October Update

One afternoon while Alison was working she came into a patient’s room, and noticed that she had been crying. Alison asked her what was wrong and she said that her back was hurting. She gave her some pain medicine, and then told her that she knew someone that could take care of her pain inside and out. Alison asked if she could pray with the patient and prayed a prayer of healing and salvation with her. A new light shone is her eyes after that encounter…

We pray that you all are having a wonerful fall. We want to let you know how thankful we are for your prayers and support and that although we are still on track to head out into mission field by the first part of the year, we are still thanking God for every opportunity here as well. Nathan preached at the Charlotte Rescue Mission last Sunday and ministered to men that suffer from drug and alchohol addictions. Several men made their way to the altar and asked God to transform their lives completely. We pray for opportunities every day to serve God here, and continue to prepare us for carrying out the Great Commission overseas. We are continuing to meet with prospective partners weekly, and covet your prayers and encouragement. God bless you all!

Prayer Requests
• More people to join us as partners in spreading the gospel
• An outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the nations
• Opportunities to spread the Word of God daily
• Complete healing for Nathan’s foot (stress fracture)

Guatemala Fact
Guatemala has more than 75% of its national population living at or below the poverty line. This is most severe for rural and indigenous populations.

Thank you!
We are so grateful for your prayerful, faithful and generous partnership! Love, Nathan, Alison, Ethan and Bethany

“The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” - Henry Martyn, missionary to India and Persia

Sharing the Vision on July 31

One of the things we love about sharing our vision and experiences in missions is that it keeps fresh in our hearts the exciting task before us – reaching the lost and making Christ known to the nations. On Sunday, July 31 Alison and I are going to be sharing our story at two local churches – Millers Creek Baptist Church at 9:50a with the "For Him" Sunday School class, and then at Cub Creek Baptist at 7p in the evening worship service. Wilkes County metro residents – we would love to see you there. :)

In Christ,
Nathan, Alison, Ethan and Bethany

"No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once." Oswald J. Smith

June 26 Benefit Luncheon

This Sunday, June 26, the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro is having a luncheon on our behalf. The proceeds of the luncheon are going toward our mission work. I'm also going to be preaching during the morning worship service prior to the luncheon. We're so thankful for the doors the Lord has opened for us to serve Him. We are also so thankful for the caring and generous hearts of those who are helping us serve Him. This is all about the Great Commission – this is all about reaching the lost and bringing them to Christ! Thank you in advance to the Men of The Church ministry and to the outstanding cook team for their kindness and hard work, and thank you to Pastor Granade for allowing me to minister! Our family and the people of Petén, Guatemala are blessed to have your support.

With much love,
The Atwoods  

May Missions Update

May has been a great month! While we're home raising our support, we've had the opportunity to speak at several wonderful churches, sharing our vision for impacting Guatemala with the gospel of Christ. We spoke at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, and the Norwood Church of God in Norwood, NC. We've also met some wonderful people who have taken the time to hear our story, and have chosen to partner with us in making disciples in Guatemala! On that note, mention us to your pastor, small group or Sunday school teacher, and your family and friends. We're always praying for and looking for opportunities to share.

Last week we had the chance to meet with a great group of children from the First Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro (see attached photo). We had ice cream and a question & answer session with them at the Brushy Mtn. Smokehouse restaurant. At the end of our talk, the kids expressed their desire to sponsor the construction of a bio-sand water filter (to give to a family in need of clean drinking water) when we return to Guatemala! Kids with a heart for missions – praise God! Also, my Mom, Janet, is retiring from an outstanding career at Wilkes Community College at the end of the month. My Mom's manager, Lynn, organized a farewell reception in Mom's honor. In lieu of giving gifts, those in attendance were invited to give donations to our mission work! Thanks to the kindness of Lynn, my Mom and many people at WCC, our family received a generous donation.

In June we will be speaking at a food & agriculture meeting in Wilkesboro to talk about community transformation. We will also be traveling to Hendersonville, NC for a week to receive ministry designed for ministers and missionaries. On June 26th, the First Baptist Church is having a benefit luncheon for our mission work!