Monday Minute

Near the end of the movie (and I will do my best not to divulge any spoilers), there was one scene that involved one of many battles between the "good guys" and the "bad guys". As the scene developed, the one character was fighting a seemingly impossible and greatly imbalanced fight. Though their will to prevail was strong, their size and strength was lacking compared to the army coming at them. As the battle grew and the dust storm swirled around them, the hero showed up 'just in time'. The main character couldn't even see the hero fighting the majority of the time because of their swift movements, yet you could tell that the character relaxed one they knew the hero was there, because in an instant they knew that everything was going to be ok - that good would prevail. They couldn't see the hero in action, but could see the effects and impact of their strength and workings.

As I watched this scene unfold, the similarity to real-life struck me. I found myself asking, 'how many battles do I go through in my life that I feel alone and ill-equipped yet I can feel God's presence and know that He is fighting for me?" Grant it, my battles don't involve evil aliens from green or red sun planets, but they do involve gossip about me, financial hardships, health issues, and more. Regardless of the type of battle, I know that, like David in Psalms 91, I can relax and say, ". . . He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (vs 2).

Within Kairos Ministries, we also face battles . . . battles of temptation, financial insecurities, doubt, exhaustion, and many more. But God . . . He is there with us in every moment. In His timing, He is bringing us to victory. This doesn't mean that everything ends with a happily ever after and a cherry on top. What it does mean, however, is that regardless of the outcome, having the confidence that God is fighting for us gives us a peace that passes all understanding and the security that our salvation is in Him alone.

May the Lord our God be your refuge and may He deliver you perfect peace in your week.

July 14 - it's funny how it circles back around every year, and this year, is no different!

For those of you new here, the Government of Guatemala requires that Employers provide bonuses to all employees twice a year. These bonuses, which are double the employee's monthly salary, occur in July and in December.

This year, we need $1,650.00 USD to provide the required Bonuses for two employees in Kairos House. If you would like to make a contribution towards this year's BONO14, please click here. On the drop down menu, select Bono 14, as shown in the image below.

Thank you, in advance, to those who respond to nudges to support the ministry in this way.

While we typically wait to share details of our service teams AFTER they leave the country, we will share that several of our teams are prepping to come serve with us in Guatemala - SOON! While many of you may not be able to travel directly with the teams, there are ways you can serve WITH them, without leaving your zip code!

First - partner through prayer. We know that God hears all of our prayers and petitions (I John 5:14-15) and in Matthew 18:19 -20, Jesus tells us, " . . . if two of you agree here on Earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in Heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." With this knowledge, we welcome the prayers of any individual, family, or church who is willing to pray on behalf of Kairos Ministries, our team & family, and specifically for the groups who will be traveling this year. In unity, we ask that you pray for:

• . . .God's hand of physical protection over all traveling, both internationally and within the country. We ask that you pray for God to go ahead of the air traffic and road conditions and that He may place a hedge of protection around each vehicle.
• . . .His mighty hand of protection against spiritual attacks that the enemy will attempt in an effort to thwart God's love from being shared.
• . . .team unity and cohesion. Some of our groups come from close-knit communities, while there are some being sewn together by individuals from various churches and states. Each person coming is meant to partner with us, and each has a special gift that will be used for His work.
• . . . His glory be made evident, and that each person serving will have an attitude of humility so that all praise and recognition shine on Him.

Second - you can partner through your finances.

Many of the people who travel with us to Guatemala are like many of you reading this newsletter, trying to live within their means and often having 'just enough' to get through each month. In addition to saving up funds throughout the year, they also rely on the generosity of others, whether that is through fundraisers or direct giving.
We would like to thank those of you who have already shared your finances and blessed these teams. Whether you have given directly to a group member or team leader, patronized a fundraising event, or sent a donation to Kairos Ministries and indicated you would like it to go towards a specific team, we are thankful for your generous hearts.

If you haven't considered sponsoring a portion of a team member's experience or the overall cost of a trip, there is still time! Any little bit can help make an impact. For example:

• $20 would cover 1 day of meals* (cooking gas, prep, kitchen staff, food) for 1 person
• $100 would purchase fruit for 1 day to pass out to patients waiting to be seen
• $460 would help purchase paint, brushes, and materials for our summer team to paint the inside of Kairos House
• $853 would help secure a 17-passenger van for the group to use within Guatemala
• $1,300 would help to purchase materials to repair the leaking roof in one room at Kairos House

Don't underestimate the impact your gift of any size can have on an individual's expenses, or on the group as a whole (in fact, the whole reason I (Elizabeth) am writing this letter today is because of a couple in the church I attended during graduate school and their willingness to respond to a nudge from God to pay for my first trip to Guatemala . . . ). We only ask that you prayerfully consider any donation, as we are reminded to do in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

If you have more questions, or feel led to contribute towards our 2026 trips, or other projects, you can contact Gustavo and Elizabeth Valdez at kairosministriesguatemala@yahoo.com, or you can call us at 001-717-769-9024 (WhatsApp/Texting).

Email: kairosministriesguatemala@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.kairosguatemala.com
Phone: 7176655794
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kairosminguatemala/

Instagram: @kairos_ministries_gt
Twitter: @KairosMinGuate