Pastor Juan Ixtan & Candelaria de Ixtan

Mother and daughters
weave together in Patulup.
 

GUATEMALA MISSION PROJECT 2006

August 5-14

In 2002 God called the members of the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne to reach out and create a sister church relationship with the tiny indigenous Maya village of Patulup in Guatemala, Central America.  Since that time FUMC Cheyenne has financially supported Patulup’s Methodist minister, Juan Ixtan, as its Mission Pastor, and has annually sent mission teams to provide medical care, construction, and Bible school classes.

Nestled in the high mountains of central Guatemala, Patulup is one of many poor agricultural villages of Quiché-speaking indigenous people of Mayan heritage and culture.  The men speak Spanish only as a second language and the women, still often dressed in traditional huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts), weave and embroider all of their clothing by hand.  Entire families spend their time tilling, planting, and harvesting their crops of corn, beans, and fruit in the rich volcanic soils as their ancestors have done for many centuries.

For over thirty years these people endured a terrible civil war.  Many were massacred or driven from their lands.  Peace was restored with the signing of “A First and Lasting Peace Agreement” on December 29 1996, and communities like Patulup are trying to put their lives back together.

Plans are currently in progress for a Volunteers In Mission (VIM) team of up to 20 individuals to spend ten days in Guatemala and Patulup, leaving August 5 and returning August 14.  Costs are approximately $1,500 per person which can generally be paid for through fund raising, donations, or sponsorships.  Intergenerational teams are encouraged and family participation is particularly desirable. Minimum recommended age is 15.

The 2006 plans include a combination medical team and Vacation Bible School team.  The preferable medical team would consist of 3 doctors, 3 nurses, 1 pharmacist, and 1 administrator.  The VBS team would consist of 12 individuals, preferably 9 youth (15 or older) and 3 adults.

Various interest meetings will be held beginning November 7, 2005.  For additional information, please contact Guatemala Mission Project Coordinator, Tim Nowak, at (307) 778-8459, or call the church office at (307) 632-1410.

There is always room for you to volunteer for any of the local activities or projects. Watch for news and details in the Circuit Rider!