AMG International Guatemala

Transforming Lives for an Eternity

2010-03-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

AMG International serves Christ in Guatemala with more than 500 dedicated Guatemalan staff members and strong partnerships with local churches across the country. Sharing the love of Christ with over 7000 needy children and their families through 28 childcare centers, the only year-round christian camp in Guatemala, two medical and dental clinics, a hospital, nutrition center, christian radio program, vocational training centers and an agricultural training program.

Child sponsorships make all of this possible through the parent organizations of AMG International and Word & Deed of Holland and North America. Individual sponsors across the globe donate monthly in order to provide a child with the opportunity to attend one of our many centers on a daily basis and be taught the Word of God from a young age. Our centers provide food, clothing, a solid education and spiritual guidance. To read more about our work CLICK HERE or on "About Us" above.

Our missionary families, The Dennetts, The Andersons, The Smiths and the Wilsons (Currently raising their support) provide direction and support to our staff as well as acting as liasons to our organization in the United States. To read about happenings in the lives of our missionaries select one of their names at the top.

Orfa Meza - Updated May 3

2010-03-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

We need your help. UPDATE... We have received all the donations we need for Orfa´s surgery... see further updates below... We need your prayers and we have an urgent financial need. Many of you not only know but have been personally touched by the ministry of our camp directors Jose Luis and Orfa Meza. Jose Luis has 34 years working for AMG and his wife Orfa has nearly 30. They have operated our camp, Campamento Canaan, for the last 28 years! As many of you know, they are the most dedicated and Godly examples... sharing their passion for Christ with thousands of children each year. So many of our sponsored children accept Christ during their camp experience each year.

Jose Luis and Orfa came to my office today following a host of medical tests that she had to have. Orfa has been experiencing dizziness, headaches and other neuro symptoms. She was told today that she is in URGENT need of surgery... a very difficult and complicated brain surgery. She has an aneurysm on the left side of her brain that is in danger of bursting and ending her life.

We cried together, shared scripture and then invited our entire office in to pray. They have NO funds with which to pay for this surgery and they came today heavy with worry over the cost. The entire surgery will cost Q80,000 Quetzales or approximately $10,000. In the U.S. I can´t even begin to imagine what the cost would be.

I have told them to go ahead with all the pre-surgery exams she needs to undergo and not to worry about the price... that we would find a way to support them... that God would provide. It is the least we can do for them.

UPDATE

I received an email late last night from the Christian Doctor here in Guatemala that I had been referred to (by April Haymen), to check on Orfas Doctor and review her MRI scans. He had sent me a voicemail prior to receiving my email with the recomendation of a Doctor for Orfa. I was surprised to learn that Orfas Dr. (Dr. Julio Gatica) was the very man that this Doctor had recommended to us.

Here is an excerpt from his email:

"Hello my dear brothers,

This is the same doctor I sent you his cell phone number. One of the best neurosurgeons in the Country. Had his training in Panama many year ago, came to Guatemala, worked for the San Carlos University medical school as a professor of neurosurgery, established the first unit of Neurosurgery in a public hospital (hospital Roosevelt).

That unit is now part of the San Carlos University medical school, were they started the first area for a postgraduate program in neurosurgery in Guatemala. I am not sure at all, but I think doctor Julio Gatica still work overseeing that Unit and give some of his time to train new neurosurgeons in the Country. Still in 1996- 2000, when some of my doctors friends where students in this Neurosurgery unit in Roosevelt Hospital, the rest of neurosurgeons used to asked doctor Gatica to perform the surgeries in patients with Aneurysms since he was (and I think still is) one of the best trained on this kind of surgeries even the rest of neurosurgeons were very good on performing the rest of neurological procedures."

We will tell Orfa of this, this morning. I think it will give her some confidence. Please pray for Orfa and Jose Luis as they have a long road ahead of them with this surgery. I believe the procedure will take place in a week or so.

Update April 5

Orfa will be having pre-op testing on this Wednesday and will receive a date for her operation later this week.

Update April 7

Orfa is being treated for an infection they found today and will resume preop testing on Friday. She will receive a date for her surgery on Friday. Her spirits are good and her faith is strong!

Update April 12

Orfa has completed all pre-op testing and will be admitted the night of April 25th to the hospital. Her surgery is scheduled for the morning of April 26. Her faith is strong but she and Jose Luis are definately feeling the weight of this very delicate surgery. She is nervous but told me yesterday that she knows that God is allowing this so that He can ultimately be glorified. We love Orfa and are praying for she and Jose Luis... for their strength and for her healing.

Update May 3

Orfa is already out of the hospital and doing well. She has some pain from headaches which they are treating with pain killers. This is normal and should subside as the swelling and effects of the operation go away.

Orfa is staying with her sister in the city while she recuperates. Jose Luis is back at work at the camp and anxious for his wife´s return... which we expect within 15 days. The doctors have no immediate concerns and say that her progress is excellent.

The Lord sure has provided for Orfa and her familia! Many thanks to all who contributed towards her surgery and for all the prayers on their behalf!

Saying Goodbye to the Hastings Family

2010-02-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

We are very sad to announce that our friends the Hastings will not be returning to Guatemala after completing their furlough. You can read about their decision and the opportunity Bob has to continue working in missions at their website.

Obviously this news came as a great shock to us but we trust the Lord and the calling He has put on the Hasting's lives. We KNOW that we are right where God wants us and will continue working diligently for Him in this great ministry here in Guatemala. The entire team of AMG Guatemala is grateful for Bob's direction and all that he did over the past several years to make us a better organization, equipped to serve the needy and share the life-transforming truth of the gospel! We are going to miss the Hastings terribly and ask that you pray for their family as they transition back to life in the USA.

Saying Goodbye to a Legend

2009-10-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

After a long and fruitful ministry, veteran missions leader, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates was ushered into the presence of his Lord on October 10, 2009.

Spiros Zodhiates was born to Greek parents on the island of Cyprus. After completing his Greek education, he attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt, The National Bible Institute, and New York University. He earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Luther Rice Seminary. In addition, Dr. Zodhiates has been the recipient of several honorary doctorates.

In 1946, he came to the United States at the invitation of the American Mission to the Greeks, Inc. At that time, there were two part-time employees who met in a small, one-room office. Dr. Zodhiates became president of this organization in 1966. Now known as AMG International, the ministry is involved in evangelistic and relief endeavors in 55 countries.

Ministry headquarters have been in Chattanooga, Tennessee since 1978.

Throughout his six decades of leadership, Zodhiates demonstrated a profound commitment to the Word of God and a singular focus on accomplishing his calling faithfully. His style was marked by frugal stewardship, great enthusiasm, entrepreneurial courage and unexpected generosity.

Dr. Zodhiates is a recognized authority on the Greek New Testament. His works include an edition of the Modern Greek New Testament and the Key Word Study Bible. He authored numerous exegetical books and booklets in both the Greek and English languages, and for many years was heard daily on the New Testament Light radio program.

Dr. Zodhiates is survived by Joan Zodhiates, his wife of 61 years, his children – Priscilla (Russell) Barnes of Orange, CT, Lois (Paul) Jenks of Chattanooga, TN, Philip (Kathie) Zodhiates of Waynesboro, VA, Mary (Rich) Zodhiates Cemen of Rockville, MD. – 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, with Pastor John Meador and Pastor Joe Fauth officiating. Interment will follow in Morris Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Some of our faithful friends and ministry partners have asked us if there was any special project that was close to Dr. Zodhiates’ heart. There was, and it was strengthening the ministry of individual national workers in the place of service to which God had called them. So, for those wishing to honor Dr. Z, in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts designated to the “Spiros Zodhiates National Workers Endowment Fund.” You may make a secure online donation here. Please designate your donation as "Dr. Zodhiates Memorial Gift" in the checklist of the online donation form. Gifts will also be accepted at AMG International, P. O. Box 182200, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37422.

Support the Ministries of AMG Guatemala

2008-02-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

We need men, women and families to pray for our missionaries here in Guatemala. Pray that they will be prepared spiritually, physically and financially to serve. As full-time missionaries money for their expenses while living in Guatemala comes through donations made on their behalf to AMG International. Their expenses include things like housing, food, schooling and travel. Would you consider investing $30, $50, $100 or more each month? If monthly support is not possible, would you consider a one-time gift?

We need your help! In 3 John 1:5-9 you can find a powerful motivation for supporting the ministry of others. John tells us that when we do, we become “fellow workers with the truth.”

We are also in need of donations for many needs of our ministry including items like new desks, stoves and other items for our many projects here in Guatemala. Please designate the use of your gift in the comments area of AMG´s secure donation system. If donating by mail or phone, simply specify what you would like your donation to be used for.

(AMG Secure)

Specify the name of the missionary or other designated use for your gift in the comment area.

Contact Us

2008-02-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Email us anytime at: info@amgguatemala.org

Our Guatemalan Address:

14 Calle 10-80, Zona 7

Col. La Verbena, C.A.
APDO. 2936

011(502)2471-5730 Fax: 011(502)2473-4880

AMG International USA:

6815 Shallowford Road

Chatanooga, TN 37421

(423)894-6060 Fax: (423)894-6863

About AMG Guatemala

2006-10-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Most of the work AMG does in Guatemala revolves around children and young people because 50% of the population is under 16 years of age . In 28 Christian schools and childcare centers throughout the country, the urgent needs of children from families living in extreme poverty are being met. The truly needy children in each village and neighborhood are identified as AMC works in partnership with local churches and Christian leaders who direct the day-to-day operation of the childcare centers. In these facilities, Christian teachers provide instruction from a Christian perspective. This is an excellent way to develop leaders who can make a real difference in their families and communities.

Over 7,000 children arrive at the centers early in the morning and stay until late afternoon. They are fed a healthy snack and lunch (the main meal of the day). These young children are involved in a variety of activities - singing, crafts, listening to Bible stories, games,recreation, and personal attention. Each child receives gifts of shoes and clothing on an annual basis. We also provide medical and dental care when possible or help thechildren's families with expenses in these areas.

In the isolated town of Cubulco, 40 miles north of the capital by air, AMG is demonstrating the love and concern of Christ through a 20-bed christian hospital, agricultural training center, nutrition center, christian radio program and dental clinic. The hospital is fully equipped with and emergency room, x-ray, ulta-sound, labor & delivery, operating rooms, etc... Medical care is provided to the people of Cubulco and tens of thousands in the surrounding area. Most are Indians of Mayan descent. Every patient and family member who comes to the hospital hears the Gospel presented. For many who are steeped in superstition, this is their first exposure to God's Word. Many have come to know Christ through the hospital. Our agricultural center provides many families with plots for growing and harvesting crops, specialized agricultural training and a representative who travels to eight different communities, sharing the gospel and teaching agricultural principals. He also assists them with their own crops and does counseling. Our radio program is listened to by nearly 70% of the population and provides opportunities to evangelize and offer health-related programming. Our nutrition center treats local children who are underweight by providing food, vitamins and training for their mothers on proper nutrition, cooking and other health and life-skills training.

Each of our sponsored children from fourth grade and above has the opportunity each and every year to attend a week at AMG's Camp Canaan. The camp is located on a forested mountain ridge that provides a beautiful setting to learn about the Creator and to enjoy the world that He has made. Thousands of children attend camp each year and remember it as one of the highlights of their life. Full-time counselors live and work with the young people, and for many campers the week is a time of spiritual renewal and growth. Many return home committed to follow Christ and to work hard to develop the whole range of their talents and abilities to better serve God.Camp Canaan is especially designed to serve the children's needs and has excellent facilities - three duplex cabins; a chapel; a large auditorium/gymnasium that also serves as a dining hall and includes the kitchen, offices, and overflow housing; a swimming pool; sports field; basketball court; and covered cookout area.Each January, leaders from AMG's 30 projects in Guatemala enjoy a 3-day retreat at the camp for training, renewal, and fellowship. This helps build a sense of community and sets the course for the coming year. The camp is also used by church groups and families for the same purpose.

Vocational Training provides people with opportunites to make a better life for themselves. This is the objective of our program in Nahuala, a town two hours west of Guatemala City. Typing, sewing, and carpentry are some of the skills taught.

Read some interesting statistics about Guatemala.

Our Mission

Advance with compassion the command of Christ to evangelize and make disciples around the world through national leaders engaged in life-changing transformation in partnership with like-minded Christians. We believe that true and lasting transformation requires belief in Jesus Christ, repentance and dependence on him. This process includes compassionate assistance to those in the communities in which we serve.

Our Vision

We envision a day when everyone on Earth will have at least one opportunity to hear and respond to a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to grow as a disciple of Christ

Our Values

Embracing God’s Word and working through God’s people, we pursue our mission with unity and clarity of expectations, trusting God and building trust among our partners and in each other with excellence in execution. We believe that:

• Every human being is created equal and in the image of God.

• Every human being is responsible for his or her own development and has resources to offer. They should be involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of our programs.

• We demonstrate compassion to those who are suffering.

• We are good stewards of all resources.

• We are interdependent in that we work together with others and support one another to achieve our goals.

Foundational Operational Practices

• Any ministries in which we engage, will be in partnership with nationals and like-minded Christians

• We will utilize scripturally-permissible, culturally-relevant strategies that will advance our vision and mission. Our principles in the area of development include:

• Ownership: We will involve individuals, families, communities and regions in order to foster ownership in lasting transformation.

• Integrated (Holistic) Approach: We will look at the strengths of people and other contributing actors (other NGOs, government, ect..) as we work together to bring about holistic transformation (human, physical, spiritual, economic and cultural).

• Sustainability: In all we do we seek to bring about LASTING change.

Click the Image Below to Study our "Theory of Change"

We manage this theory in order to guide all decisions, evaluations of our work and the development of all programming. The theory follows the values and practices from above: