Tervo, Willard: Where he leads. . . Greetings from Guatemala. Christian Monthly 8/1999.
We appreciate the requests of Christian friends, who asked us to submit a letter to the Christian Monthly about our mission visit to Guatemala. We were a party of six; namely, Alvin and Mary Holmgren, Kenneth and Frances Karlsen, and Willard and Elsa Tervo. We traveled and visited everywhere together.
Our flight touched down at Guatemala City early on a March morning. Edgar and Lizette Franco were waiting for us. These lovely Christian friends planned that we would rest and visit with them, hold a service in the evening, and stay overnight in their home. They cared for us in the spirit of Christian love. A special gathering of the Francos' friends and family heard the Word of God that evening.
The next morning, Solomon, Salgueros' son-in-law, came to lead us to Zacapa. It was a joy to meet Brother Antonio Salguero and his wife, Zoila, after several years, and also their daughters. We felt at home with them, as one family of God. Salgueros' grandchildren added to our joy. Solomon is a precious brother. He is a public school teacher, and serves as minister with Salguero in Zacapa, and preaches also in other parts of Guatemala.
One evening, we drove to hold a service in Gualan, fifty miles away. Our 12-passenger rental van and Solomon's vehicle were loaded with people. Several dozen others came to the evening service. The name of the preacher there is Torres. We were impressed and touched by a 14-year-old lady who led in the closing prayer and benediction. He is a promising, potential servant of God.
On Sunday morning, we again drove with both vehicles to a service in Piedras Azules in the mountainous area. The church was full of people. Their preacher is Earnesto Pineda. Both Pineda and Torres are about sixty years of age. We conversed with them and many others who expressed the desire to discuss with us.
The Sunday School children had greeted us by reciting verses from the Psalms. About twenty-five children sat in the front row during the service. Afterwards, Soloman taught them, and they recited the Ten Commandments by heart. Our last service was at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Zacapa. The Word of God was preached by our visiting brothers and Antonio Salguero.