Wow, what a year!

Wow!  This year has been all over the place.  

We started the year teaching online school with Inter American School of Xela.  All four of us were in different rooms connected to our computers all day long.  It was intense.

Ministry has looked different. But God has been faithful to us. We have all stayed healthy. We have all learned to thrive during this time and God used this time to refocus us as a family.

In May we watched Maddy graduate in an immediate family only, outdoors ceremony.  It was memorable!  We are so thankful this was able to take place at the last minute since there was no closure for the Seniors of 2020 due to country wide shutdowns.  Maddy has since moved to the states and is working, taking exams for scholarships and getting settled into life in her old/new  culture.  The transition has had its bumps and setbacks but she has handled things extremely well and we are so proud of her.  She is looking forward to attending McNeese State University in the fall of 2022.

Jerry continues to teach High School Bible Classes as well as Senior College Prep classes at IAS.  He has been part of beginning a Men’s Discipleship group for teachers. Guatemala is still under many restrictions and many churches continue to not hold in person services. This discipleship group is an answer to prayer for many and for Jerry and Trevor (Secondary principal) as they have prayed for the past year for a way to reach these young teachers with the love of Jesus and encourage them in their walks with the Lord.

Sarah and Coleman have stepped back to return to homeschool for his last two and half years of schooling.  This has been a huge blessing and we have seen Coleman grow and succeed academically with this change.  It has also allowed Sarah to serve in the area of hospitality. From preparing a meal for a family from the school who had all contracted Covid at the same time leaving the teenagers alone in the house while the parents were both hospitalized to hosting dinner and game nights to provide a taste of home for single teachers; she has enjoyed being able to minister in this natural way.  We are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving and hosting a couple of guy teachers in our home.

Ministry has been much more one on one and personal this past year.  We have been able to encourage and bless a few of the girls who lived at the shelter in the past.  With Covid in this country came great economic hardship.  A few families reached out to us for prayer and help.  We were able to pray with each one and pay rent for some, provide several with groceries, as well as take care of other needs.  We have continued to keep in touch with the shelter.  We have not been allowed to enter the building so we continue to take bread every Sunday morning as well as provide fruit and eggs for them a couple times each month.  We have also provided underwear and socks for all those living there.  The support they receive from other ministries has dwindled and we have been asked to help more.  We have done so by the grace of God and by you all giving. We will again be providing Christmas presents and a Christmas meal for all those at the shelter.

Please pray about helping financially with this need.  We have a great beginning from a generous gift from Woodlawn Baptist church’s VBS but we lack enough to provide for everyone as well as Christmas dinner. ​

 If you would like to give you may, as always
1 - send your tax-deductible gift to
World Outreach
PO Box B
Marietta, GA 30061
Memo: Gerald and Sarah Lastrapes #407

  or
2 - you may send a check directly to
    Gerald Lastrapes
    8049 Old Hecker Road  Iowa, LA 70647
and it will be deposited directly into our account for us to access.

Please pray…
     for the children and youth of Guatemala who have not been able to attend school for the past 2 years and          have had little to no education during that time.

     for those who are still struggling financially and have lost jobs due to Covid.

     for our discernment and compassion as we continue to serve where we see needs.

     for people like you to continue and begin to partner with us in prayer and finances.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!
Peace of Christ to You,
the Lastrapes