OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
We are a non-profit christian association, dedicated to deliver the Word of God to every person: to interact with it, in the language and format most appropriate for their own needs.
See a transformed Guatemala by the obedience of the Word of God, and hence: witness love, peace, justice and reconciliation among people, families and communities.
CONTENT Back Home
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K’iche’ of Chichicastenango
Children having children
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K’iche’ of Joyabaj
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Free to Live
Bible stories for special people
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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K’iche’ of Totonicapan
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30 My Second Chance
K’iche’ Boca Costa
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50 Q’eqchi’ Lenguage
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Light of Hope
The message of God’s hands
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Yes, there is solution for Domestic Violence
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Project: 101526
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K’ICHE’ OF CHICHICASTENANGO New Testament
Our community longs to have the Word of God in the language we learned as children. I believe that having the Bible will change our community and life. -Manuel Huarcas, Pastor of Church Nueva Jerusalén
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS
To provide the K’iche’ of Chichicastenango communities the opportunity to have their Bible translated into their native tongue. BSG has planned to start with the New Testament, taking this as the pilot project to continue with the Old Testament., working on the translation of the NT will take 6 years.
In Guatemala, 25 languages are officially recognized although more than 60 language variants are spoken among regions. There are over 138,714 native K’iche’ speakers of the Chichicastenango dialect variant.
LOCATION
TRANSLATION
60% of Guatemalan population is indigenous
¿HOW WILL WE DO IT?
Quiché (Town Quiché and Chichicastenango)
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Translate the New Testament to K’iche’ of Chichicastenango variant
Distributing Bible portions to the community
Distributing the book of biblical values and principles to the community
Interacting with the community through an Scripture engagement program
IMPACT 2021
2,750 K’iches of Chichicastenango interact with the Scriptures by receiving biblical portions and biblical material in their language at schools and institutions.
250 adults and children interact with the bible receiving a booklet in their language.
COVID-19 Juanita is studying high school in Chichicastenango, with the situation of the pandemic the classes are being online and are being shown on television. She says, “Since the pandemic started, things have never been the same in my family and in my studies. My father was unable to work. And in order to access classes we have to walk to my aunt’s house because she does have a television, we don’t have internet at home, so my studies are stopped. I never imagined what would come and how it would change our lives”. Since March, all the churches in Chichicastenango have been closed and continue to serve the community by doing house-to-house visits. So having a Bible in their language would help them strengthen their Faith Many pastors like Manuel Huarcas comment that this would also help the work of the Church that has been hit hard by this situation.
BUDGET
2021
$41,233
2022
$40,950
2023
$44,495
2024
$48,945
2025
$53,690
2026
$30,442
Philadelphia promise:
Focus on audiences and strengthen church relations. ë 8
Our people will know the Word of God in the language of their hearts!
Support the Mission!
The words of the Lord are true, and all his works are dependable. Psalms 33:4 GNT
Project: 101857
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K’ICHE’ OF JOYABAJ Revision and updating of the Old and New Testament
We did a casting to record a story of Jesus in our language, and when young people from our community participated and read the Bible in the ancient alphabet they did not understand it, we realized that it was necessary to review and update our Bible. − K’iche ‘by Joyabaj Translation Committee.
Missionary Projects 2021| Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS
To provide the K’iche’ communities with the best version of the Scriptures, revision and updating the alphabet to the latest changes that the language has suffered so that every K’iche’ of Joyabaj have access to understand the Bible in their mother tongue.
There are over 73,313 native K’iche’ speakers of the Joyabaj dialect variant. 80% of K’iche’ communities live in poverty
LOCATION
TRANSLATION
There is a literacy rate in level 1 of 5 to 10% and on level 2 of 25% to 35%
¿HOW WILL WE DO IT?
Updating the alphabet of the Old and New Testament on the translation to K’iche’ of Joyabaj
Distributing the Bible to the K’iche’ of Joyabaj community
Quiché (Town Joyabaj)
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Distributing Bible portions to the community
Interacting with the community through an Scripture engagement program
IMPACT 2021
250
2,750 K’iches of Joyabaj interact with the Scriptures by receiving biblical portions and biblical material in their language at schools and institutions.
Adults and children interact with the bible receiving a booklet in their language.
COVID-19 Joyabaj is part of Quiché where 8 out of 10 people live in poverty and 3 in extreme poverty and have very little access to health services. It is one of the places most affected by the pandemic; here are the largest number of infected people in the region. The level of contagion is since many people were repatriated most affected by the anti-immigration policies of the United States. For the same reason, it has been strongly affected in their economies, since many survive on monetary remittances, which their relatives send from the United States, which have been reduced by more than half due to the situation in the neighboring country. The committee has been contacting BSG asking for support so that the Bible can be updated because they see a great need for the Word of God in the midst of these very difficult circumstances they are going through in the municipality. “The churches have been closed and having the Word of God in our language would help families to have hope.” Write the committee.
BUDGET
2021
$42,395
2022
$41,344
2023
$45,478
2024
$ 29,325
Philadelphia promise:
Focus on audiences and strengthen church relations. ë 12
Our people will know the Word of God in the language of their hearts!
Support the Mission!
Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and whoever believes in me should drink. As the scripture says, Streams of life-giving water will pour out from his side. John 7:37 GNT
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BIBLE STORIES FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE
Project: Pend
Bringing the Scriptures to children with Down syndrome, autism and intellectual disability.
I have a son with Down syndrome. I have been a Christian since I was a child, my parents taught me how important it was to be able to read and obey what God speaks through Her Word. Reading the Bible I met God and that is what I long for my son, that is how I realized that people with Down syndrome do not have access to the Bible in a format that they understand. My constant prayers are that people with different capacities have access to the Word of God. − Karla Bobadilla 45 years.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS In Guatemala, in 1 out of every three families, at least one person with a disability lives.
It is designed to facilitate access to the Word of God to people with Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, and Autistic Aspect Disorder (ASD). So that through access to the Bible they can improve their socialization, communication and that Its message transforms their lives in an integral way.
1 in 800 children suffers from Down syndrome and 1 in 150 children has autism in Guatemala.
LOCATION ¿HOW WILL WE DO IT? Chimaltenango Developing specialized Bible stories for the audience
Training workshops will be held for Sunday school teachers, parents, and church leaders to serve children with disabilities. Giving useful tools to meet their needs.
Quiché
Sololá
Stories will be distributed in churches, schools and centers serving children with disabilities.
Guatemala City
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SPECIAL AUDIENCES
In Guatemala, only $13 a year is allocated to each person with disabilities, in Guatemala disability and poverty go hand in hand, therefore, people with disabilities do not have access to access to information, health, or job. To inclusion in society.
IMPACT 2021
2
20
Specialized Bible Stories for children with disabilities will be prepared annually.
Churches will be trained annually to attend to children with disabilities.
2 Training workshops for Sunday School leaders and pastors will be held annually
COVID-19
45
115
Sunday School, leaders and pastor received one Bible, Bible stories and will be trained annually.
Children with disabilities will receive the 2 Bible stories that will unfold each year.
BUDGET
In this context of physical, preventive isolation, the barriers that people with disabilities face have multiplied. These barriers could continue if the measures that seek to reduce the probability of COVID-19 contagion are extended.
2021
$20,127
People with disabilities have a higher risk of exposure, complications considering that they face barriers such as: Dissemination of communications in inaccessible formats. For some people with disabilities, pre-existing health conditions can increase the risk of infection and lead to more severe symptoms.
2022
$20,609
Being able to give access to the Bible in the format that responds to their needs during this situation experienced by COVID19 will bring a message of hope and encouragement that is made of utmost importance.
2023
$22,149
Philadelphia promise:
Focus on audiences and strengthen church relations. ĂŤ 16
Our children will learn to love the Word of God!
Support the Mission!
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. Proverbs 4:20 GNT
Project: 101527
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BACK HOME
Carrying hope for immigrants deported to Guatemala.
Three months ago, I returned from USA, I lived there since I was 5 years old. When I had 18 years old, I worked cleaning rooms. Then I got married and had a child. For 16 years, I suffered domestic violence and running away to another state with my daughter the migrant police imprisoned me for two years and send back to Guatemala. Every day I cries out to God, to see my daughter again. I thank BSG to bring me hope again throughout the Word of God. −Clemencia Muy, 40 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT The migrants deported to Guatemala have experienced a nightmare upon their return home. The challenges for returning migrants are difficult and complicated. Some returned infected with coronavirus, with flights of more than 50% of people with positive results in the COVID-19 tests. The social stigma against them is increasing. These people need to restart their lives. But the situation is complex for migrants, who remain stigmatized as sources of contagion. That is why it is important that they can have an encounter with the love of the Scriptures working with them in workshops to help them with the message of the Scriptures in their new beginning, so that they can have a new beginning in life. Our goal is to distribute a portion of the Bible and a Bible with a primary kit of basics hygiene so that they can find love and hope through it. Along to give a second chance to them by helping the most affected ones to certificated their abilities and can work in the country to generate their
SPECIAL AUDIENCES
own incomes and to overcome their situations thought out trauma healing bible base workshops.
LOCATION FACTS Returned from the United States, there were 54,983 Guatemalans in 2019 (adults and minors). The number of Guatemalans who returned by air from the United States is greater than the figures reported in the past four years. From Mexico, a total of 54,983 Guatemalans returned in 2019 (adults and minors). Returned to Guatemala in 2019, was a total of 105,512 Guatemalan adults and minors. And at this time until June 2020, even with the restrictions and flights to deportees, a total of 24,395 adults and minors have been returned to Guatemala.
Guatemala City
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IMPACT 2021
ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT? Protective supplies for First Line equipment that provides care to returnees (masks, gloves, protective glasses) and kits of attention to returned migrants
Distribution the Bible
Bible workshop
Distribution the portions
1,000
Returnees receive a Bible workshops and 1 Bible and portion.
4,000
Returnees portion.
40
Bible workshops for returnees.
receive
a
biblical
COVID-19 Thousands of people are in custody centers of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); without basic sanitary measures such as social distancing or cleaning. According to the Guatemalan Ministry of Health and the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs; every week, 2 to 3 flights come from the United States, with approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people each. Between 50% and 70% of people on each flight; is positive for the COVID test. Many have already died in these health centers, without seeing their families again. In most of the indigenous population of Guatemala, half of the inhabitants of these communities depend on remittances, especially from the United States, which according to the Bank of Guatemala reports a decrease in 2020 of 40% of remittances sent. The project will help restore dignity to the returnee and have removed the stigma that exists about being a returnee through the message of the Scriptures coupled with a holistic program that provides them with an emergency protection kit and an opportunity of reintegrate back into society.
ĂŤ 20
Our returned migrants will know that they are not alone coming back home!
BUDGET
2021
$21,950
2022
$24,145
2023
$26,560
Support the Mission!
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. Philippians 3:20 GNT
Project: 100547
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CHILDREN HAVING CHILDREN Healing with the Word of God to nourish with love
I have a difficult time at my home growing up, this is why I decided to be as much time possible outside and on streets I met the father of my son, he is part of a gang that operates in the area this is why I have raised my baby alone; I thank my mom because she helps us bring food to the house. I thank BGS for all the support they give me and for the talks that help me understand my motherhood. To know that I always can come to God to recover faith and peace is invaluable. - Cory RodrĂguez 16-year-old.
Missionary Projects 2021 Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS
SPECIAL AUDIENCES
Meet the needs of the heart of the “child mothers” (girls who at a very young age –some of them under 14- became pregnant or gave birth) and facilitate spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing through the Word of God to transform their lives and to create with them a space in which they can learn how to provide a loving and caring environment for their babies. In addition, this project raises awareness and encourages the local church to provide these girls with spiritual support and follow up so that they can overcome their traumas and that can raise their children in a cycle of love, instead of the cycle of violence of which they were victims.
LOCATION
Guatemala occupies the 5th place in the Latin-American region for early and girl- teen pregnancy rate. According to the Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health of Guatemala (Osar) between January 1 and May 20, 2020, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance register 1,962 pregnancies in girls between the ages of 10 and 14 and 44 One thousand 901 pregnancies among adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age, for which, in total, the Central American country has reported this year almost 47 thousand pregnancies of Guatemalan girls and adolescents. 9,400 monthly pregnancies and 313 daily pregnancies in pregnancies of underage girls according to the trend that runs from January to May 2020. Guatemala City
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IMPACT 2021
¿HOW WILL WE DO IT?
Alliances with other organizations
Distributing specialized material
Trainings for pastors and church leaders
Groups for healing aimed at child mothers
200
Pastors and leaders trained to help child mothers in local churches
100
Child mothers healed though the Scriptures.
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Volunteers from different organizations join the project to make it holistic.
COVID-19 The risk of COVID19 is complicated for a pregnant woman if she suffers from malnutrition, a condition faced by many Guatemalans in rural areas. To which must be added the age of the mother, which puts them at greater risk. Unfortunately, in Guatemala all these factors combine to create a deadly condition. Pregnancies that are framed in a context of poverty, “rurality” and malnutrition, were revealed with the greatest number in the departments of Guatemala, Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quiché, and Alta Verapaz and Petén. According to a UN Women report, insolation has increases the early pregnancy since most of those who impregnate minors are people “who know them”, such as family members or neighbors, which adds another factor in the midst of the quarantine the country is experiencing, and it is violence. That is why in the midst of these conditions it becomes even more relevant to carry the message of hope to pregnant girls through the healing and restoration that only the Bible can generate by breaking a parenting pattern with the same factors so that their generations grow in an environment of love and biblical principles.
ë 24
Our young mothers will learn about a greater and perfect love for them and their children!
BUDGET
2021
$30,001
2022
$32,961
2023
$36,257
Support the Mission!
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live. Psalm 23:6 GNT
Project: 77132
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FREE TO LIVE
Rescuing girl’s victims of sex trafficking
From the age of 10 her father began to change with her, at night he hugged her and kissed her in ways that I did not feel well. When I was 12 years old, he totally raped me. I remember thinking I was in love with him. I currently have a 5-month-old baby. Now I managed to understand that forgive is not to renounce the desire for justice and that it takes a lot of courage to forgive. But I leave this in the hands of God. I prays that no other girl passes though out what I lived. − Carmen 17 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS Guatemala ranks 1st. place in Central America by the incidence of cases of trafficking.
Aims to bring the message of God’s Word to children and teenagers who have been victims of sex trafficking or that have been sexually abused. By accompanying them through their healing journey, they are intentionally drawn to the Scriptures in weekly sessions for them to find hope and restoration.
Women represent the greatest number of victims, but it does not mean that men do not suffer aggression or are also sexually violated. Year after year the statistics for male victims of sexual abuse grows by 9.9%
LOCATION ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Bible workshops with children victims of trafficking or sexual abuse
Trauma healing sessions
Quetzaltenango
Guatemala City
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Distribution of bibles and biblical material
Special activities orientated to trafficking and sexual abuse prevention
YOUTH AND CHIILDREN
Nearly 60 percent of the 50,000 victims of human trafficking in Guatemala are children.
IMPACT 2021
700 Victims of sex trafficking and sexual abuse will hear the Good News and begin the process of healing and restoration in their life.
1,410 Scriptures will be distributed to children and teenagers’ victims of trafficking.
COVID-19
60 Bible
workshops develop throughout the year.
BUDGET
As COVID-19 grows in Guatemala, children, and adolescents, in addition to contracting COVID-19, are some of the victims that the virus affects the most. Children are most exposed to abuse, violence, and trafficking during COVID-19. The cases of violence, sexual abuse and trafficking of confined children warn that they are on the rise, the situation of confinement is the worst for those who now have to live with their aggressor since in 90% of cases in Guatemala the aggressor is from the nucleus family. Therefore, it is necessary for the Word of God to restore the lives of these children who have already been victims of abuse or trafficking. Specially to those that also have been contagion of covid19, which means that many of them are in quarantine and many are nervous about the situation that exists within these homes due to fear of to be infected. Only the hope, heal and restauration message of the Bible can help them overcome this situation.
2021
$43,453
2022
$47,799
2023
$52,579
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ĂŤ 28
to
We pray for all our boys and girls victims of sexual abuse!
Support the Mission!
You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever. Psalm 16:11 GNT
Project: 100151
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YES, THERE IS SOLUTION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Families without violence
My stepfather began to speak badly to my mother until one day he hit her. From that moment on, he no longer wanted to continue working and my mom again went to work and left me alone with him. I have spent so much time with my stepfather that I think I am falling in love with him, but that is not right, and I want to thank BGS who are helping me do what God wants and thus honor my mother. Thank you for the workshops and for talking with my mom and giving us our first Bible. − Kimberly IcutĂŠ Cruz 13 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS
Increase awareness in the geographic areas of Guatemala
Every day in Guatemala at least 2 children die violently and there are
City (which are most affected by domestic violence) about the
14 sexual abuse are committed against girls, boys, and adolescents
importance and the need to eliminate this crime within families and
every day.
raise with love according to biblical principles. Working together
Complaints of domestic violence has increased by 545.2% during
with churches located in vulnerable areas of Guatemala City, where
the past 9 years, being incest and sexual abuse the main form with
laws that protect families and the need to return to the values that
higher recidivism.
the Bible speaks about family unity will be announced, in order to
from victims of psychological, physical, or sexual violence against
problem which nobody talks about and their children are prohibited
girls, adolescents, and adult women.
from talking about it.
LOCATION ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Guatemala City
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Violence Prevention workshops for children
Distribution of violence prevention material
School for parents for raise with love
Distribution of biblical material
YOUTH AND CHIILDREN
In 2019, the Public Ministry of Guatemala received 54,404 complaints
begin to eradicate the Domestic Violence problem, which is a silent
IMPACT 2021
500 Families receive prevention workshops on sexual violence through biblical principles.
1500 Children workshops
receive prevention on sexual violence
through biblical principles.
120 Pastors and leaders will be trained to help families to break the domestic violence cycle.
BUDGET
COVID-19 Before the alarms were activated before the Covid-19, on average 155 complaints were received daily, but after the new provisions of the “curfew” that number was reduced to 38 dailies. Attempts have been made to hold prevention programs through different online platforms, but many of them do not have the necessary resources for this, so information is not easily accessible to people and creates a gap in being able to stop domestic violence at home.
2021
$38,962
2022
$38,962
2023
$42,858
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ë 32
The families of our country will learn to love each other according to the Word of God!
Support the Mission!
Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 GNT
Project: 77123
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MY SECOND CHANCE Life changing for adolescent’s gang members.
I was sexual abuse at 5 years old. From that moment my life changed. I was filled with bitterness. When I was 12, I began to consume alcohol, drugs and I got involved in gangs where I learned to have more hate. Now being in prison BSG has remember me how much God loves me and how merciful he is. I know now that God is talking to me through the chaplain that visit us every week and this time I want to listen, I need to! This new opportunity gives meaning to my life, I want to take this second chance!
− Olga España 13 years old. Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS The overcrowding of prisons during 2019 exceeded 400% of
To give a second chance in life to those who are freedom deprived is what this project strives for. The project is designed to visit Juvenile Detention Centers and Jails every week, bringing along the love of God and His Word to teach biblical values to inmates, helping them to reorient their lives to biblical principles.
their capacity, making Guatemala the fifth most overcrowded and disorderly prison system in the world. In Guatemala, according to statistics from the Center for National Economic Research (Cien, for its Spanish acronym), the custody of an inmate in the prison system costs the State Q55 a day, while for each. The reintegration programs of the Government of Guatemala, in the inmates are not working; therefore, the crime recidivism rate is higher (99%).
LOCATION
ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Guatemala City
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Workshops of biblical principles and values to help them to leave the past behind.
Delivery of Bibles in prisons for young and adults
Special activities with young and adults deprived of freedom
Workshops with group leaders
YOUTH AND CHIILDREN
the cost of providing education to children and youth is Q22 a day,
IMPACT 2021
1000
1000
Adults in prison receive a Bible.
Young people deprived from liberty receive workshops of the Bible and moral values to help them to leave the past behind.
COVID-19 Ministry of Social Welfare confirmed that 15 adolescents, 191 inmates, and 50 workers from one of the residences of the Ministry of Social Welfare (SBS) tested positive for covid-19. Workers denounce the lack of protocols of the Ministry of Social Welfare (SBS) for the assistance of covid-19 positive adolescents. The team claims the lack of protection supplies. As Bible Society of Guatemala cannot enter the centers, the Chaplains are recording the 3 workshops weekly of hope for each of the private and the directors of the Centers transmit to all the inmates as emotional support, in response to the lack of a protocol established by the Government of Guatemala. It is also provided with a Bible, so that they can find light and love from God during their confinement and their daily living.
BUDGET
2021
$48,250
2022
$48,250
2023
$53,075
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ĂŤ 36
Our people in jail will know they have a second chance in life!
Support the Mission!
When things are going well for You, be glad, and when trouble Comes, just remember: god sends Both happiness and trouble; you Never know what is going to Happen next. Ecclesiastes 7:14 GNT
Project: 77133
9
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LIGHT OF HOPE Delivering the Scriptures in Braille.
At the age of 38 I began to lose the vision progressively. However, that did not limit me to continue studying the Bible. I thank God for allowing me to continue studying his Word, now that I am blind it has been my light. This year during the pandemic through conference calls, I was able to join the reading braille bible club I am so bless to have a community of friends that love also to read the Bible.
− Vilma Rodas 53 years old. Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS Recent studies say that in 2018, 947,791 people were reported to have vision problems.
Address the situation of blind people and their difficulties by teaching them the Bible and by making the Scriptures available for them providing the Bible in Braille books. The project is designed to impact children and adults through the teaching biblical values to children and having a braille Bible reading club, presenting them the Word of God, and letting the light shine through it.
6% of the total population of Guatemalans are visually impaired.
SPECIAL AUDIENCES
It is estimated that only 23% of visually impaired people have had access to elementary school, 7% have had access to high school and only 1.5% have had access to undergraduate education.
LOCATION ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Guatemala City
39
Bible in Braille Club for adults
Distribution of the complete Bible in Braille
Classes with biblical values for children
Distribution of the Scriptures in Braille
IMPACT 2021
75 Blind adults who join the biweekly book club and receive braille writing
60 Blind children receive workshops on biblical values and material in braille monthly.
COVID-19
400 Books of the Bible in Braille donated for blind people.
2
Donation of Braille Bibles biblical principles.
BUDGET
Many of the blind people, apart from not having access to prevention measures because of their poverty condition. Also have barriers to access to public health information. For some blind people, they have lost their sight due to pre-existing health reasons; all these factors increase the risk of contagion and lead to more severe symptoms. Bible Society of Guatemala, during this health crisis, has provided grocery and medicine bags so that they can help themselves, and has delivered the braille bible club by weekly telephone calls to strength their faith and hope during this difficult time of uncertain.
2021
$24,714
2022
$27,186
2023
$29,904
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ĂŤ 40
The Word of God will ignite the lives of blind people in our country!
Support the Mission!
My help will come From the lord, who Made heaven and Earth. Psalms 121:11 GNT
Project: 100540
10
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THE MENSSAGE OF GOD’S HANDS Bringing the Word of God to deaf people.
I am deaf from birth, I received little education because of her disability and married very young. Because of my disability I rarely finds work, I was been mistreated by her husband for not understanding his language. It felt everything was falling apart. Until I start as a volunteer for BSG and monthly help with classes on biblical values with deaf children, I see how good God loves the deaf and this has change my perspective of how valuable I am for God
− Rosa María rodriguez, 48 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
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THE PROJECT
FACTS It is estimated that 361,708 Guatemalans have some type of hearing loss. 45% of the cases of hearing impairment in the country happen due to genetic reasons.
Will create specialized Bible portions to contribute to bring the Scriptures to deaf community using the Guatemalan sign language. Through the project, clubs for the deaf, both adults and children, are held to impulse them into forming communities where they can develop skills and strengthen their self-steam; hence, they will know the Word of God for the first time in fullness, allowing it to transform their lives.
Only 700 deaf people, on average, receive specialized education in the country.
TRANSLATION
There is only 1 governmental institution to look after their needs: The National Council for Attention to the Disabled (CONADI).
LOCATION ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Filming the Scriptures in sign language
Teaching biblical values to deaf children
Guatemala City
43
Distributing Scriptures in sign language
Bible Club for deaf adults
IMPACT 2021
250 People interacting with the Scriptures in their language
250 DVD’s to be distributed to children and adult.
COVID-19
150 Books about Biblical principles in sign language for deaf children.
BUDGET
The difficulties of accessibility for deaf people during the Covid-19 crisis are great. The main stumbling block faced by deaf people has to do with accessibility to communication and barriers to receiving health care.
2021
$49,229
There is inequality according to regions since some educational administrations have sign language interpreters and deaf consultants specialized in the language of signs and others not.
2022
$51,690
2023
$54,275
Bible Society of Guatemala, after seeing that many people who belong to this community, use social networks, has started to translate material to give hope through the Word of God and information about the pandemic in the format and language that they can understand.
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ĂŤ 44
Our deaf people will learn about the Word of God through the translation in sign language!
Support the Mission!
Remind me each morning of your Constant love, for I put my trust in You. My prayers go up to you; Show me the way I should go.
Psalms 143:8 GNT
Project: 101073
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RANKING
K’ICHE’ OF TOTONICAPÁN 1st Translation Bible
Two and a half years ago, I had the opportunity to find out that the translation of the Bible into my language was going to start. When I started, I did not know how to use the computer, and know I have learned so many new things, like the use of zoom platform where we have consultancies and checks team online. I recognize that God has given me strength, I am very happy for the opportunity I have to be part of the Bible translation team in the language of my community.
− Estela Elizabeth Ordoñez Yax 42 years old. Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
46
THE PROJECT
FACTS 60% of Guatemalan population is indigenous
Though the Bible translation into the Totonicapán dialect, the community of the region will learn how to read and write in their own language while strengthening their indigenous identity, but most important, the Word of God will be revealed to them. This way, the Totonicapán community will learn that God speaks K’iche’ of Totonicapán too!
According to the 2018 census, the total population of the Totonicapán department where the K’iche’ speakers of Totonicapán are located is 618,077 of which 70% are native speakers who do not have access to the Scriptures in their language.
TRANSLATION
It is estimated that 70% of the K’iche’ population attend the Churches in their various expressions and confessions.
LOCATION ¿HOW WILL WE DO IT?
Translating the Bible to K’iche’ of Totonicapán
Interacting with the community through a engagement Scriptures program
Totonicapán
47
Distributing Bible portions to the community
Distributing a book of biblical values and principles to the community
IMPACT 2021
250
2,750 K’iche’s of Totonicapán interact with the Scriptures by receiving biblical portions and biblical material in their language at schools and institutions.
Adults and children interact with the bible receiving a booklet in their language.
COVID-19 Totonicapán is one of the regions most affected by COVID19, most of the cases are severe and with 5% mortality due to the lack of information in their language and access to health; based on information given by the National Office of Epidemiology and the Ministry of Public Health. During these situations, the translation team has been affected since they live in different communities and many of them within which a sanitary cordon has been ordered by the Government of Guatemala. Virtual meetings have had to be implemented, and technological access has been provided so that each team member has the internet so that they can hold their meetings and thus continue with the translation process and be able to bring a word of encouragement to this community so affected by covid19.
BUDGET 2021
$64,702
2022
$71,171
2023
$76,217
2024
$42,486
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ë 48
Our people will know the Word of God in the language of their hearts!
Support the Mission!
I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.
Psalms 119:11 GNT
Project: 100533
12
RANKING
K’ICHE’ BOCA COSTA 1st Translation Bible
More than a year and a half ago that I supported the translation team, I found out about the project through the local television channel, from that moment I began to long for it, my heart is part of it, one of my wishes is to serve God and my community with all my strength and part of that is to be able to translate the Bible into my language. Working with translation is an honor for my family and I am proud to be part of the team. − Rebeca Cristina Carac Guarchaj, 24 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
50
THE PROJECT
FACTS
To read, study and fully understand God’s Word, the K’iche’ of Boca Costa speakers need the Bible in their own language. This project wants to translate the Bible in the K’iche’ of Boca Costa language and print 3,000 Bibles for the community by 2023.
K’iche’ of Boca Costa dialect has 69,510 speakers. According to the statistics it is estimated that in Sololá, 40 communities of the Boca Costa do not have basic services which brings many health problems to the community.
In addition to the translation the project seeks to developing initiatives for the K’iche’s of Boca Costa to have access to the Scriptures in their language before the translation ends and to encourage them to engaged with the Word of God.
TRANSLATION
It is estimated that 80% attend the Churches in their various expressions and confessions.
LOCATION ¿HOW WILL WE DO IT? Suchitepéquez Translating the Bible to K’iche’ of Boca Costa
Interacting with the community through a engagement Scriptures program
Sololá
51
Distributing Bible portions to the community
Distributing a book of biblical values and principles to the community
IMPACT 2021
250
2,750
Adults and children interact with the bible receiving a booklet in their language.
K’iche’s of Boca Costa interact with the Scriptures by receiving biblical portions and biblical material in their language at schools and institutions.
COVID-19 Every so often new confrontation resounds between the inhabitants of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán against those of Nahualá, Sololá. The economic crisis brought by COVID19 also brought this problem again. A state of siege was recently declared in these municipalities due to the ungovernability, lack of order and insecurity that some residents had in the places, due to the constant struggle to obtain control of the drinking water tributaries and also because the territorial limit is not defined on their lands. The Bible Society of Guatemala have had to implement virtual meetings, and they have been provided with technological access so that each member of the team has the Internet to hold their meetings and thus continue the translation process and be able to offer a word of encouragement and peace to this community in the midst of covid19.
BUDGET 2021
$62,633
2022
$63,510
2023
$39,278
Philadelphia promise: Focus on audiences
ë 52
Our people will know the Word of God in the language of their hearts!
Support the Mission!
Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal.
1 Chronicles 16:34 GNT
Project: 77140
13
RANKING
Q’EQCHI’ LENGUAGE Bible Revision
I have been working with proofreading for four months and now translating notes. My family agrees and I am very happy that I am part of this work since they think that it is something very important both in personal and spiritual life. I know that translating the Bible is a privilege and my community has a great need to have the Bible in our language, so I strive every day to learn and do this work better and face the challenges that we face every day. − María Carmelina Xol Cuc, 22 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
54
THE PROJECT
FACTS
Just like any other language, the Bible is under constant revisions to make it more understandable for every reader, through this project we are striving to give the Q’eqchi’ speakers a translation of the Bible adequate to the language that it is spoken today, so they are able to embrace and fully understand and live a bible-based life.
There are 726,723 Q’eqchi’ speakers Q’eqchi’ is the 2nd largest Mayan language spoken in Guatemala.
TRANSLATION
It is calculated that the core of the Q’eqchi’ speaking area in Guatemala extends over 24,662 square kilometers.
LOCATION ¿HOW WILL WE DO IT? Alta Verapaz
Petén
Revising the translation of the Bible in the Q’eqchi’ language
Interacting with the community through a engagement Scriptures program
Izabal
Quiché
55
Distributing Bible portions to the community
Strengthening the identity of the community
IMPACT 2021
250
2,750 Q’eqchies interact with the Scriptures by receiving biblical portions and biblical material in their language at schools and
Adults and children interact with the bible receiving a booklet in their language.
COVID-19
BUDGET
Petén, Izabal, Quiché, and Alta Verapaz represent 5% of all positive cases in Guatemala, with a mortality rate of 20% of patients. According to the Ministry of Social Development -MIDES- and the National Institute of Statistics -INE-, in these departments the extreme poverty index is already affected and it is estimated that it will increase by 30% by the end of 2020, due to lack and access to employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For Petén and Izabal to have the technical tools to face the Covid-19 crisis and the problems caused by the rains is the big challenge. Bible Society of Guatemala wants to bring the Scriptures in their language to bring hope and strength to these affected communities.
2021
$64,702
2022
$62,239
2023
$47,704
Philadelphia promise:
Focus on audiences and strengthen church relations. ë 56
Our people will know the Word of God in the language of their hearts!
Support the Mission!
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
Psalms 23:1 GNT
Project: 101069
14
RANKING
LINK A platform to engage the youth with the Bible
Now I am the one who became that friend who publishes stories and Bible verses. All the stories I share on my Instagram and Facebook accounts and my friends constantly ask me about the Bible and what we are reading, they tell me that seeing my publications blesses them. Thanks to Link and to BSG for caring about young people, for helping us to read the Bible more and to search more and more every day.
− JosuĂŠ Patzibal, 21 years old.
Missionary Projects 2021 | Bible Society of Guatemala
58
THE PROJECT
FACTS
Seeks to equip, develop, and empower a new generation of Bible advocates among the youth in Guatemala. With the project, a relational platform will be created for youth to strengthen their leadership and create connections for it, leading them into full engagement to read and understand the Word of God. Thus, their faith in Jesus Christ will grow and they also will be enabled to help others to have a personal relationship with God, embracing the Scriptures.
Recent studies say that the young population in the country represent 74.8% (under 30 years old).
In Guatemala, a book is read a year and 1% of the population reads for pleasure.
LOCATION ÂżHOW WILL WE DO IT?
Strategic partnerships with leaders
Trainings at national level for youth
Guatemala City
59
Interaction with youth on the social media platform
Annual youth leadership conference
ADVOCACY AND YOUTH
49.5% of young population lives in rural areas of Guatemala.
IMPACT 2021
2000
90 Young people will be encouraged to study the Bible and to develop Biblebased leadership skills through: five training sessions.
20
Youngsters interacting with the social platforms.
COVID-19
Churches reached.
BUDGET
Guatemala City is the most affected with 70% of the total positive cases of covid-19. All the churches were closed by orders of the Government of Guatemala, but that did not stop many young people from seeking God.
2021
$48,215
Many of them have used the time they are in their homes to be able to use technology to find tools to read the Bible, many youth leaders have gone on to use digital platforms to continue bringing the good news to these young people.
2022
$51,046
2023
$53,598
This is why Bible Society of Guatemala wants to keep bringing the Scriptures in a format and program that young can relate to make it relevant in the midst of COVID19.
Philadelphia promise:
Focus on audiences and integrate digital technology into our mission. ĂŤ 60
Our teens will learn to connect with the Word of God!
Support the Mission!
How can young people keep their lives pure? By obeying your commands. Psalms 119:9 GNT
MISSIONARY PROJECTS 2021 ROUND TABLE Bible House Street 11, 6-67 Area 9, Guatemala PBX: (502) 2380 8500 www.sbiblica.org
