The Children's Christmas Festival was a huge success! Pastor Luis talked with the children about the real meaning of Christmas and then small toys and blankets were distributed. Thank you to all who donated to make this possible. There were a lot of happy children and parents!

Pastor Luis, Dinora, and Mami sort gifts

Dinora, Mami and Sarah working on separating gifts into appropriate age groups and for boys or girls

Pastor Luis loading truck

Pastor Luis finishes securing ropes to hold toys in for trip from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

Pastor Luis shares the real meaning of Christmas with the children before toys are handed out

Each child got two small toys. The girls got a small stuffed animal and a frisbee and the boys got something like a small car, balls, or marbles and a frisbee. Parents were happy to see their children happy!

The children enjoyed seeing what their friends got! There was no fighting and not a single whine was heard even though there were only two small gifts for each child.

THis litte one decided the frisbee also could be a necklace! Mom was happy just to see her daughter happy!

Some of the children didn't want to leave and of course Pastor Luis was in no great hurry either!

The children in each church listened intently when Pastor Luis talked with them about the real meaning of Christmas.

Handmade blankets were a huge hit with the moms and babies!

Pastor Luis really enjoyed handing out the blankets...can you blame him?!

The babies were precious and the smiles from the moms stretched from ear to ear!

The children's excitement was something dear to behold!

The stuffed animals were quickly hugged by each child!

Another beautiful, colorful blanket! No doubt this little guy will stay warm!

Toys! Toys! Toys! Thanks to all who made it possible!

The children say thanks!

Eyes lit up everywhere and once we were on the way out of each village, frisbees were flying right and left! Shouts of laughter and giggles were the music we heard as we departed!

Pastor Luis and Olie work together to tell the children a story in Zacapa's VBS.

Pastor Luis had a great time with the children.

Pastor Luis and the children making the sound of a rain storm.

There were over 100 children attending this first VBS in Zacapa in 2006!

Pastor Luis and Olie are at it again! The children all want to volunteer to help!

Remember, if you want to help out in this new field, contact us at spoythress@newlifelaplata.org