Equipping the Church
Dear Ministry Partner,
The work in Guatemala is growing at an unexpected pace. This has made it necessary for us to put together a staff of Nationals from Guatemala to give guidance and oversight to the work that God is doing among the wonderful people of Guatemala. Therefore, let me introduce the new staff of Crossing Cultures International – Guatemala.
New Staff in Guatemala
Ray, Hamid, Otto, Charlotte
Otto Echeverria has been the long-time pastor of First Baptist Church Coatepeque, Guatemala. He will serve as the National Director for Guatemala. I have had a five-year partnership with Pastor Otto and his congregation during which we have completed numerous projects together. Our very first class in Central America was started at his church in June of 2021.
 
Hamid Gutierrez is currently serving as pastor/church planter in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Hamid will serve as our Western Regional Coordinator. We have been serving together for the past four years and he has been with this project since the first class started last June.
 
Charlotte Hernandez is serving as our National Office Administrator. Our partnership with Charlotte began three years ago when she and her brother joined one of our teams as interpreters. She began coordinating all our logistical arrangements in the Guatemala City area last fall. This past June, she conducted her very first project for us as she led a teaching team all the way across country to teach in the Western Region.
 
We are extremely blessed that God has seen fit to provide us with such an incredible team to lead the work in Guatemala. Please pray for them as they learn their new roles and get a handle on all their administrative responsibilities. It is a joy to serve alongside of them as this ministry grows.
July Teacher Training Workshop

While in Guatemala the last week of July, God allowed us to train six new Certified Teachers. All these teachers live in the Central Region of Guatemala and will greatly expand our ability to train pastors and church leaders in that area.
Six new CCI certified teachers
Teacher Training Workshop
Incredible Door of Opportunity Opened for Us

God has led the President of the Guatemala Baptist Convention to invite a team of us to preach and lead Bible Studies at their Annual Meeting in November. I will preach two sermons and lead pastors in two Bible Studies. Sandra will lead all the ladies attending the convention in two Bible Studies and Tony Scarbrough will lead two Bible studies for the Youth Leadership of the Convention.
 
Pray that we will be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for this assignment. Our desire to bring glory to God and to be a blessing to the Convention. Also pray for our staff, they will be serving as our interpreters as well as promoting the ministry of CCI-Guatemala.
 
We have no idea how many attending will show interest in the CCI-Guatemala ministry, but we anticipate that there will be several. Therefore, please pray for the Lord to raise up workers for His Kingdoms work there and the resources to meet the opportunities He is placing before us.
 
I want to thank each of you for your partnership in this Gospel Work. Thanks for your prayers, for your encouragement, and for your financial support. God is using you in a tremendous way as we strive to equip the church in Central America to reach the nations.
Ray McKenzie
CCI Central America Regional Director
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