Guatemala

Guatemala Update:

Our mission trip to Guatemala continues to be a go from Oct.28^th to Nov. 8^th, 2011.

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. The country has recently suffered heavy rain damage, flooding and landslides, and is currently at a state of Red Alert with many main travel routes blocked.

On 16 October Guatemala’s President declared a “State of Disaster” for the entire country due to heavy rains, flooding and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by Tropical Depression 12E.  This measure will remain in place for 30 days to allow for aid assistance and the establishment of general reconstruction to take place in the affected areas.

I spoke with our team leader, Pastor Santos Rivera this morning, Oct. 19^th, who indicated that his people on the ground in the southern region of Guatemala where we are traveling have had heavy rain but not the flooding that has occurred in the northern part of the country

Additionally, on Nov. 6th there is a national election for president with a large influence in drug cartel money flowing in to support both of the candidates. A travel warning has been issued due to uncontrolled drug and alien smuggling, the Guatemalan border with Mexico (and in particular the northwestern corner of Petén) which is a high-risk area. Again, we will be traveling in the southern region of Guatemala and therefore should be out of harm’s way

We ask you to hold us up in prayer and wish for traveling mercies during our trip as even in the best of times there is still the inherent danger when traveling internationally in 3^rd would counties.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lawrence Nelson