All the numbers had been given and all the boxes were loaded with gifts 
and ready to be passed out. 600 chairs were in place and the ropes to direct the families were up. The pavilion was decorated and the stage ready for the program. The morning was crispy cold and beautiful blue skies overhead. The first family in line had arrived at 1 AM to be sure to get a good place in line. The line of families waiting stretched all the way to the nearby community. The children were giddy with excitement!
The gates were opened at 7:00 am and the families began to pass through. Gateway Church from Southlake, TX joined the ASELSI team as we presented 3 programs during the morning. At the end of the wonderful songs, puppets, clowns and the presentation of the Nativity story, many families responded for prayer and salvation. Our staff, some of our students, and the Gateway team helped to pray with those that responded. There were 3 whole families that accepted the Lord that morning, plus 7 other individuals and 11 others who recommitted their lives to Jesus. Over 100 others requested prayer for healing and personal problems. Our students are thrilled to be able to followup with these families in the coming week. There were around 1900 children that attended plus their families members so we believe we had around 3500 people with us for this program.
Following each program, the families lined up to receive their gifts. They were so happy and all of us received many hugs and kisses! The local cable company came and took footage and we later learned that we had also made the national paper called the Prensa Libre! We give God all the glory and want to thank all of you as well who contributed gifts, money and lots of prayers for this opportunity to let our light shine for Jesus here in the darkness of Chichicastenango.
To see more pictures of this awesome event, click on the Christmas 2008 slideshow.
God bless you all and Merry Christmas!
John and Sharon Harvey