Recollections of My Last Month in Guatemala

November was a whirl wind month of evangelist activity which involved traveling throughout Guatemala saying "goodbye" to many friends, missionaries, co-workers and patients.

On November 6, Impact Ministries at Tactic, Alta Verapaz released me with a "farewell" party and prayer of blessing as I entered into my last month of missionary service in Guatemala, at least for this next year, 2010. God willing, I will return to Guatemala from my sabbatical year in Canada in January 2011, again serving with passion and commitment, the needs of the poor and hurting indigenous peoples. Meanwhile in Canada, I will press into the Lord, learning more of His love and preparing for a greater anointing for service when I return.

Farewell and blessing by Impact Ministries in Tactic, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

I would like to give you a few highlights of this last month. In early November I stayed in Guatemala City for several days and visited sick children and a missionary in one of the large city hospitals. It was a delight to visit with the children I had worked with in one of Impact Minstry's village schools and to witness how God was intervening on their behalf.
See my previous blog of Nov. 12.

Evelyn waiting for heart surgery in a hospital in Guatemala City

Following that, I had the blessing of volunteering my nursing skills at a week long camp for the disabled in Chimaltenango.

Bethel Ministries week long Christian camp for disabled teenagers and young adults.

It was a special delight to spend time with my "sponsored daughter", Sonia at the camp. I met Sonia over three years ago at a hospital in Chichicastenango. Twelve year old Sonia was not expected to live as she was barely concious from kidney failure due to the disabling affects of polio which she had contracted as a 4 year old. Through prayer and God's grace Sonia survived and is now a robust happy and very active 16 year old, although still paraplegic. I have been sponsoring her in school over the last 2 years and now Bethel Ministries has taken over her support. PTL!!

Sonia, my "sponsored daughter" at Bethel Camp for the disabled

Myself and nurse co-worker Heather enjoyed a very meaningful week together meeting the medical needs of over 60 disabled young people as they in turn enjoyed the presence of the Lord and His healing power in their various situations.

Heather and myself serve as camp nurses at Bethel's temporary medical clinic for the disabled.

The biggest highlight of this past month was my return visit to Chichicastenango. I was invited to spend one morning in the ASELSI Father's Heart Clinic working in the Pharmacy, as their regular Pharmacist was on vacation. It was such a blessing working with the ASELSI staff again and renewing relationships with many. The day was topped off by a special American Thanksgiving dinner for the international staff members of ASELSI. What a delight! God is good and so gracious in all His ways.

American Thanksgiving dinner for the international staff at ASELSI

Kathy, my evangelist friend from Antigua, Guatemala, met me two days later and together we visited two different villages over the next four days, showing the "Jesus" movie and other evangelistic movies, influencing hundreds for the kingdom.

Evangelistic talk by Kathy following a film showing

Speaking at the church in Sepela before the film showing.

It was a special blessing to show the films in the village of Sepela and meet with the young ladies from my former discipleship class. They are all well and following the Lord with joy and enthusiasm.

Three girls from my discipleship class ran to meet me as I entered their village of Sepela

It was such a delight seeing them work together on refreshments for after the movie....chuchitos and hot chocolate! Nothing could be better on a cold evening in Sepela.

Making chuchitos (Guatemalan "hotdogs'" - small chucks of barbecued chicken in a tomato sauce, wrapped in a tortilla and steamed in a corn husk ).

Guatemalan hot chocolate cooked over an open wood stove (plancha).

Saying goodbye to "my girls", many of whom received the Lord in my discipleship class.

Just to add cream to the cake (so to speak), I was finally able to track down the one girl from my discipleship class who lived in Chichicastenango, 16 year old Juana. It was not easy as she has no family in Chichi. and so no fixed address. She usually just lives where she works as a cook or housekeeper. We had a wonderful reunion. It was such a blessing visiting with Juana knowing that she is still fervently following the Lord after accepting Him as her Saviour in my class about one year ago. God is SO good!!!

Juana and myself at her worksite as a cook and store assistant

And so ends my four years as a nurse evangelist to the indigenous of Guatemala. I thank God with a very grateful and humble heart for all that He has done both in me and through me in these very precious four years. I look forward with anticipation not only to reconnecting with my family in Canada (2010), but also to returning to Guatemala, God willing, in January 2011.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all things." Matthew 28:18

Whatever Happened to Evelyn and Rogelio?

About 6 weeks ago I posted two blogs concerning the medical and surgical needs of Evelyn (see Sept.27). Evelyn Adelisa Bin Reyes required surgery for a heart murmur due to a small unclosed hole in her heart from infancy.

Evelyn Adelisa Bin Reyes, 5 years old, with a heart murmur.

And also of Rogelio (see Sept.19). Rogelio, the "soccer player", required surgery to correct his deformed right leg.

Rogelio Isem Sis, 8 years old, has a serious malformation of his right leg due to an ill fitting brace. Rogelio's big desire is to play soccer.

I am pleased to report that both children had successful surgery. Evelyn's heart defect was corrected by some of the best surgical heart doctors in Guatemala. She will be discharged soon and it is anticipated that she will now live a normal healthy life.

Evelyn the night before heart surgery.

Clara's mother was busy prior to surgery raising money through the local churches and Impact Ministries schools. The total cost of surgery seemed an insurmountable amount for a poor indigenous family. Personally, I felt it would be a "miracle" if the full sum was raised, but praise God, as all the family of God sacrificially pitched in to help with the cost the goal was met and the surgery obtained!! What a wonderful testimony of the love of God when the family of God works together on a common goal.

Clara and Evelyn the night before Evelyn's surgery.

Rogelio unfortunately had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. There was no possibility, at least here in Guatemala, of correcting his bone deformity.

Rogelio post op. below knee amputation for bone infection and deformity.

He has taken the surgery well, is happy and remains active with the help of crutches.

Rogelio with his temporary "peg leg" and crutches.

He is a real "go getter". Once his stump is well healed and strong, he will be fitted for a prosthesis and more than likely will be able to play soccer again, with his prosthesis. He also will be discharged soon.

Rogelio enjoying a pinata party in the Children's unit of the National Hospital in Guatemala City.

I visited both children in the two different hospitals, prayed with them and just loved on them. They were very excited to see me, a familiar person from Mocohan, their home town.
Clara, Evelyn's mom, was especially appreciative of the visit the night before surgery as I anointed Evelyn with oil for healing.
Please pray for these two children and their families for complete recovery and provision for all their needs. God bless you! Thank you for caring and praying!

"The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous." Proverbs 15:29

"It's Time To Go Home!"

My home in Alberta - luxurious comfort compared to a rural Guatemalan home that never has a living room, carpet and almost no furniture except one or two beds for 6-8 people!

A typical home in rural Guatemala...usually one room, rustic kitchen may be outside in a lean-to structure, outside bathroom, may or may not have running water or electricity and often has a dirt floor. This is Jennifer's home, my sponsored child.

"Dear friends, family, supporters and prayer partners,

Greetings in Jesus name! I would like to say how blessed I've been with your support, prayers and love. God is good and has demonstrated His goodness through you. Thank you so much for co-laboring with me in this ripe harvest field of Guatemala . Your labor of love is not forgotten by God and much fruit will abound to your account!

It's been such a joy for me to serve here in Guatemala for the last four years, but it has not been without many trials as well. His refining process is perfect and to walk in His will and way brings peace. He has used me in an amazing way to touch the lives of so many people both here in Guatemala and also in Canada . I look back over the last four years and marvel at His hand and how He has orchestrated my life and ministry to be a blessing to many; calling in the harvest, healing the sick, encouraging the downtrodden, giving until it hurts and then giving some more. God has been so good and faithful but now, He is saying, "It's time to go home!". I will be returning home on December 3/09, just in time for Christmas!

"It's time to go home" to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada for many reasons, but first and foremost because it is God's will and direction for me at present. In my heart I know God is saying His present work in and through me in Guatemala, at least for now, is complete but it's not finished. I have run the race and stayed the course. Now I am going home for a rest and to discover His will for me over the next year in Canada. This year will give me opportunity to reconnect with my family, friends and church, to reflect on God's future direction and also to maintain my Alberta Health Care which would have expired in January 2010. Alberta Health requires that full time missionaries return for one year once every four years in order to retain their health care benefits.

My desire is to return to Guatemala in January 2011, as there is still much work to be done. In fact, an overwhelming amount of work to be done. But for the time being I am finding rest in His will and look forward to at least a year of new discoveries with God in Canada. After a month of rest I will be looking for employment in January 2010 in the Lethbridge area.

It is somewhat with a sad heart that I am telling you this, but at the same time with much peace knowing that I am doing His will. I know the work that He has started in me will be perfected. He has promised this. He will also keep and guard His harvest here in Guatemala . I shall miss my work in Tactic with the Impact Ministry's Vida (Life) School in Mocohan which I have grown to love. Over the three months here I have completed the assessment of all the children in this village school, having referred many to the local health center or hospitals and seen the overall health and vigor of the students greatly improved. During this time individually or through pamphlets I've taught all the students, parents and teachers in basic health care and first aid. Two children have been referred for urgent surgery and one girl was spared a life of disability when sent to the hospital with a fractured leg. Many children received prayer, one boy gave his heart to the Lord, parents have been encouraged with love and hope and through it all God has been glorified and the people of Mocohan blessed.

A child of Mocohan,Yasmin, 6 1/2 years old and only 27 pounds when I first meet her has come a long way socially and physically! Three months ago Jasmin was very ill with worms, amebas, scabies, anemia and chronic malnutrion. She was one of the sickest children in the school and her mother seemed overwhelmed with the needs of the family and unable to properly care for Jasmin's health and emotional needs. With one-one teaching of the mother, much prayer and close supervision of Yasmin's health with appropriate medicine, Yasmin has become a smiley, happy, bright little girl, now ready to enter grade two. Yasmin was created by God's love for a purpose and now His purposes are starting to be fulfilled in her life.

My plans are to fly home to Canada on December 3. Meanwhile, during November, the last month I have in Guatemala, I will be completing my work here in Tactic with Impact Ministries, traveling to Chichicastenango to visit friends and say goodbyes to "my girls" from the young women's class that I discipled in my home in Chichi.. With my friend, Kathy, I will be doing an evangelistic weekend through film showings and preaching of the Word in Sepela, "my girls" home village near Chichi..

I will also spend another week volunteering as a counselor and support worker at a Christian camp for the disabled. My "sponsored daughter", Sonia (suffering from polio paralysis) will be attending as a participant. Sonia (15 years old) has been promoted to grade 5. An amazing accomplishment for a girl who only started school 2 years ago and was delivered from death by a miracle in 2006. Please pray for God's protection, anointing and divine leading during this month of evangelism (Nov.) in Guatemala.


Me with Sonia (15 years old) in her boarding school, attending grade four. Sonia is one of a very few disabled children in all of Guatemala, that has the privilege of attending school. I was instrumental in finding a school that would take Sonia inspite of her disability. She started school at 14 years of age.

I look back over God's goodness and faithfulness these last four years with much joy and thankfulness for the wonderful privilege of having served Him as His ambassador here in Guatemala through both ASELSI Ministries and Impact Ministries. PTL! I would appreciate your prayers as I transition back into life in Canada for the next year, until at least January 2011.

I would also greatly appreciate your ongoing financial support, if at all possible, until at least March 2010. That will give me a chance to rest, find work and receive my first pay check. For more information about how you can support me, please email me.

Thank you again to all my supporters, prayer partners and friends. I appreciate all that you have done for me to enable me to do the work of the kingdom here in Guatemala from Jan./06-Dec./09.

I pray for each of you that God will ever increase in your hearts and lives, that His blessings will overtake you and that you will find your complete hope, joy and purpose in Him. God bless you each and every one!

Much love in Jesus and thankfulness for your partnership,
Virginia Birss (Ginny)

Jennifer, "a little taste of Mocohan Guatemala", that I am taking back to Canada. I've commited to supporting Jennifer in the Mocohan Impact Ministries Life School as she enters grade one. Each child in the school ideally has a sponsor to pay for school costs, provide one meal a day, shoes, and medical and dental care if needed. Jennifer, after one year at school in the kindergarten class had not been sponsored yet which caused her some sadness. Since I've decided to be her sponsor, both her and her mother feel so blessed and are so thankful for the privilege of being "cared for" . If you would like to sponsor a child in one of the Impact Schools please log onto their website at: www.impactministries.ca

Jennifer with her mother, Aura near their home in Mocohan, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala - my sponsored child.


"All glory to Him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him, in the beginning, now and forever more. Amen." Jude 25

A Mocohan School Day

Greetings from Mocohan, Alta Verpaz, Guatemala!
I've been located at this school as school nurse for Impact Ministries since August, 2009. What a joy to participate in the lives of these precious Poqomchi Indian Children. As school is finished in one week with the graduation ceremonies on October 27, I thought I would share some photos taken of the children and school representing a day in the life of the teachers and myself at the school in the village of Mocohan.

Here goes:

Arrival of teachers and myself by school bus from Tactic, a half hour ride starting at 6:30 a.m, departure at 1:00 p.m. Three days a week the teachers stay later for home visits and class prep. time.


Children's devotional , half hour to 45 minutes of precious Spirit filled, anointed worship calling in the presence of God.


Weekly fluoride program given by myself.


Aydee teaching grade one.


Joyful faces of the kindergarten children working on mathematics.


Jose , the maintenance man, drawing clean water from the school well for breakfast prep.


Dedicated kitchen workers preparing breakfast.


Students enjoying breakfast!!


Good to the last lick!


Recreation time following breakfast and enjoyed by all!


More class time - grade two.


Myself attending to the needs of the sick children. Girl on my lap had been very ill with multiple problems two months before. Now she enjoys good health and increased weight, praise the Lord! (31 pounds and 6 1/2 years old)


Yearly fitting for new shoes which will be a Christmas present for each student.


Registration of students for next school year - January 2010 to late October 2010 - by secretary, Doris.


In the afternoons the teachers make home visits. This is a typical student home.


Prayer by teachers for a student's father who recently had surgery.

So this is all in the day of the students, teachers and myself at the Impact Ministry Vida (Life) School in the village of Mocohan, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
May the Lord bless you and inspire you to pray for this ministry and myself as spiritual, physical and educational transformation occurs in this village due to the presence of Impact Ministries Canada (click for more info.).


"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

My First Two Months as School Nurse - Newsletter

School nurse in the Impact Ministries Mocohan Vida (Life) School

On the road to Mocohan

Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Tactic, Guatemala! I do want to thank each one of you for your prayers and faithful support of my missionary medical work with Impact Ministries as a school nurse. I've now been in Tactic working with Impact Ministries for two months, although it seems in many ways much longer. I phoned my Mom yesterday and she informed me that I wasn't sending any newsletters. Sorry!!! I just assumed that people were reading my blog: (click here)... Virginia in Guatemala. But for those of you who don't have access to the computer or haven't yet ventured into the "blog spirit" here is a short report of all that has happened in the last two months.

I must say since I arrived here August 1, the time has gone by in a whirlwind of intense activity including setting up house: being sick with a cold, sinusitis and ear infection and finally recovering; helping with two different medical outreaches both stationed in the new Impact Ministries clinic; developing a school medical program at the Mocohan Vida (Life) School (5 mornings/week), as well as attending to the needs of sick high school kids 2 afternoons a week, and the needs of children and parents attending Impact's after school outreach in San Antonio one afternoon a week. In between time I fit in clinic work, prep. work, charting and other activities to keep all the programs running smoothly. I've had opportunity also to prepare first aid kits for all six schools and teach a short first aid class to the directors and secretaries of the schools, as well as accompany several children to outpatient clinics at two different hospitals about half an hour from Tactic. My day starts at 5:00 am. when I get up and is a whirlwind of activity until bedtime at 9:00 pm. Whew!! That's my life in a nutshell! Weekends I try to keep up with communication, blogs, shopping and making meals for the week.

I have been enjoying getting to know many people from Impact Ministries "River of Life" Church here in Tactic including having several people over for supper as well as having invitations to supper. The Guatemalan people have been very gracious and open. I especially love my next door neighbours, a young couple who are both school teachers with Impact Ministries. I walk to and from the bus every day with them as they accompany me to school. Esvin works in the Mocohan school with me and his wife Pati works in the neighbouring Chicoy school. I've also made friends with a couple of middle age Guatemalan ladies from the church and visit them frequently for "coffee" as they tell their tales of life in Tactic 40-50 years ago when some of the first missionaries came.

I live in one of Impact Ministries modern guest houses and have one large bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, plus a kitchen, living room and dining room for my own personal use. I do share my living space with some short term team members when they come and have had several couples plus some young ladies visit up to 10 days at a time. Impact does the cooking for the teams (no extra work there!). To keep myself and the cockroaches entertained and to keep the mice at bay I've got myself a 2 month old black and white kitty!

Although the transition from Chichicastenango to Tactic has been difficult in many ways, I am beginning to feel comfortable in my new setting and "home town". We've had several cultural events since my arrival including the annual "Tactic Days" week long festival (Aug.7-14), Independence Day (Sept.15) and Children's Day (Oct.1). Guatemalan's love celebrating. In fact they don't need a Thanksgiving Day because they celebrate any special event with a "Thanksgiving Day" (Dia de Gracia). I attended one such event celebrating the anniversary of the opening of a Christian owned butcher shop and God's blessing on their business! I drank their traditional chunky beef-tomato cream soup out of my bowl and ate the meat chunks with my fingers. This is also cultural... no cutlery!!! And so goes life in Tactic!

God has been very good in providing for all my needs, healing me, giving me friends as well as enabling me with strength and wisdom to do the work set before me. It's been such a blessing to have this opportunity to serve in the Mocohan school and Impact Ministries as their nurse and to be a part of the transformation taking place in this community because of Christ. Thank you for your prayers and love. Without you I wouldn't be here. You are an integral part of this work and I truly thank you for all you have done for me and for the children and community I serve. May you be blessed as you bless others! Bless you!!!!

Please write or email sometime. I would love to hear from you!
Love in Jesus,
Virginia (Ginny) Birss

Independence Day Parade, Sept.15

"Dia de Gracia" ... no cutlery ... Esvin and Pati eating polick with their fingers

Impact Ministries Clinic Outreach Sept. 29-30

Last week was an incredibly blessed week as Impact Ministries hosted a Christian group of four Guatemalan doctors along with a team from Kamloops B.C., Canada to do an intensive two days of medical outreach to the local community and to church members from the distant community of Parachuch.

Parachuch is located a good one hour+ drive from Tactic over rough mountain roads and in the Indian language area of Achi. The people there are desperately poor and came with great need. Impact Ministries has been helping the community build a church. What a blessing to see the kingdom of God advance.


For two days we were packed to overflowing as everyone worked to the maximum to attend to the great variety of needs presented from both the Tactic area and the group from Parachuch.

The Guatemalan team came with two doctors,


a dentist

and an optician.


The Kamloops team provided pharmacy,

laboratory and skilled paramedical support.

What a great team we were, all working together for the glory of God and the health of the community. A special "thank you" to the Guatemalan doctors and the Kamloops team for making this medical outreach possible.

I was able to bring some sick children from the Mocohan Vida (Life) school to also have a time of consultation with the doctors.

I'm thankful that Evelyn Bin Reyes, the 4 year old with the heart murmur, came. She was quite ill with bronchitis and the following day was scheduled to be in the heart hospital in Guatemala City for an exam. I wasn't sure if she was well enough to make the trip, but due to prayer and the intervention of medical care, she recovered and did make the long 4 hour trip. PTL!

Evelyn has her open heart surgery scheduled for November 10. Please continue to pray for Evelyn, for her healing and for the surgery. Pray for peace in her mother's heart, Clara, as well. It has been a very stressful six weeks for her since Evelyn was diagnosed with this heart condition.

Clara, Evelyn and myself in the medical clinic. Please pray with us for a successful surgery.

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

Evelyn, Oscar and Mayra

Rogelio Isem Sis requires surgery on his right leg.

Last week I introduced you to Rogelio, the soccer player! Rogelio has seen the orthopedic doctors in Guatemala City. There is some hope that his right leg can be saved but it will cost over $1,000. Money the family does not have. His leg may need to be amputated.

This week I would like to introduce you to some more very special children in need of surgical care.

First there is Evelyn, a sweet 5 year old in kindergarten at the Impact Vida School in Mocohan. Evelyn is small for her age, tires easily and is frequently sick.

Evelyn Adelisa Bin Reyes, 5 years old, requires surgery for a hole in the heart.

On physical exam I discovered that she had an undetected heart murmur. Her mother was very surprised. But yes, after an exam by a pediatrician it was true. Her mother was crying and said "if she dies, I'll die with her". She couldn't bear the thought of her little girl possibly dying early. Evelyn goes to Guatemala City this week for a special heart test and then discussion regarding surgery. How can a family living on $5 a day possibly pay for very specialized tests and trips, let alone surgery. This could amount to a few thousand dollars and even with a reduction in rate through social services the bill could be $1,000 or more. A few weeks later on a routine physical exam of her sister, it was discovered that her sister may also have a heart defect. What a challenge for this family, but nothing is too big for God!

Typical home of a student who attends the Mocohan Vida School.

Next there is Oscar and Mayra. Both Oscar and Mayra have vision problems. Oscar has crossed eyes and a "lazy" eyelid.

Oscar Jeremias Caal Xol, 6 years old, requires surgical correction on his eye.

Mayra is almost blind in one eye due to an accident 8 years ago.

Mayra Leticia Cahuec Caal, may need eye surgery to correct near blindness in one eye.

Neither child has seen a doctor concerning the condition of their eyes. The families just don't have the money. Impact is looking into how best to help these children and others with serious needs as well. Needs that will hamper their potential to learn, work and live productive lives. Next week four children from the Impact School in Mocohan will be receiving professional examination and consultation with opthamologists in the Regional Hospital in San Cristobal, about half an hour from Tactic.

The needs seem to be endless, but each child is precious to God's heart, and even though the needs are great, God's heart is greater.


Poqomchi boys in traditional dress at the Independence Day parade, Sept. 15

Please if you are able, consider giving to the medical fund, so Rogelio, Evelyn, Oscar, Mayra and others can receive the surgical and medical care they deserve. Click on this site to find out how you can donate to these special children's needs through ... Impact Ministries. Designate your donation to "Medical Needs".

Typical Poqomchi family living in Mocohan, proudly displaying their garden!

"In as much as ye have done it for the least of these, you have done it unto Me."
Matthew 25:40