The Santa Cruz de Quiché (key-CHAY) base was one of several locations where suspected insurgents were taken never to be seen again. Over the course of the conflict an estimated 200,000 people were killed or disappered, 90% being civilians of Maya descent.

Project JOEL is active in several public and private schools in Guatemala City, Central America’s largest city of nearly three million. The ministry has regular activities at the schools, offering an option of a better life to young people surrounded by poverty, drugs, and violence.

Wilfredo is one of those whose life changed after two Project JOEL leaders began visiting his school. At first, he thought the two women who began the ministry wouldn’t last long.

“We’ll quickly scare them so they won’t come back here to talk to us about God,” said Wilfredo about Rebeca de Franco and Betty de Vallejo of CPTLN. Wilfredo didn’t think he or others would actually harm the women, but he knew the gangs would easily run them off.

All that changed when one day at home he read one of the pamphlets distributed by Betty. As he read, he discovered how much God loved and cared for people like him. His attitude and way of thinking began to change. Now Wilfredo regularly attends church and wants to share this Good News with other young people.

“I can only say that God is doing great things in my life,” Wilfredo said. “On Sunday, May 2, I’m going to be baptized.”

“By Kids...For Kids” is a hands-on mission project especially designed for the children of the United States and Canada. Children combine words and deeds as they send boxes filled with school supplies, a personal photo, Gospel witness note, and a Bible storybook to children around the world.

This year the “By Kids...For Kids” boxes are destined for children in Russia.

“By Kids...For Kids” provides the materials needed to make this a successful mission project for churches, Sunday Schools, and Vacation Bible Schools. Participants receive project guides, chapel talks, background information, and activity guides.

Information, enrollment forms, and downloadable materials for “By Kids...For Kids” can be found on the Lutheran Hour Ministries online site.

In October 2003, surgeons removed a fibromatosis tumor, however a later exam showed the tumor had returned. She underwent a second operation March 4.

Erin has completed physical therapy and is nearly half-way through seven weeks of radiation treatment. Although the treatments leave Erin tired, she is doing well.

Erin was confirmed Sunday. Her confirmation verse is Colossians 2:6,7 You received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live as Christ's people. Sink your roots in Him and build on Him. Be strengthened by faith that you were taught, and overflow with thanksgiving.

María Angelina Chan Vicente died of apparent heart failure. According to family members she had a history of heart disease.

“We also have a congregation in Jesus the Teacher School,” said Mario Delgado, the school director. Delgado said the church was established with ten charter members and seven baptisms.

Delgado said evangelism opportunities in the school and area are numerous. “[We] are in a good zone for the planting of God's Word and we see that the power of His word is being manifested”

Jesus the Teacher School is located in Cochabamba, a major Bolivian city (pop. 482,857) found in the middle of the country among the Andes mountains.

Jesus the Teacher School has 631 students in elementary through high school. The fast-growing school expects an enrollment of almost 1000 within the next few years.

Pastor Rene Mendoza, Elena Chamaco, and Juan Pablo Mancilla teach the school’s Bible classes.

The Norwegian government built the school structure as an AID project for Bolivia. The Bolivian government then gave it to the Norwegian Lutheran Church to operate.

Myrna Mack, 39, was stabbed to death outside her Guatemala City office after reporting her findings of the government's role in masacres of Maya Indians during Guatemala's long-running civil war.