Guatemala
(you may click each picture below to enlarge it)
With an estimated population of around 17.6 million, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, the 4th most populous country in North America and the 11th most populous country in the Americas. Its capital and largest city, Guatemala City, is the most populous city in Central America.
The territory of modern Guatemala hosted the core of the Maya civilization, which extended across Mesoamerica; in the 16th century, most of this was conquered by the Spanish and claimed as part of the viceroyalty of New Spain. Guatemala attained independence from Spain and Mexico in 1821. Guatemala is mountainous with small patches of desert and sand dunes, all hilly valleys, except for the south coast and the vast northern lowlands of Petén department. Two mountain chains enter Guatemala from west to east, dividing Guatemala into three major regions: the highlands, where the mountains are located; the Pacific coast, south of the mountains and the Petén region, north of the mountains. All major cities are located in the highlands and Pacific coast regions.
Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America, with a GDP per capita of US $5,200. However, Guatemala faces many social problems and is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. The income distribution is highly unequal with more than half of the population below the national poverty line and just over 400,000 (3.2%) unemployed. The CIA World Fact Book considers 54.0% of the population of Guatemala to be living in poverty in 2009.
Guatemala is heavily centralized: transportation, communications, business, politics, and the most relevant urban activity takes place in the capital city (Guatemala City), whose urban area has a population of almost 3 million. The estimated median age in Guatemala is 20 years old, 19.4 for males and 20.7 years for females. Guatemala is demographically one of the youngest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Guatemala is populated by a variety of ethnic, cultural, racial, and linguistic groups. 56% of the population is Ladino reflecting mixed indigenous and European heritage. Indigenous Guatemalans are 43.6% of the national population, which is one of the largest percentages in Latin America, behind only Peru and Bolivia. Most indigenous Guatemalans (41.7% of the national population) are of the Maya people, namely K'iche' (11.0% of the total population), Q'eqchi (8.3%), Kaqchikel (7.8%), Mam (5.2%), and "other Maya" (7.6%). Twenty-one Mayan languages are spoken, especially in rural areas, as well as two non-Mayan Indigenous languages.
Guatemala has among the worst health outcomes in Latin America with some of the highest infant mortality rates, and one of the lowest life expectancies at birth in the region.
Courtney and Mark are involved in the discipling/mentoring stage. Mark goes out quarterly with their teammates to the indigenous communities around Ixchiguan (about 4 hours away) where IMB missionaries have been working for 30+ years. There are several church plants there and our missionaries have "exited to partnership" with them. The team travels there regularly to keep the partnership going, encourage them, and see if they need any help.
Their primary ministry is to the Mam and Kanjobal people groups. Click each prayer card below for more information on each people group (links will open in a new tab).
The Robertson's live in Quetzaltenango (locals refer to it as Xela). They travel around to 4 local Baptist churches in the area. Many churches were planted decades ago but then the missionaries shipped out and some of the churches are really in need of partnership, help/support, and encouragement in having the 12 characteristics of a healthy church. The team enjoys visiting them and researching more and just being a support and encouragement to them.
Courtney and Mark would like to research and get out more to the Kanjobal people groups which are a bit further out. They are a lesser reached people group. Their prayer is to see how God opens doors for them more in that area.
Mark leads a men's Bible study every Sunday night and Courtney just started a "Moms with toddlers" group in their neighborhood where she teaches English and a Bible story. They are looking at starting a Bible study for youth and one for married couples (these have been asked for in their neighborhood).
The Robertson family attends and helps with their teammates' "house church plant" in Xela. It is called Second Chance Church. The church began as a college Bible study with many who have experienced hurt in the past and have struggled with addictions.
Courney and Mark ask for prayer in the work they have going on in Guatemala but also just in the future of the work - that God opens their eyes and clearly guides them to what He has for them in Guatemala.
"There are many exciting opportunities floating around in the works and we hope to see some come to fruition in the next year! . . . This next year for us will be one of much prayer as we want to follow God's calling and do the work He has for us!"
The Robertson family has prepared a Lottie Moon Christmas offering video! The video below was prepared while the Robertson's served in Columbia. Its message is still relevant for those of us called to support our missionaries proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus!
The Robertson family has posted a video update on their ministry in Guatemala!
If you'd like to follow their social media updates you can follow them on (their Instagram feed is a private group). You can also sign up to receive their newsletter by visiting their web page.
Website: https://www.commissionalcafe.com/
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/5db4ec7eb3c9/newsletter-update-61321?e=aec5b31bcf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/commissionalcafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commissionalcafe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/commissionalcaf
Concord is partnering with the Robertson family to pray for them and provide other support as they carry the Gospel to these people groups. Please pray for this family!
