Author: T.R. "Dick" Bass

We are “United in Faith Guatemala” (Unidos en Fe Guatemala).

Why? For the past ten or so years we have been planting churches. It is thrilling to see Guatemalans saved, baptized and then discipled – there is nothing like it. But we continued to see how difficult their lives are – the government just announced the poverty rate at 56%. The only way LEGALY to help them with schooling and job training is to register as an association or NGO. So, we took the big step – add these opportunities to church planting! 

It has been incredibly difficult and expensive to get this registration. And just as we had received preliminary approval – they changed the law. It is wild working in a third-world country. The registration agency didn’t understand the new law. We continued to revise our paperwork and resubmit. Our poor attorney spent hours on the keyboard. Finally after six months of almost weekly (5 hour) drives to the capital we actually have the papers!

The next step is to see if God’s people will help us by donating and COMING to help. Let us know what you think here: Contact or begin donating here: Become a Partner

The pastor dies and a once vibrant Church begins a decline. The wife cannot sustain it. Down to two; Pastor Jaime and family are the perfect fit. Fifteen years pastoral experience, teacher at the seminary and a huge heart – just the right qualifications. One year in and the Church has gone from two to over forty and having professions of faith! This team from Grace Baptist Fort Worth spent a week and completely refreshed the buildings and grounds. And, hosted a “VBS” style Childrens activity for one hundred! We closed the week with a showing of the “Jesus Film” on Thursday. BTW: The next Sunday was the best attended in years!!! (CLICK FOR PHOTOS)

It is an amazing story of love and patience as this couple continues to serve in this indigenous Mayan village. Many have come to Christ and have been baptized. However, discipleship has been difficult for this group who predominately do not read and primary language is Kaqchiquel with a fundamental understanding of Spanish.

And five days a week they minister to one hundred or so children with Bible training and a great meal. He teaches a class on ethics in the public school and has a great relationship with the director. She has her children’s class on Sundays where she shows her heart for teaching.

Because futball is so popular here they have dreams of a sports ministry (soccer) to enhance their monthly Kids Club on Saturdays.

From the bottom of our hearts – THANK YOU! With your help of prayers, support and coming here our first church plant has been a blessing for so many! Continue to pray as we revive a Church in Zaragoza and plant one in Milpas Altas. Together in Faith (Unidos en Fe) until He returns. Bro Bass and Barbie

A missionary friend in San Lucas posted this good update last night: an update from Guatemala:
A few months ago, Guatemala voted in a new president. The result was clear – the anti-corruption candidate won. He is due to take office in January. But the Attorney General (and friends) are claiming that there was election fraud and that the political party should be suspended.
Today marks 10 days of protests and road blockades. The people are demanding the resignation of the Attorney General and a few of her cronies, for her interference in the election process and for trying to impede the new president-elect from taking office. For the last several days, there have been well over 100 roadblocks across all the major highways in Guatemala. The supply-chain has been affected and many people cannot get to work.
Please pray for a swift and just resolution. Pray for truth to prevail and that corruption will be brought to light and prosecuted.
We are completely safe! We are laying low at home this week, but have access to lots of shops and markets right here in town.

Together in Faith

We are excited to inform you the application for OUR association in Guatemala is ready to sign! 

When we began searching for our association name “Unidos en Fe” really hit home. Everything we have done in the past forty-five years together in ministry have been just that – together. Together with you, and for ten years together with the people of Guatemala AND YOU!

Why an Association? Registration with the Government of Guatemala is quite different (and difficult) than having an NGO in the States. It represents acknowledgement that you are legitimate. There is so much corruption here that trust is difficult. It opens doors with the Guatemalans to join the work with us, donate to a highly regulated association and allow us to work in their communities. In Guatemala there are over 12,000 registered nonprofits; of those only 1200 are registered Associations.

So much advantage! So thankful for this opportunity.

Barbie and I have been praying fervently “Lord open the doors to new ministry in Milpas Altas. Make it happen.” When He opens doors they swing wide!

On Sunday, July 30, 2023, after church, while surveying Santa Magdalena Milpas Altas, a teenage boy ran to my car speaking rapidly. He accused me of hitting, and damaging, a machine behind a black curtain in the street. I told him I didn’t think I did it. He insisted so I offered him money to go away. He said the machine was worth Q1000. Being somewhat afraid, I offered him all I had; about Q600. He refused and then more teenagers came, and more, all talking at once. I became very afraid for the safety of my wife and I. I offered one more time but he wanted more money. In fear for my life I drove off. He hung on to my vehicle for a time and then jumped off. 

Today I went to the Public Ministry to issue a “denuncia,” somewhat like a complaint. The lady read my report and laughed “They do that all the time. No one has made a complaint against you. They are “carnies” here for only two or three days for the fair. They are gone to the next town. Do not worry.”

Then the door opened, and her supervisor entered and we all had a long conversation in Spanish. I explained we were in Magdalena considering a place for a new ministry. Everything changed to English! “You are a Christian? I have been praying for my city. We need to talk.”

Sometimes God answers with the same intensity as the request! Such a blessing.

During a mission trip to Guatemala in October 2012, Barbie and I heard, and answered, an absolute call of God to the people of Guatemala. Three months later we were invited to go to Guatemala with Manna Worldwide as Church Planting Missionaries. In May of 2014 we were “boots on the ground” in Guatemala.

Ten months of language school and we began starting churches. In 2015 we started a church in el Arado with Pastor Jairo Mendez, in 2016 started a work in Patzun with Pastor Vinicio Aguilar, took oversight of a feeding centre in la Gomera with Pastor Dagoberto Rendon and 2017 started Bible Baptist Church and feeding center in Rama Blanca.