We have great news - We bought a car Saturday morning!  THANK YOU! so much to each of you who gave and prayed for this car for us!  We brought it to our mechanic and he gave us the stamp of approval.  We are beyond thankful to have a reliable vehicle! 








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​About 48 hours after the purchase of our car the president of Guatemala shut down our country.  
All borders are shut no incoming or outgoing.  
All malls, public and private businesses are closed, all schools closed.
Only pharmacies, banks, grocery stores and gas stations are open for limited hours.  
Gatherings of any kind are prohibited.
All public transportation in the country is shut down (if you have been to a third world country you know this is HUGE)
No entry into the prisons.
Everyone should stay indoors and only go out for necessities.
The country shuts down completely at 9pm.  NOTHING open.
*we are also out of toilet paper - haha!

We are actually pretty grateful for the extreme action taken.  We live in a country where so many are uneducated that the spread of this virus could be catastrophic if not dealt with in this way.  However, in a country where so many live day to day and if they do not work they do not get paid, we are uncertain what the future holds for many here.  The president is holding another press conference Wednesday to roll out his economic plan to help people get through this.  So, while you are experiencing cabin fever and anxiety over the news - we are right there with you.  We are praying for you!
We are however, continuing at the school via internet.  Jerry will be giving his classes via Google classroom and I have begun a Chaplain Chat email to stay connected with my students to share hope and peace.  Jerry will not be entering the prison for an extended time as they have closed all entrances into the prison due to the virus and also a mutiny attempt last week.  
Please continue praying for Samuel and the other believers in the prison who meet for the Bible School as all of that has been suspended as well.
We will be checking on the shelter later this week to see how things are going there.  When we were there Thursday and Sunday things were normal.  Not much coming and going from there.  We will wait to hear how their supplies are holding out. I am sure anxiety is high among the girls with all of them being away from family and some from their children and siblings.  Pray for us as we try to decide wisely how to help them.

Before the world went into crisis mode we had a very successful first round of service projects for the Spring semester.  All secondary students went out to 8 different ministries around Xela and served in many different capacities.  Jerry lead the group that served at the Shelter and I lead a group that went out to a rural school.  I absolutely love being the coordinator for these projects.  It is a joy to disciple our students to serve and share hope with others. At the end of this blog are a few pictures to brighten your day.

We love you all and continue praying for God’s grace and peace to cover each one of you!                                                    

Much love,
the Lastrapes

t has been a whirlwind of a few months!  Between school and shelter there is not much time left for anything else.  We were so ready for Christmas Break to begin we just crashed our first few days and are beginning to resurface and enjoy our time together as a family.  As I had the opportunity to share the Christmas Story many times over the past several weeks in Chapels and at the shelter I was reminded of the contrasts in the story and in our own lives.  Christmas brings so much busyness and “loudness” to our lives but, there was no room for Jesus in the busyness and loudness of Bethlehem.  Instead, he was born around back, outside in the quietness of the stable with the animals.  If we let it, the busyness can crowd out Jesus and we will miss the opportunity to welcome Him into our lives. We have to look for Him in the quietness and meet Him there.  As we slow down and reflect we see all He has done in and through us these past few months. ​

Prison Break
Visiting the prison has not been an easy task since school began for Gerald; between the constant threat of search and seizures, prisoners threatening to riot, and the government limiting of the number of people allowed special permissions. Gerald's ministry to Samuel and those he is shepherding is still going on with communication via Facebook Messenger. While it is not a preferred method, the ability for him to share opportunities to pray and "inside information" about how to pray for the prisoners and those in charge is valuable. Please pray for Samuel, for the churches and their ministries as our enemy is working hard at destroying them, for the leaders both inside the prisons and the officials making decisions. Please pray for Gerald as he plans on visiting Samuel this coming Saturday, that he is able to enter quickly, and spend as much quality time with Samuel as possible. Thank you for your encouragement in this very difficult ministry. 

This week has been a doozy! 
VEHICLE UPDATE
The Jeep has been in the shop since the last email, six weeks ago.  Monday we got a call from the mechanic saying "he could not help us this time and he was not aware of anyone in town who could".  After a mild freak-out we prayed and God has lead us to someone who has experience working on Jeeps so we will be having the Jeep towed to him tomorrow.  It has been very stressful coordinating our crazy life with one vehicle.  Especially since the one vehicle we are left with does not drive straight and the tires are bad and it is rainy season so it has been pretty dangerous road conditions at times.  We have not been able to put it in the shop because we need at least one working vehicle.  We have no idea when or if the Jeep will be back up and running so we are praying for wisdom in what move to make next.  You guys have graciously provided $5800 so far!  We are so thankful for your generous gifts.  It is looking like we will need at least $4400 more to be able to look at a newer model vehicle.  We can not sell the Tahoe at this time to add to the amount not knowing the condition of the Jeep.  Please continue praying with us for God to provide the vehicle/s we need.  

Last night our Jeep broke down in the middle of a very dangerous section of the highway. Everyone is okay. However, we do find ourselves in real need of at least one reliable vehicle. Almost every time we have been given extra money this year we have had to put that money into repairs on one or both vehicles. Please pray with us and consider giving to help fund a reliable vehicle. We will sell one vehicle to help have money go toward something newer but we still lack about $7000 to be able to purchase something really reliable. We are unable to take out a loan here in Guatemala for a vehicle because we are not Guatemalan citizens. We currently have a 20 year old Tahoe and a 15 year old Jeep Liberty. This letter is going out to those of you who support us financially and/or prayerfully. As always we covet your prayers more than you money so please pray with us as we wait for God to provide. Please also pray we would be wise in our decisions concerning a vehicle. Thank you. 

Click the link to send support:  www.WorldOutreach.org/407

Events at the prison have continued to change and there has been more national police involvement. Changes from simple things like the family that holds my car keys while I am in prison no longer being allowed to stay on top of the hill where the prison actually is to national police exhaustively checking everything and everyone going into the prison. While this is a well intentioned process it affects those who travel from hours away to visit. Despite all that affects my entrance, the times I have been able to get in and visit are always a joy and an encouragement. About a month ago I saw a familiar face in the prison; a face that I spent countless hours with having weekly Bible studies. Our eyes met and he about jumped over the table to get to me, much to the surprise of his breakfast companion. It was Raul, my old friend and Bible study partner. It was a surprise and great reunion. He told me to sit with him and asked me what I wanted to eat for breakfast and that he was paying; I couldn’t resist this time with him. We chatted and picked up right where we left off. Despite our time being short (maybe 20 minutes) it was a great time and I was encouraged to hear that he was attending church.

As we look toward to next school year Sarah been given the job of school chaplain for the entire school from Pre-K through Seniors.  It is a big task as she will be preparing four elementary chapels a week as well as a secondary chapel, which also includes coordinating monthly service projects all over Xela.  She will also be leading an Advisory class, which functions as a Discipleship group.  Her goal is to continue only part time at school so that she is able to continue to keep up with ministry at the shelter.
Gerald will continue as the High School Bible teacher, teaching Old and New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology, Church History, World Religions and Apologetics.  As well as the Senior Community Service class which focuses on ministry projects and preparation for Summit Camp. As well as continuing with his Advisory class of 7&8th grade boys moving up from last year.  

As you can see our plates are full to overflowing with ministry but our cups are also full to overflowing with blessings as we have had the tremendous opportunity to blend shelter ministry with school ministry!

Please pray for us as we both have been given heavy responsibilities for the spiritual growth of the our school.  Sarah is feeling a heavy burden and truly covets your prayers as she embarks on the role of chaplain.
Pray for our health as we attempt to keep up with the fast pace, that we would also find some times of real rest and keep stress levels down.
Pray for both Maddy and Coleman as school merges with ministry.  That both would be able to focus on their studies and have understanding especially in the area of Math.

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Please continue praying for the new director (Massiel), the workers, the residents and us as we continue in this time of transition.  Specifically for Bella, Dora, Erika and Maria Alejandra as they are the residents who have lived through the "old" and the "new".  
Pray that the Lord would continue to grant Peace to all who enter the home.
Pray that we will be faithful when there is little and when there is much. (resources and residents) 

                                                                                     Prayer Requests
We recently had a stretch of sickness go through our family.  It was very trying and we are tired. Please pray for our immune systems to get back up to speed.  Sarah’s immune system has really taken a beating and she is on injections to try and help. Please pray they work.

Both Maddy and Coleman are going through difficult times right now.  Please pray for encouragement and grace! And wisdom for us as we try to love them well during this time.

Lastly, please be praying for Sarah's dear friend, Sonia and her two children.  Sonia is a new believer who attends the Discipleship group Sarah attends.  She has had a horrible year and is really trying to lean on her new faith.  Please pray for grace and comfort for her and her children as well as God to continue working in her life and growing her faith. 

We truly covet your prayers!  We recently attended the annual Intermissions Conference which was a huge encouragement to each of us.  As Satan began attacking us the day we returned home (not kidding, this happens every year) we were reminded of something we learned over the weekend.  Your prayers for us are far more valuable than any amount of money sent! God truly sustains us by your prayers! When we are weak He reminds us we are surrounded by faithful supporters who not only support us financially but prayerfully.  You are a blessing to our family even when you do not realize it!

Thank you all again for your love and support as we continue seeking to share Jesus where he has planted us here in Xela!  

Much love,

Gerald, Sarah, Maddy and Coleman

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