From January 17 to 25, a life-changing visit occurred at the Jireh Holisitic Development Center (HDC) led by Raxruhá Iglesia del Nazareno in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. A group from the Intermountain District, USA, joined young people from various Guatemalan districts to bless both the center and the community within the framework of a Maximum Mission.

The team, led by Damaris Kellogg, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for the North Central Field, and Rosario (Charito) Xuc, coordinator of Comprehensive Child Development for the North Central Field, carried out various high-impact activities. During the visit, approximately 100 children—beneficiaries of the HDC program and neighbors of the community—received medical care, medicines, and vitamins adapted to their specific needs.

Xuc prayed individually with each child, presenting them with the message of salvation. This valuable spiritual encounter allowed several to make a profession of faith, marking a spiritual harvest.

In the recreational and sports field, the team began the construction of a basketball and soccer field to provide children with a safe space for their physical activities. While waiting for their medical appointment, physical and spiritual activities were carried out that strengthened the community spirit and commitment to faith. In addition, an innovative dental care program was implemented. 

Through songs, stories, and practices, children learned the importance of oral care and hygiene, each receiving a dental cleaning kit to continue this practice at home.

At the end of the activities, a group of about 40 people went out to evangelize and visit 30 homes, sharing the message of salvation on each visit. As a result of this commitment, 24 people, including children and adults, decided to give their lives to Jesus during that week.

Damaris Kellogg highlighted that the HDC coordinator, Edgar Tut, and his team expressed their deep gratitude for the visit of both groups and for the activities carried out to enhance the work of the Lord. 

“We thank Iglesia del Nazareno Raxuhá, its pastor, Marcos Elías Chaman Maquín, and the women of the Daughters of the King ministry for their hospitality during this week,” Kellogg said. “May God bless their work, and may every boy and girl know that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”

--Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene