www.manoconmano.org
September 2004
Page 2
New Mano con Mano Missionary: Ester Pirir
After months of praying for a nurse and someone to help with evangelism in
Kaqchikel, the Lord brought Ester Pirir to work with us. She began working
in the medical clinic in San Rafael El Arado run by Greg and Anita Giagnacavo
where Susan works during the week. Ester quickly took responsibility for sharing
the gospel with each patient, and has led many to Christ in the last several
months. An average of five people per week pray to accept Jesus as their savior
with Ester. She is able to give medical advice and hygiene instructions in
their native language, as well as to share the good news of Jesus in a manner
that people can understand. She has quickly gained their trust as villagers
can feel her love. Ester is actively involved in a church that she helped
plant where she teaches in the children's program and runs a small medical
clinic. She often takes 5 or more buses each day to transport many of our
patients to the hospital and to doctor's appointments during the week.
Ester is a missionary, supported by donations through Mano con Mano. She came
to us with six years of previous experience as a missionary with Students
International in Antigua, Guatemala. Ester was born and raised in a Christian
family, and her father was a pastor in the San Juan, Sacatepequez area, which
has many Kaqchikel speaking villages. Ester has the perfect background, linguistic
skills and education to do much of the work that we were unable to do in these
precious, remote villages. If you would like to help with Ester’s support,
please respond in the enclosed envelope.
Guatemala Special Patient Reports
Lorenzo Canel Pirir
Lorenzo has completely recovered from a serious knee-joint infection and is
back to work supporting his family of four children and a lovely wife. For
the last month, he has brought the entire family to the capital from their
village of Yalu on Sundays in order to attend
Lorenzo Canel Pirir
church. The children love attending Sunday School and Lorenzo and Maria Juana
enjoy worship and the sermon as well as fellowship after church. Lorenzo doesn't
mind the long days with several buses and waiting for a truck ride back into
their village because "I am learning and edifying my life," he says, "I want
my children to learn about God." Their eight year old, Rosa Amalia, stood
before the entire congregation and recited John 3:16 in Kaqchikel. We are
hoping that this precious family will be the first members of a church planted
in their community to meet the needs of hundreds of families. Maria Juana
is eager to help plan and direct a feeding program for the children of her
village.
Mauricio Grande Guamuch is a 43 year old father of seven. He lived with a large tumor growing on the front of his left lower leg for two years because he didn't have the money to go to the hospital and have an x-ray or see a doctor. When he came to the village clinic in April, the tumor was extremely large. With the help of Dr. Jose Domingo Soto Vasquez, he was referred for immediate surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. He is now receiving radiation therapy to prevent the return of this tumor and save his leg. Your gifts have helped pay for Mauricio's repatriation and transportation back and forth to the cancer center every day. With the surgery and radiation, the chances of Mauricio living to see all his children into adulthood are great. Mauricio is an enthusiastic believer and often travels to preach in charismatic Catholic prayer groups around the highlands. Mauricio's heart for the Lord, his community and family are evident. We are hoping that he will be instrumental in helping us buy land and begin a feeding program in Yalu. As families receive the help they need during tragedies, they are learning to reach out to help others.