Join us on the Journey
Find out how you can be a part of God’s work in Guatemala.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:10-13

Dear friends and family,

Paul’s words to the Philippians seem like they could almost come out of a motivational DVD if not for where he was writing them from: prison. That’s right. Those words so many love to quote, “I can do all things…,” were written from behind bars.

For three years, my family and I have been serving as missionaries in Guatemala, and while it’s no prison, we have been taught the valuable lessons of contentment in the face of obstacles. Regardless of whatever problems we face, we see children and families in extreme poverty who somehow maintain their faith and contentment in God. While our work here can be overwhelming, God has been faithful in reminding us why we are here in Guatemala. Here is what HE has done through us over the past three years:

-Andrea began an aerobics ministry here that has developed into a three-day-a-week program with 2 sub-leaders helping to teach. These ladies faithfully meet for prayer, Bible studies and aerobics each week, and for most of these women, it is their ONLY outlet of ministry outside the pressures of poverty, family and other needs. She also taught English at Shalom School, and had a special impact on our high school students. She also took over our cheerleading program and leads practices, Bible studies and retreats with these girls. Finally, Andrea directs our nursery program on Sundays, laying a biblical foundation for the littlest ones in our church.

-While I have been supervising our youth ministries, my main focus has been directing Shalom School. This year, we have an enrollment of nearly 750, many of whom are unsaved or unchurched. In the past 2 years, we have seen over 700 professions of faith from students, family members or evangelistic ministries out of the school alone. I also help to lead our worship and visual ministries at the church, and rarely a Sunday goes by when people are not coming forward to accept Christ. In the past 5 months, we have had over 140 decisions in our services.

June 2007 officially marked the end of our financing through the generosity of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. While our current funding with be over, we deeply believe that our work here is not finished. After much prayer, we feel led to stay here at least another year and a half to continue some of the tasks we believe God has called us to do.

That’s where you come in. Paul reminds the Philippians that their support for him was renewed because they had the “opportunity to show it.” While we believe God is calling us to take this step of faith, we cannot do it without the concern and support of our family of faith. Our goal is to raise a commitment of $2,500 a month to support our family and ministry in Guatemala. If you can commit to pray for us, that would be awesome. If you can give a one-time gift, no matter the amount, it would confirm our calling here. If you can give on a monthly basis, it would extend the impact of our ministry more than you can imagine.

Financial support can be paid through the mail or giving to Immanuel Baptist Church. If you desire tax contribution credit, please send your commitments to Immanuel Baptist Church at 3100 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502, and write checks to Immanuel Baptist Church. (If mailing or giving to Immanuel, please put a post-it note indicating it is for the Smiths in Guatemala, please don't write it on the check) You can also send support directly to us at Mark and Andrea Smith, 4248 Gosey Hill Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, and write checks to Mark and Andrea Smith.

For questions, information or correspondence, please contact us at GT4Christ@gmail.com.