Some of you may have seen the following, but just in case....

Please be praying for Guatemala.
As with many places in the world today, we face economic problems here in Guatemala. It affects everyone, but most of all the poorest are hurt the worst.
If you like statistics, here are a few...in April, the Consumer Price Index showed inflation of 4.32%, the highest ever recorded here. Over the past year prices for the basic staples, rice, tomatoes, vegetable oil, beans, corn, etc. have risen more than 50%! Groceries in general have gone up about 50% in the last year. That means a year ago if we paid $200 for a load of groceries, now that same amount costs $300. Yet, the poor here are not earning any more today than a year ago. Please pray.
Economic hardship like this also creates desperation in some, so crime increases, violence increases, the peoples sense of security decreases. Please pray.
Please also pray for the entire missionary community. It affects us also. While we are comfortable in comparison with the poor, it is making us cut back in areas also, which can affect our ability to do ministry. We missionaries receive a double whammy in a sense. Not only are prices skyrocketing, but we receive our salaries and ministry funds in dollars. The dollar is falling in value concurrently, so the money we get from the states for our subsistence and ministry falls far short compared to even six months ago.

This was put together by a friend here who has been here about two years, and I wanted to pass it along for increased insight.

We're doing o.k. down here, and would love to hear from you all. Please jot a quick note now and then...you don't know how encouraging it is to hear from you.  

We'l try to keep up with this blog, so please tune in on occasion.  Continue to pray for our spanish and that we are able to be a blessing to those God has brought us to...

Niel & Diana