Guatemala / Matt and Leslie / Missions Frontier
In 2003, Leslie went to Guatemala with First Presbyterian of NPB to participate in the dedication of a Christian School being named in honor of her Grandfather, Dr. Duke (former pastor at FPNPB). Following the dedication, Leslie and her husband felt a call to missions and quit their jobs to move Guatemala with their three children; ages 2,3, and 7 at the time.
They currently operate a hotel and conference center in Chichicastenango, Guatemala which serves a ministry site for groups from the states who come to the area to participate in mission trips. While they participate in many projects and have worked in a variety of areas over the years, their focus is on building Christ centered relationships and discipleship. They have run medical clinics, construct houses for families associated with the local church body, and hold an annual English Camp for Children from the Guatemala City Dump. The camp serves as an incentive to stay in school and maintain their grades. From 2003-2013 (or so) we administered a Christian school that had been built and funded by First Presbyterian Church NPB. For 8 years or so, when there were more missionaries in the area, they organized and staffed a missionary community church in order to bring together the ministries in the area. The Capehart’s ran a school and brought down teachers from the children of missionaries. Matt assisted in surgery at the Good Samaritan Hospital for 15 years. All the projects they have chosen are with the primary intent of forming and maintaining relationships with the local church body and supporting them where we are able.
Prayer requests include:
These last two years have been difficult financially as we’ve had to cover ministry expenses, and pay overhead costs of our hotel property in Chichicastenango. In January, we were able to have our first US team since the pandemic began. They hosted a pastors conference at the hotel for pastors and their wives. It was a huge blessing for all involved.
Please pray that we would be attentive to go where God leads us as a ministry.
Please pray that God would continue to bless and financially sustain us. Please pray for those who don’t yet know Christ and that God would be able to use us to lead them to Him.
Please pray that God will continue to give us the energy to continue the race that’s before us and the means to sustain us. Our children are all in the states, and while we see them as often as we can, it’s tough on them and on us. We ask for prayer for each member of our family. We have chosen to remain in Guatemala not because it’s easy, but out of obedience to what we feel God has called us to do.
Please pray that God continues to give us wisdom and discernment as we seek to obey his will.
