Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Interwoven Threads - January 2008

INTERWOVEN THREADS
In Mayan culture, every fine weaving tells a story. This is our story. . .

January 2008
The Final Chapter


A New Year & A New Beginning:
Each year begins with new expectations and promises as we look towards the future. Yet, this year is beginning very differently than we had imagined. Unfortunately, RMI has suffered some losses over the past year especially in the area of US sister churches. As a result and after many months of prayer, we know that God is leading us in a new direction. Therefore, as of February 1st, we will resign from RMI and return to the United States. This has been the hardest decision of our lives, yet we are at peace with God and know that He is guiding us each step of the way. Enrique is currently pursuing new avenues of ministry as he desires to continue to work with Hispanic youth in an inner city setting. Chrissie is also pursuing available opportunities where she can use her abilities as a nurse as well as continue to partner with Enrique in ministry.

Looking Back at Guatemala:
As we look back over our time here, the one thing that we will miss the most is the people. Guatemala has become our home and we are fortunate to consider many Guatemalans family. We have seen huge changes in the church bodies that have been a part of The Sister Church Program. Pastors have grown in their knowledge of the Bible and in their desire to reach out to their communities. Church members have begun to show Christ’s love to their neighbors. And many have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We do not take credit for any of this, but rather feel privileged that God let us be a part of His work here in Guatemala. We also believe that God strategically placed other ministries in the area that will continue to teach and build up these church bodies. Although, we are overcome by sadness as we think about leaving our brothers and sisters in Christ, we know that God is with them and will continue His work among them.

Next Steps:
First of all, we want to thank each one of you for all your prayers and the financial support that you have given us. Your partnership with us and RMI in ministry has been invaluable. Please continue to pray for us over the next several months as we begin to adjust to the many changes ahead. RMI has graciously offered us severance pay through April as long as our monthly support continues. Therefore, we are asking our support team to continue their monthly giving through the month of April. Also, we wanted to remind anyone who is currently giving automatically to please notify the RMI office regarding your final gift date. Thank you again for your partnership in ministry.

May God Bless You,

Enrique, Chrissie, & Marissa Coreano

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Christmas Eve a Night to Remember

I know this is a little late, but we still wanted to share it with you. We spent this past Christmas here in Guatemala and what an incredible time it was. First of all, my mom and stepdad came down and spent about 10 days over Christmas here with us. It was great to have them here and they really enjoyed getting to have first hand knowledge of our everyday lives.

Christmas Eve is the big time of celebration here. The entire day and night is spent visiting with family and friends. We were able to go and visit a few of our friends homes and a few came to our home as well. When you visit someone or they visit you they give you tamales. So, we had a refrigerator full of tamales by the end of the night. The entire day was great, but the most amazing thing about the entire day happened right at midnight. Everyone and I mean everyone lights off huge fireworks from their homes. I know this is not the safest practice, but it was like nothing I have ever seen before. Imagine the best firework display you have ever seen and then imagine that you can see it everywhere you look. It truly was magnificent. Marissa was amazed by all the lights and sounds, but very quickly fell asleep on the roof with us. We are so thankful that we got to spent the holidays here with our family and friends.
-Chrissie