Open Doors During Bible Month

A surprising decision by the government, and the desire for God’s Word in Guatemala.

August is known as Bible Month to Christians in Guatemala. Many churches hold special activities to mark the occasion, such as Bible verse competitions. Children who attend Sunday School faithfully are rewarded with a Bible, a booklet, a wall hanging, or another item that serves to remind them of God’s Word.

This year, however, we were surprised to learn that a bill was introduced in Guatemala’s parliament proposing that the second Saturday in August be declared Bible Day. Amazingly, the vast majority of representatives voted in favor of it. Of the 160 representatives, 110 voted for the bill, 32 against, and 18 were absent. Of course, some spoke against it, including the sitting president (who could legally have repealed the law, although he ultimately did not). Many questioned the representatives’ motives for establishing such a day at all. Even the Catholic archbishop of the capital called it unnecessary, saying that the representatives should concern themselves with more pressing issues. They shouldn’t put on a show for the people in order to garner votes, but instead apply the Word in their own lives—for example, the commandment not to steal. (They had recently given themselves a disproportionate raise at the expense of the people.) Other voices said, “Every day is Bible Day,” and they are, of course, correct. May the Lord instill in them a reverence for God’s Word, so that it may shine through in their own lives! Despite everything, we thank God that His Word is being honored.

The Two Ways

A while back, a fellow believer who evangelizes in Guatemala’s third-largest city visited us. He took the last of our “Two Ways” posters with him. We had to have them reprinted at once. When he returned, he immediately wanted 600 of them, in addition to other evangelistic materials. Along with a team, he primarily goes into the outskirts of the city, going door to door explaining the Two Ways to people. He also gives them the poster. Afterward, he invites them to a meal, where he gives them a Bible or an evangelistic booklet.

Longing for God’s Word

The Lord also opened a door into another church on the outskirts of the capital. One of the leaders of this church watched the Midnight Call YouTube conference—which was produced and broadcast from South America—and the subject deeply resonated with him.

He felt it was important to share this message within the church. It was on the subject of “Life or Death After Death.” He felt that this topic needed to be shared. A fellow believer later approached us and told us that a young man had been touched by the message and had given his life to Jesus.

Conclusion by Arno Froese

Over and again, our missionaries experience fruit when sowing His Word. Praise His holy name!

When the apostle Paul writes about the Rapture in 1 Corinthians 15, he ends with an admonition: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (v. 58).

We do well to continue praying for our missionaries and supporting them financially, always remembering that our “labor is not in vain in the Lord.”