Juan, his wife, and their infant, live in a one bedroom house/ministry building that he inherited from his father.
We sit on donated benches in a room that doubles as his living room and church sanctuary as Juan shares his story.
Born into hard circumstances, Juan grew up on the streets without a caretaker. Over the course of his life, Juan experienced a series of repeated and unfortunate “chance” occurrences. To an outsider, these circumstances might seem disheartening. However, to Juan, every turn in the road was another example of God providing perfectly in His perfect timing.
“God has been faithful.”
Due to his genuine belief in God’s Lordship over finances (and all other circumstances), Juan chases after the ministry set before him with urgent abandon.
“We cannot wait until we have everything to start ministering.
We start ministering now.”
He has a dream that his people would “have a new heart” and invests his whole life in pursuing that dream.
As a result, Juan experiences moment-by-moment provision of physical resources, as well as an abundant outpouring of favor among man.
Here are a few examples…
Monday through Friday, Juan teaches English at a school down the street. Though it is illegal to “evangelize” in public schools, the principal allows him free reign to speak openly about Christ, as well as invite students to his weekend Bible gatherings.
In an effort to minister to the local police force, Juan began hosting dinner/devotional nights once a week. His efforts were met with so much favor that higher-ups soon made it mandatory for all police on staff to attend His dinners.
During the first week of our stay, Juan’s infant son was suffering from a fever that would come and go. In total, their trips to the doctor should have cost approximately 1,000 quetzales. Instead, they ended up paying only 100.
“I have seen a lot of things that God can do, that money cannot.”
Juan and his family wear donated clothes and sometimes forego meals in order to maintain their feeding/ministry programs. However, you will never hear him complaining.
What you will hear is him encouraging those around him, laughing as he plays with his son, praying passionately over the people in his community, and casting vision for those who are discouraged.
“You can be the richest man in the country and still have nothing.”
He may not be the wealthiest man, according the the world’s standards, but I have not met anyone in all of Guatemala that has been blessed with as much faith and favor as Juan.
While ministering alongside Juan, I have been the benefactor of his unhindered and unending generosity…and I will forever be changed as a result.
I don’t think many people will ever understand and trust in God’s heart in the ways that Juan and his wife do. However, the Lord offers all of His children a life of abundance and I pray that we would all learn to embrace our blessings as wholeheartedly as the Peliz family does.
!! Prayer !!
Praise
- That God has opened up opportunities for Juan and his wife to impact the community of Chichicastenango (the name of their town).
- That God has granted Juan and his wife an abundance of spiritual wealth and beautiful, Christ-like hearts.
Requests
- For the truth being taught amidst English classes and over dinners with local police to fall on “good soil” and cause heart/life transformation.
- For God to continue to supply all that the Peliz family needs in order to continue life/ministry in Chichicastenango.
Like Juan, I have much excess that I plan to give away freely (faith, hope, joy, love, and a listening ear)… However, money is not currently something I have in great supply. As re-entry to the US approaches, I am in need of approximately $2,500 in order to purchase a car.
- Please pray that God would provide funds for a car upon my return.
If you are interested in being a part of Him meeting this need, donations can be made online at: http://www.gofundme.com/stephanieprinz/donate.
You can also mail checks (payable to Stephanie Prinz) to 17501 SW 93 Avenue, Miami, FL 33157.
***
My team and I leave Monday for a short retreat in Antigua, Guatemala called “Awakening”, where we will meet up with another squad to encourage and pour into each other.
After that, we head over to Belize for our last month of ministry and a few days of final debriefing.
Can’t believe I will be seeing so many of you so soon!
Thank you for your persistent support and encouragement.
Love you all, embrace your blessings!
