work and labor of love.”
There is no other factor that is more motivating than love that urges the believer to sacrifice all in order to gain all things. That is why so many of us have no second thoughts when it comes to ministering to the saints. This is evidenced with great joy when we notice how diligently and faithfully the “work and labor of love” continues to grow in His Church throughout the world.
When we remember what has been done in the past, how things continue to grow and realize that God’s Spirit is at work, we are reminded of the Lord’s promise to build His Church, which He continues to do through the selfless dedication of so many of His children.
Guatemala is a difficult country where crime is rampant, corruption is a normal daily occurrence, and where danger literally lurks around every corner. Guatemala is slightly smaller than the state of Tennessee and has a population of almost 13 million and a GDP per capita of under $5,000 per year. It is also the home of the Beitze family who were called to the mission field in 1968. We take this opportunity to introduce their youngest son, Andreas, his wife and their three children, and their “work and labor of love.”
Guatemala
The Beitze Family
Guatemala is often called the land of eternal spring. It is a beautiful and diverse land. Climates vary from mountain to coast, which contributes to the enormous variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers that are exported to many countries.
The population in Guatemala is approximately 13 million. More than half of the people are native Indians (Maya). The Indians still speak about 23 different languages. Another significant percentage of the remaining population consists of mixed races.
The largest part of the population lives in poverty. Many subsist on growing their own corn and black beans. Approximately half of the population cannot read or write.
Werner and Ursula Beitze moved here 20 years ago after spending about 20 years in other South American countries. Their main thrust is the distribution of Christian literature, particularly the material originating with Mitternachtsruf (Midnight Call, Switzerland).
The Beitze’s oldest son, Stephan, is working in Argentina and their younger son, Andre, has been active in the Guatemalan headquarters for the last eight years.
Here are some of the statistics regarding production and distribution of literature. Approximately six million tracts are distributed annually. Records show that many people have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior because of the impact that has been made by these tracts. 
Additionally, a correspondence Bible course is available for believers, and many are participating in it.
It is our task to present the Word of God to people everywhere. In that capacity, over 20,000 publications are sent out each year. Reactions show that many are very thankful for the messages and information that they could not otherwise obtain, especially literature that explains true biblical doctrine, so the reader is prepared to recognize the many false ones that are being decimated by many false teachers and cults.
Furthermore, approximately 100,000 books and booklets are being distributed every year. Pastors and church leaders use the material to shepherd their flocks.
Here in Guatemala City we operate a Bible bookstore that is well visited. Approximately 20,000 Bibles are going out each year. We are deeply thankful to our Lord for the spiritual hunger of the people in this country. As our Lord leads, we will continue to use every opportunity to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we expect to return at any moment.