"God's compassion every where"
-- Rev. Karen Castillo, ILAG

The Reverend Karen Castillo (President of Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala - ILAG) and Mr. Diego Gil (Delegations Coordinator for ILAG) visited in the Unites States for 18 days, recently.   Their trip was filled with excitement about how we as the Southeastern Synod and the ELCA partner with ILAG in mission and ministry.  

Here is the letter she sent to Bishop Kevin Strickland, acknowledging some highlights from her trip, and expressing hope for the future partnerships that God will continue to oversee...

Bishop Kevin Strickland
Pastors
Brothers and Sisters
Friends
Southeastern Synod
ELCA

Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"

Dear Children of our compassionate and merciful God:

We want to let you know that Diego and I arrived yesterday at 12:30 in Guatemala City. We had a very good flight.

Then last night, after a Bible Study, where we reflected about God's Compassion, and what it means, we couldn't stop thinking about our 18 days trip to the States.

After being in Knoxville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Chicago, and Austin, we could see and feel God's compassion in everywhere we visited.

We want to give thanks to all of you who attended the presentations, worship services, meetings, meals, Gala, and gatherings. We also want to give thanks for the ones who couldn't make it to any of this event and hold us in prayers.

During our time visiting and sharing God's work in Guatemala, we felt welcomed, and wewere able to feel the love all of you have for Guatemala.

We came back full of hope for the future and trusting God will continue bringing us together, allowing us to walk side by side serving God's people.

We want to let you know that the building we are looking at for the school is still available. While in Chicago we had several conversations, about the loan we are seeking from the ELCA. We are hopeful that the ELCA may soon provide a positive response to our request. We are full of gratitude as they have supported ILAG in many ways.

We also understand this will be the beginning of a big commitment, and our faith is in our Lord.

Thank you again for the opportunity we had to visit you all, for your time, and your willingness to continue exchanging experiences in this partnership that has strengthened our churches in many ways.

God's Peaçe!

Rev. Karen Castillo
President
Legal Representant
Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala -ILAG-