Seeds of the Gospel in Guatemala

Hispanic culture is known for its deep sense of community--and that's exactly what I experienced recently in Guatemala. While serving at Hope of Life, Intl. in 2022, I met an missionary agronomist, Joaquin Navas, and I found myself captivated by his vision.

I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a double major in International Relations and Spanish. While I pivoted away from that field during my career as an educator, the theme of international development simmered in my soul. Having retired from teaching last year, I wondered what my next "assignment" would be (pun intended). Much to my surprise and joy, the Lord called me to join Novo Mission's Activated Team with the vision of courageously loving leaders toward kingdom impact.

I was forever changed after rescuing Baby Jocelyn during my first trip to Hope of Life in 2013.

Kingdom impact can be manifest in a variety of ways, and I marvel at the Lord's creativity as He personally calls each of us to live out the gospel and lead others to the living water found in Jesus.

As I got to know Joaquin during that week, my heart stirred and I began to wonder if there was any way I could support his vision to relieve food insecurity in Guatemala through both science and the power of the Gospel.

I reached out to him a few months ago, and am excited to share that the Lord has brought together an amazing group to create a unique and powerful initiative: One Health Plus+.

The One Health Plus+ Initiative is led by a consortium of three missionary agencies: Exaltar International (Canada), Missioteca (Guatemala) and Novo Activated (United States). The main goal of the initiative is to create and establish a movement and a capacity development approach to make Jesus Christ known and transform rural communities. We envision a network of communities that learn how to overcome poverty in all its forms through the restoration of relationships between people and God, among people themselves, and between people and the environment. 

Brett (Missioteca), Joaquin (Exaltar), Robin (Novo Activated)

As part of my work with Novo's Activated Team, I will weave Christian teachings, practices, and rhythms throughout every aspect of the One Health Plus+ Initiative. For example, I will create lessons for our expert soy bean farmer, Amado, to incorporate Bible teaching as he apprentices Guatemalan farmers to utilize regenerative agricultural principles on their smallholder farms. This work is paramount to empowering Guatemalans using a holistic strategy that recognizes the ultimate importance of the saving work of Christ. Other ideas include leading and building capacity for local leaders to facilitate Discovery Bible Studies in the field, in their homes, and communities. I imagine sending Bibles home with farmers to lead home and community studies. I also imagine working with Verbo churches to partner with rural communities in life-giving, Jesus-honoring ways. I imagine facilitating the Activated Discover AD process to awaken Christians to their personal callings. I imagine providing personal coaching to pastors, church leaders, and other kingdom servants as a tool to inspire them to maximize their personal and professional potential. This verse is so fitting...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Thank you for partnering with me as I sow the Good Seed of Jesus into the soil of a needy world. It is according to His power at work within me, and to Him be the glory!

For the cause of Christ,

Robin

Community leaders' meeting in Sumpango, Guatemala, collaborating with Universidad Panamericana

According to ALIGN, an NGO focusing on paying the people a living wage, estimates that around 75% of Guatemalan smallholder farmers live below the national poverty line.

Give to the Mackies

Activated Team