Many of you may have heard that our Directors of the Guatemala Mission were killed Thursday night in a plane crash leaving Guatemala. I am forwarding a message from Steve from Guatemala. Claudia and Rapheal left behind five children from age 14-21. Your prayers are indeed appreciated for the children and the Mission
The message along with a video of them with their children which is posted on the mission website.
Thursday May 14, 2009.
It is with deep regret that we have to report that Rafael and Claudia Araneda were killed in a light aircraft crash in Guatemala. Please pray for their family and for their ministry.
A message from Steve Tharakan of the Mission.
Dear Friends,
Thank-you for your kind words of comfort and encouragement as we mourn the tragic loss of Rafael and Claudia.
The funeral this morning was beautiful and was a fitting tribute to two amazing people who dedicated their lives for God’s work. Pastor Michael Watkins of Iglesia Del Camino in Antigua gave some inspiring words and encouragement (some of you may remember him from the church you attended while in Guatemala). The children also sang an inspirational hymn that they used to sing all the time as a family. Claudia’s mom and some of the children reminded us not to focus on the tragedy but instead see Rafael and Claudia’s lives as a model and we should have a smile on our face because we know that they are rejoicing with the Lord right now. As the coffins were lowered into the ground, Claudia’s mom lead the gathered crowd in singing a hymn and receited Psalm 23. It was a very moving event and it was evident that God’s presence was there.
Pastor Sam Martin will be flying to Guatemala tonight to be a support for the mission during this difficult time and lead a memorial service for the Araneda family and our staff, which will be held at the school. Then for the next few days we will be making critical decisions on how to move the mission forward. We ask that you keep us in your prayers through this time.
Rafael and Claudia are irreplacable and their serving passion that has built this mission for the past 9 years will be sorely missed. However, through God’s wisdom and your prayer support, we can ensure that their legacy of serving the spiritual, educational, physical and emotional needs of the children of Guatemala will continue.
Blessings,
Steve & Sandra
Filed under: Arms of Jesus Mission, Uncategorized | Tagged: Arms of Jesus Mission, Guatemala, Guatemala Mission, Newfoundland and Labrador, Rafael and Claudia Araneda, Team Members, Volunteer Work | 1 Comment »
Dream of a Lifetime 