The Bartley Family

OUR NEW MISSIONS

2012-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

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AND THE TRAIL GOES ON

2012-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the trail in VA does continue, but Keith does not. Due to an infection in his leg, I had to pick him up around Roanoke. With 700 miles under his feet, he is anxious to get back, but 2012 will not be the time. Although his wife, fully supports his endeavor, she will keep the home fires burning, as he dreams & plans for 2013 possibly!

Ready for The Trail

2011-03-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

4 Months Later

2011-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

After much prayer & preparation, Keith is pursuing his life-long dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Departure date is Monday, March 7, 2011. His plans are to start at Springer Mtn, GA & travel 3 days to Neels Gap; if he can get up the next day, he will travel again & so forth, until, hopefully, he will make it to Katadin in Maine; just a little over 2200 miles. Plans are to be back by our anniversary date in September & Grant's first b'day. He says he will blog as he goes along, so you can follow him from there and me from here in TN. My plans are to travel to Nicaragua with our church in April for an evangelistic mission trip where we have a partnership with a church/school in Corinto. We are living temporarily in a rented condo in order to be somewhat flexible as to where we may be by the fall or next year. Hope this does not sound as if we were 'flying by the seat of our pants'. Our intention is to be available to what & where the LORD might want us next. This gives me some stability & a good place to 'nest' while Keith is able to do this. He turned 60 in 2010 & we both believe the LORD is giving us this time for a season - I believe it is true that He gives us the desires of our heart.

2010-10-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

As of September 9th, we are back in the states & on that date, we also were blessed to have our 4th grand-baby, Grant Franklin Bartley, making it 3 grand boys & 1 grand baby girl in our household coffer. Also, as of September 20th, we have opted to take a leave of absence from the Mission Board and as of this time we are traveling to see & reconnect with family & friends. We are not sure where or what type of ministry the Lord will lead us into, but we are sure that He knows & will let us know at the appropriate time. We would appreciate your prayers with us concerning His leading & direction, that we may hear & obey, which is our heart's desire.

2010-08-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know Panama is divided into North & South America? This is the Bridge of the Americas; when you cross it from our side, you are in North America, our side is South America! We now have our driver's license for Panama & our residency; we also receive a senior citizen's discount, on food, lodging, etc; sometimes up to 50% off some things, plus free entrance into Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal!

2010-08-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

This last team was from Missouri; we worked in Portobelo, Portolindo & Cacique for 4 days & being right on the beach, it was very hot & humid, plus we fought the mosquitoes & they won, with me anyway. The beauty of the place was marred by the poverty & violence; it was a sad place to work in. We did door-to-door evangelism, open-air preaching & showed movies on Sat & Sun nite.

2010-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to the Darien Province, west side of Panama, to see what connections we could make; what churches were there; potential places for teams. Travel time was about 4 days.

2010-08-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is a recent trip into the mountains & rivers of Bocas, the northwestern part of Panama. We visited several villages along the Changuinola River to determine if there was any evangelical presence there. In the village of Guayaba, there were no churches, with the exception of a cult called 'La Luz del Mundo' (The Light of the World). This church believes the True Apostle lives in Mexico City & the people of the village earn money to give to the True Apostle. Please pray as we try to establish a Baptist work there.

2010-08-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

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Today we went to the National Arts & Crafts Festival here in Panama City.

2010-07-14T15:03:00.001-07:00

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This is where we will be living at least for the next 3 months here in Panama. It is in an area called La Boca. It is in the vicinity where the people from the States lived while working for the Panama Canal; they had their own high school & grade school. It is beautiful; I will paste pics of it as soon as I can.

2010-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd team in Panama was spent in the region of Chiriqui. We worked in David with Pastor Ricardo. His church is in his home & we were hoping to build other cell groups in the neighborhood. The response was good from the people we visited. The children had a great time of playing soccer, watching a movie & they enjoyed the presentation of the Gospel in an effective & demonstrative manner; many thanks to the team from Berea, KY.

2nd Team in Panama from NC

2010-06-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

We worked with a team last week from Troutman, NC, to construct a soccer field for the community in Vera Cruz. Many obstacles, including weather, had to be overcome. On one particular night, we received over 4 in of rain. By the grace of God & perseverence their work was completed. This is the Pastor Anibal & his wife; they are from the Cuna People Group. She looked beautiful in her traditional dress.

First team of young nationals

2010-06-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

We worked in Limon with a group of young nationals, this past weekend, who were a delight to be around. The Pastor of the church is pictured with his family; keith & hermano Jose, a great evangelist, by the way he is "only 80 years old" as he says, trekked those hills very well.

2010-06-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Kids are kids in Panama; they loved their picture being taken.

2010-06-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

We visited a school in a small community on a mountain in Limon; this is kindergarten with about 12 children; they sang for us.

2010-06-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

These are boats waiting to go thru the Canal.

2010-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here in Panama we are in the process of making a new home. This is a picture of the Bridge of the Americas over the Panama Canal.

2010-05-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have been to many churches & conferences for stateside from January til May, but the bestest times were spent with the grand-children. This one loves the drains for some odd reason (he's all boy) & we loved watching. We have had the opportunity to spend time with our 2 others in OK & have passed the test to even keep them by ourselves.

2010-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas in OK and Thanksgiving this past year, both times I was sick. Now this is Jan & Keith & I both have had bronchitis - I really think we are allergic to the cold. We experienced the 'worst snowstorm of the century' in OK and TN does not seem to be far behind in that. Needless to say, we have done much travel from VA to OK in the last 3 months. The picture is a Willow Tree creech that Mel had in her dining room for Christmas.

2009-11-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

We landed 8:30pm Mon the 26th of Oct & the picture you see is what fall looks like in NE TN this time of year - we haven't seen this in 4 years. It is beginning to feel colder, especially when the sun does not shine. We have been to see our youngest son in VA & in 2 weeks, we will be off to see our oldest in OK. The benefit is that the grandestchildren in the world are there; if you know what I mean.

2009-09-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

See our Countdown Clock below for the time we fly out of Guatemala back to the States. Now we are in the process of doctor's appointments and packing for clearance. Our stay has been a great experience & blessing because of the people here; we will truly miss the friends we have made that feel like family. The LORD has been very gracious to us & we are thankful & sad at the same time, but we know we will see them again. We are greatly anticipating what God has in store for us.

2009-09-28T17:38:00.001-07:00

Myspace Countdowns, Autumn Countdowns at WishAFriend.com

Arkansas Team 08/01-08/09

2009-08-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

This team from The Church at Crossgate Center in Hot Springs, ARK worked 3 different areas and probably experienced more culture than any of the other teams we have had. Mon & Tues was spent in Santa Domingo Xanacoj, where they saw the Fiesta de la Ciudad celebrating their saint, mixed with some Mayan tradition. Then on Wed & Thurs they visited homes in Santa Catarina Barahona and San Antonio, Aguas Calientes where they partook in savoring some typical Guatemalan dishes. Their use of the salvation bracelet was quite a hit in all the places and we had just an all around good time & good weather with great food & fellowship. The Lord is good & worthy of all praise! Thanks ARK team for coming & sharing!

2009-07-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

This team worked in San Felipe, close to Antigua July 26 through July 30th; they enjoyed fellowship with the church members as they climbed up and down the hills of this little village (although they would not use the term 'little' when the day was done). We appreciate their labor of love and especially the attitude they presented for the whole week of work. We enjoyed their company and God gave the increase; to Him belongs all the glory!

2009-07-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

FOURTH OF JULY in Guate was spent at a Prayer Retreat in San Jose, about 2 hrs from Guatemala City. We had a great time of worship & praise & some relaxation at this particular hotel on the beach. Actually, you had to walk about 1/4 of a mile to get to the beach. Guate beaches are black sand and very rough waves. It was a good time of fellowship with many of the missionaries we normally do not see but once or twice a year. Just an UPDATE for those of you who regularly pray for us: We are still planning on our stateside for 6 months, beginning Oct 26 until sometime in May, 2010 and then Panama; at least that has been our last notice from IMB & so we appreciate your prayers for what we need to accomplish in being back in the good ole US of A!

Medical Team in GUATE

2009-06-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

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On June 23-26th, Keith & I had the privilege of working with a Medical Team from Alabama. A local Baptist church here in Guatemala city opened their facilities and they were able to see a total of 280 people; they also shared good personal hygiene with the families. The Lord blessed with a total of 7 people praying to receive Christ as the team had set up time to counsel spiritually. This was the teams first trip overseas, and of course, our first time to work with a medical team. We learned much and now have a better understanding of what is needed.

2009-06-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

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Keith and I visited the northern part of Guate, where we have not been before. We went by several churches where the missionaries work and visited a Pastor. Thought you might want to see some of the beautiful country & people.

2009-05-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

This is the team from our home church, ISBC, in Kingsport, TN (the driver and translators are included, 2 other churches in TN & 1 from Atlanta, GA); they worked from May 2-9, 2009 in a squatter village on the hill just up from Jocotenango, close to Antigua, Guatemala. I must prefice and emphasize that much prayer was put into this work before and during that time. An incredible harvest was reaped and the potential of over 50 Bible studies in homes for the future may be started. We give God glory for what He can and has done through the willingness of His people to be used in such a way. One of the interpreters gave testimony that she had been shown how easy it was for her to be able to present the Gospel to her own friend and a great blessing to lead her to faith in Christ!

2009-04-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is a 'before' picture of a bridge in Villa Nueva, where we worked a few weeks ago, and had to cross over, with the help of a strong arm and a prayer. People cross it every day carrying heavy loads on their back or head, and so, we were impressed to help provide a better bridge. The Lord has provided enough money to buy a truck chassis and a volunteer to set anchors, at a minimum cost to the church, hopefully, before rainy season sets in. The bridge is about 8 ft above, just enough to make you leery. I will put a picture of the new one as soon as it is built.

2009-04-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

This team worked in Rio Hondo, Zacapa for 4 days, then San Martin Jilotepeque in Guatemala for 1 day more. It was at least 107 degrees, give or take a degree or two, for those 4 days in Zacapa, but they did a wonderful job and God graciously opened the door to 3 schools in that area for them to minister in and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with over 600 students. The people there were very friendly and many homes were opened to us. As Sid so appropriately said "we didn't just plant a garden, but a field!"

2009-03-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

This team may not even be home yet - from Enon Bapt, AL, they are still travelling home. We had a great week in Villa Nueva working with the church there called Ciudad de Refugio (City of Refuge) and truly we pray that the church is a refuge in that place for many. The team worked hard reaping a potential of 45 Bible Studies in homes and over a 100 prayed to receive Christ. They also worked in the different schools there which resulted in one school talking of adding a period in the day for studying the Bible, led by one of the church members. An interesting story: the first day, we always prayer-walk the area first, we encountered in our path a dead animal; later several ladies confirmed it was put there to place a curse on us so that we would not come back - but, God was faithful and He protected us and prepared our way - to Him be all glory!

2009-03-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, while I was in Mexico City for a Ladies Retreat, Logan Caleb Bartley decided it was a good time to finally come into this world. This is a picture of his footprints on his daddy's arm. I would say those are not the only places he has put them by now; born Feb 21st at 4:19pm; 8lb 2oz; 20.5in, he has captured the heart of many, not to mention 2 in Guatemala. The LORD has blessed us tremendously (this happens to be #3 and we are just now in our 3rd year on the field).

2009-02-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

These ladies were posing in front of an old church in Antigua. This shows the traditional dress for the indigenous people (Mayan - 21 different ethnic groups) in Guatemala; they are very colorful and delicately woven and they still proudly wear this "traje"

2009-02-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Luis, Julio and Bryan - our van driver and interpreters - really a lot of fun and they are our right arm when we go out on our trips. We are blessed to have them and they enjoy the teams tremendously; our teams definitely enjoy them!

2009-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

This is a team from Lake Village, Ark that worked with us in Monjas, about 30 minutes from Jalapa. Believe it or not, the weather was rather cool during this time of year there and it was quite pleasant, but our work was very hard. There is a great need for a baptist work in that area. Pray God will open doors and hearts.

2009-01-12T15:29:00.001-08:00

We hit the ground running again; our first team for the new year, Jan 3rd, was Caroline Baptist Association from Arkansas. We worked in Flores Costa Cuca with Pastor Carmelino and church. On Wednesday evening in the central park, the team concluded with a wonderful praise and worship service. They were tremendously blessed with a potential of 28 Bible Studies from that community.

2009-01-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We were blessed to be able to go to the States for both and be with our families. Our son, Josh and his wife, Steph and our grandson, Drew, who turned one year old in January, were with us in Tennessee. As our custom, we also cooked the 'hog-jaw and black-eyed peas' with the help of Keith's sister Sharon, on her wood cook stove, to celebrate the New Year; the meal was delicioso! The time was too short.

2008-12-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

This was not only our last team for the year, but, the largest team we have had the whole year of 2008 - and - contrary to what we may have previously thought to expect, one of the best - and - certainly, one of the more enjoyable. They did Vacation Bible School for 100 kids morning and afternoon - and - we might add, a terrific job at that! We appreciate all the efforts put forth and their great attitude every day. The last day they handed out Barbie dolls for every little girl and matchbox cars for the boys; wish you could have seen their faces! Pastor Herberto, at the church there in Los Laurelles, gave an invitation and 31 children prayed to receive Christ - God be praised!

2008-11-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Our last team was from Columbus, GA. They worked in Jalapa doing door-to-door evangelism and inviting people to a Vacation Bible School for adults and children to be done by the next team coming on Nov 22nd. They were lots of fun and we had a great time, but I do remember going to bed early every night, so it must have been hard work also. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to be with and to do work with these people - til next time, maybe next year!

2008-11-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

This is our newest acquaintance in the neighborhood, Maria and she is 6 years old. She told me her family does not observe Christmas and she had never heard the stories from the Bible of David & Goliath, Jesus, etc. She took our small Children's Bible home & her mother read her the stories, whom we have not met yet, but, hopefully some day. She is very patient with our Spanish and loves to visit us.

2008-10-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

These are our 1st trick-or-treaters in 3 years (actually, we didn't have any on Old Beason Well Rd, we lived too far from the road); instead of saying "trick-or-treat" they said "candy-candy-candy....." They came @ 6pm and we have had none since; oh well, k cannot have the rest of the candy!

2008-10-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Below is a slideshow from a 6th Grade Graduation, all girls, in Zone 5 of the city of Guatemala. We arrived at 8 and left at 11am; it was still going on, but our cab had arrived. The first part of the ceremony was spent in praise & worship to God & Jesus Christ; this is a public school, not a private. They marched in to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say 'I Love You'" and lit candles to the tune "Under the Boardwalk" - live music from a keyboard. It was quite enjoyable.

Graduation in Guatemala

2008-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

We had 4 people from Arkansas and 9 from Alabama; I ask you, could there be a better combination? Two days were spent in Patulul working with a sister church from Santa Barbara; the last day was spent working with de Iglesia Bautista Belen, Santa Barbara, Such.Guatemala. The sister church in Patulul was their 10th mission started from the church in Santa Barbara; would you say that church has been busy working? The team had the opportunity to work in a school that morning with boys from kindergarten to 6th grade. They were privileged to see 41 people pray to accept Christ and 4 reaffirm their faith in Him. The Lord blessed in many ways and to Him we give the glory & praise!

2008-09-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we were not at church on Sunday night after we joined that morning, but this is what happened. Two guys came in & robbed one of the men sitting on the back row & took his vehicle. The Pastor saw what was happening & of course, the rest of the congregation; the men did not have masks on. Guess where we sit when we go to church?

2008-09-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is Iglesia Bautista Aposento Alto (Upper Room Baptist Church) where we attend church when we are in Guatemala City. We joined last Sunday, (that does not mean we moved our membership from ISBC) as a part of our training in 'Kaleidoscope' for Guatemala. The Pastor is aware of the fact that we are out with teams every other week and will not be able to attend. We really enjoy the worship, Sunday School & preaching. It is much like our church at home, with a praise band; their services are fellowship and people oriented, not as time oriented as we are in the states. SS begins at 9:30, 11am for preaching (not necessarily begins at that hour) and you may be on your way back home by 1pm, maybe. Everyone hugs everyone, not just shake your hand (yes, k does too!)

2008-09-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

WHAT IF EVERYONE LIVED NEXT DOOR TO JESUS? by Gary Stone, a friend of ours & fellow missionary here in Guatemala. This is his first book published through Hannibal Books & available online at www.hannibalbooks.com or can be ordered through Barnes & Noble or Books A Million. Gary is a great storyteller and weaves great tales of his adventure in this book. He has devoted more than 20 years to a life of missionary work in Ecuador, Australia & Guatemala, leading he & his family into remote jungles, beautiful barrier reefs & mountain villages. He is adept at bringing important lessons & truths that will tie the everyday to the spiritual. A really down-to-earth book from a really down-to-earth guy that I know you can relate to & enjoy. Good reading!

2008-09-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

Our last team was from Alabama and we worked in Boliva near Mazatenango, Guatemala with a wonderful church group who will be doing the follow-up in that area. They already have property and soon hope to have enough from those visits to form a church. We were given many excuses just as those people in the parable of the Great Supper, but, just as someone said from the Alabama group "you don't always know what you do as a worker, but you thank God you are a part of it & just watching Him work is a great blessing!" This team was a great blessing to us as well.

2008-08-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Kids from La Paz; there are around 18,000 children and only room for 8,000 to go to school. The team was able to go into 3 schools and take some supplies along with the Gospel.

2008-08-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

This is our last group 08/16-23/08 that came from Alabama with the Marshall Baptist Association. Three churches were represented: South Sauty Bapt Ch in Langston; Mt Vernon Bapt in Boaz and Shiloh Bapt in Leesburg, AL. We worked in La Paz for 5 days, witnessing, praying with the people, inviting Bible Studies in their homes and passing out the book of Luke. As a result, there were 3 homes for Bible study, 32 professions of faith and 13 rededications; God tremendously blessed the efforts and they had a wonderful time. We appreciate all the hard work and their great attitude for it!

2008-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

This was a small team from Clarke County Baptist Association in Alabama. They did a tremendous amount of work in Zacapa. We stayed in Santa Cruz, which made us about a 40 minute trip to and from there every day, but it was well worth it to work with Pastor Rolando and his church. They were ready every morning with at least 3 to 4 of their members to go out with us. The people were very gracious and listened; we had at least 24 who prayed to receive Christ. The church of Zacapa will do the follow-up on this.

2008-07-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

This is the sun setting over Guatemala City taken from El Portal del Angel Restaurant; where we take a lot of our teams. Seeing this picture reminded me of how short life can be, from the rising to the setting of the sun. My brother Frank's life seemed that quick after it was over. He was only 51, but he seemed to have lived it to the fullest with a joke and a smile constantly. His life spoke volumes to many people; this we found out at his funeral last week. Frank played in a gospel group with his wife, Angie, and when not out with them on Sundays and Wednesdays, he was at church. That comforts my heart to know and, he showed great faith in the peace he experienced at his death. I want to express my thanks to all those who prayed for us during this time. There is another void in my life, but heaven seems a little closer now. Keith & I are back in Guatemala now and life will go on as before - the LORD will strengthen our hands and our heart!

Prayer Request

2008-07-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

My younger brother, Frank, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The results from all the tests indicate this mass has spread to his bones, liver and cranium. Frank is 51 years old. He and his wife, Angie, have no children; they live in Kingsport, TN. On July 1st they gave him his first radiation treatment. He is very weak because he cannot eat anything. We appreciate all the prayers and support we have received. Keith and I are in Kpt at this time. If you want to keep up with his progress, you can access the website http://www.caringbridge.org/ and where it says 'enter website name' type frankbaker. Continue to pray for wisdom and peace as we continue this journey. We know God is in control for we have seen His Hand in all that is happening. Pray He may receive glory through it all.

2008-05-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

Coming back from Jerez, a scouting trip for Op Go on Monday, we had our 2nd car accident here in Guatemala. It could have been much worse, Keith was able to slide into the side of him (a big truck), instead of plowing into the back, or hitting the concrete ditch on the right side. We felt very blessed that we were not injured. The guy just drove off, you could not tell that his truck had been hit (it was old anyway), our Toyota was drivable, but K had to get out the passenger side. It was just another grand cultural experience for us. Our 1st accident, neither had been our fault, thank goodness, a guy hit the back of our Toyota, damaged his front, but not ours. We really mean it when we say 'thank you for your prayers'; we feel them and we give Him praise for sustaining us while being here. Other things, there is not the space for, just know He is working in all that is happening and we are grateful to you and to Him. Saturday we leave again with another team from Elmore Baptist Association - pray His will be done on earth as it is in heaven; we are so privileged to be a part of that here in Guatemala.

2008-05-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

The last team was from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary & they were anything but boring here. We had such a good time with all of them & God truly blessed their efforts they put forth & His protection & provision was mightily evident throughout our stay in Rio Hondo. It is a privilege for us to be a part of the teams that come to Guatemala; God sends us His best.

2008-05-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is our home church from ISBC in TN. They came to work with us in Operation Go in Jalapa with Pastor Herberto and his church. We had a great time; the Lord really blessed with seed sowing and harvesting. They blessed us with their presence and gifts and it was such an encouragement to us to have family (which is how we think of them) here and work together for His kingdom.

2008-03-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is our community of about 30 homes - at the far end you can see the gate which has barbed electric wire on it and all around this compound - we live in 'lucky #13' - just behind us is a plant that dehydrates potatoes - we don't hear the street noise or the many car alarms as we used to, but the one thing we are blessed with is barking dogs - they seem to think that is the very reason they are here - that language I have yet to learn.

2008-03-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

The last month has been a blur for the 2 of us. Our crate arrived the same day that we moved into our apartment here in Guatemala City. We also had to purchase appliances and that can be a real fiasco when your language is not up to that level of communication yet. Nevertheless and in spite of it all, we are moved in and believe it or not, becoming acclamated to living, breathing and driving in this country. The Lord has been so good to get us through all of this without much problems. I have tried to put a picture or two on with this update, but for some reason the blogsite is not accepting it - maybe later. This is 'Semana Santa' (holy week) for the people here and just about everything is shutting down; sounds like a good excuse for the net also. As soon as we are up and running with it, I will show you our place. It is in a gated community; we were told it was either that or a house with a live-in maid - K was not much for that at all, I kinda liked the idea, kinda. Anyway, the guards and our neighbors seem really nice. K and I are the only North Americans here, with 1 other Colombian and some Koreans and the rest Guatemaltecos! We hope they at least like us as much as we like being here!

2008-02-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Why am I so amazed that God is working somewhere before we even get there?! We scouted an area today called Jutiapa with a local pastor, Lucas. He took us to the office/home of a Dr. Noemi who has been praying for a Baptist church to begin in that area for the last 8 months. She had contacted the Guatemalan Baptist Convention, but had received no response until 4 weeks ago. At that time, Pastor Lucas visited Dr. Noemi and implied a possibility of a Op-Go team to work in Jutiapa. On Sunday, Feb 9th, the first Op-Go team will work close to Dr. Noemi's office/home with the hopes of beginning Bible studies in local homes and the end result will be the beginning of a church. Pray for this team as they work from the 9th-14th of Feb; that doors will be opened for hearts & lives to be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2008-02-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I drove for the first time in Guatemala City; a city of 4-5 million people & I think they all drive a car, especially from 6:30am to 5pm in the day! It is "in-cray-eebly" -so to speak in espanol. I pray very specific before going out on the street. God is gracious to have provided us a tank, such is the 1998 Toyota Landcruiser we drive, which has a cattle guard on the front bumper (no joke!). I am very grateful for it, except I kissed the gate while exiting onto the street for the first time (I forgot it stuck out somewhat on the side as well as the front!). You sit up very high in it; I like that a lot, and, when you are inching along, that cattle guard, when you get the nose of it in just an inch usually gets you in the rest of the way, so I act just like all the big dogs and get around very well. I have not been out on my own yet, but, I am sure that will come as I get more brave. Thanks for all your prayers for safety & protection.

2008-01-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to announce the arrival of our newest grandchild

'Andrew Pete Bartley' - born Jan 07 '08 6:29am 6 lbs 12 oz 19 in We were out with our first team from the states, but the lady at the hotel let us use her computer to bring up the pictures - we are truly blessed!

First Team in Jocotenango, Guatemala

2008-01-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Our first work in Guatemala was in Jocotenango, a small village close to the church Mision Bautista Torre Fuerte of Antigua. It was a 13-member team from the Caroline Baptist Association in Arkansas. We worked all week visiting door to door, evangelizing, handing out tracts and inviting people to the church.

ILE Graduation 12/14/07

2007-12-29T17:48:00.001-08:00

2007-12-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Guatemala City on the 15th Sat & if we look happy, we are. As of now, we are staying in the Arkansas House until our crate arrives, we are told it should be here around the 1st of Jan), and we are able to get into the place we will be renting. Our first trip is the 5th of January, so not sure how that timeline will work yet. Believe it or not, it is cold here in Guatemala; colder than Costa Rica, because it is higher elevation, about 5,000 feet, compared to CR, which is 3,500 feet. Things are a little different here. Also, I think the people are, but I will find out as we become more acclamated.

2007-12-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Red Letter Day - Graduation Day at ILE - Just a few of our friends who graduated with us. Most are leaving for their assigned countries the next day. Praise the Lord for perseverence; it was His provision that kept & sustained us for the last 14 months.

2007-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Keith at graduation with his teachers - they are as happy as he is!

2007-12-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, just one of the beautiful beaches here & we are very sad to leave this beautiful country. Not only for that reason, but the wonderful friends we have made. Of course, most of them are leaving, but there are many who have come in the last 3 months & we must say goodbye to them. This is the last week; Graduation is Friday. Saturday we leave for Guatemala so we are in the midst of some utter chaos in packing. Of course, we have more than we imagined we could accumulate in 14 months here.
New address is: Keith & Glenna Bartley
Apartado 1135
01901 Guatemala City,
Guatemala
Central America

2007-12-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Thought you might want to see all our M's in Costa Rica. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful family. We had a great time with Calvin & Deborah Morris this weekend. They gave us much encouragement & good teaching. We are down to only 2 more weeks here. It will be somewhat difficult to leave this crew that we have been with for the last year and a half.

2007-11-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Man in Tierra Blanca.

2007-11-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

I cannot help but be fascinated with the flowers here; they just grow wild & they are soooo beautiful. This reminds me of the verse in the Bible Luke 12:27 "Consider the lilies, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin & yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Jesus said this & added - "if then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field & tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, of you of little faith?" Can you imagine!

2007-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Thought you might be interested in seeing the typical dress for Catholic First Communion. Average age is around 8 years old; and they celebrate all day long, it is quite an event here; we see many.

2007-11-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

Pastor Oscar on the left & Francisco are the ones we worked with in Bocaron & Tierra Blanca; they have such a heart to take the gospel to the people there; it was wonderful to be with them & I wish you could have heard Francisco's testimony - abandoned in a field when he was 2 years old & a policeman heard him crying; took him to an orphanage; he ran away when he was 7 & was on the streets until 17; a pastor's wife began to minister to him & now he has such a heart to minister to others. Pray for them.

2007-11-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

We were privileged to go with a team from Park View Bapt in Alabama to evangelize in Tierra Blanca de Cartago to help with translating from Friday morning through Monday the 2-5 of November. This is our first experience at translating for a team. Both Keith and I learned a great deal as well as having a great time and making new friends from the US and Costa Rica.

Family & School in Costa Rica

2007-09-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

2007-09-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Addie & Jon - thought you might want to see a real cutie! No she's not in Costa Rica, but I wish she were, right now! We can't wait to see her in person; although, she did talk to me on the phone today!

2007-09-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Tarantulas are very common here & kept as pets, but I said NO, No-way, ho-say! They are not very friendly looking to me.

2007-09-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I think he said his cousin, Venny, was the famous one on tv; he was a little hard to understand, talking spanish very fast, but Keith thought he understood. I'm still not used to them being house guests here. They are soooo fast, they are impossible to catch!

2007-09-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, he/she is real & there are much larger ones (iguanas) here - they look prehistoric to me, but they are so tame kids go right up & pet them - I am not a kid!

2007-09-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Gary & Marcella, in front of Arenal, the 3rd most active volcano in the world. We stayed in a hotel just below & at night you could see the red lava flowing & hear it rumble down the mountain.

2007-09-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

They don't go swimming in the river here - at least, more than once. This particular place was a breeding ground for them - I lost count of how many were there. We were standing on a bridge far above them.

2007-08-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thought you might want to see our 3rd home in Costa Rica. This one is much closer to the school; just behind it & there are 3 apartments here. We are the 3rd so not as close to this busy street here, which can be very noisy from the traffic. We will be here, probably, until sometime in Dec, where after Graduation, we will leave for Guatemala! It is hard to believe we will be starting our 3rd semester in school. God has given us a determination, persistence & willingness to do this because we believe it is what He has put in front of us to do!

2007-08-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd trip was to Tortuga Island. Not named Turtle Island because of the turtles, but because the island looks like a turtle. We were looking forward to snorkeling there, however, while getting out of the boat into the water, my left shoulder popped out of joint. We were on the backside of nowhere & it took 7 hours to get me back to the hospital on Puntarenas. Not a good story to tell, except, the Lord did take care of us in ways I was not aware of at the time - Gracias a Dios! I still am looking foward to snorkeling - somewhere in CR!

2007-08-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

School does not begin again until Sept 4th, so, in wanting to see as much of Costa Rica as possible, we had 2 trips planned. This one is Manuel Antonio. Much of this area is mountainous & will remind you a lot of the Smokies. There are only 2 hotels close to the beach; others are on the cliffs with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We were looking forward to snorkeling, but the earthquake in Peru altered the weather there and it rained a lot in the afternoons, but the mornings were wonderful.

2007-08-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

August 15th was Graduation for many whom we will miss terribly this next tri, but change is constant in the life of a missionary. Many will go to their country of assignment, or back home for a short time, then on to where God has called them. It is exciting to see them hold the flag of their country. I'm glad they didn't quit - we saw how many could have, but, by God's grace, they didn't! They stood firm & strong & have influenced us who remain.

2007-08-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have just finished our 2nd trimester of school & much has happened in those 3 months. Beginning in May, we had our 1st grandbaby girl 'Addison Grace' born in OK to our oldest son, Jonathan & Eva. She is beautiful & we are very blessed. We also found out our youngest son, Joshua & Stephanie, will have their 1st baby & our 2nd grandbaby boy 'Andrew Pete' in Jan '08; a big surprise to us all. We could not be more pleased. Just 3 weeks ago, we moved again into an apartment. It is much smaller than the house we were in, but, it is much closer to the school. Because we have only a tourist visa, we had to go out of the country for the 1st time to renew & so we chose the country of Panama. It took 7 hrs to travel by bus & the picture is of the bridge we had to cross at the border, which was a real experience for all 38 of us. Then, last week, we have had our country of destination changed from El Salvador to Guatemala. We have much peace about this & feel that is the place where God would have us to go. Many factors were involved in the change & we feel that God is in control of it all.

2007-05-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Addison Grace Bartley - our first grandchild. We do appreciate Jon & Eva for her, but she does favor her grandparents who live in CR right now! She was born in OK, May 11 at 8.5 lbs & 21 in. We have talked with her several times on the phone & I believe I heard her cry for Papaw & Nana, at least it was clear enough for us. We are very grateful God has allowed us to live long enough to see her. OK is very blessed now!

2007-05-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Inside the black gate; we are trying to spruce it up a bit with some flowers. Inside is a small living & dining complete with a galley kitchen (room for 1). On the back porch is my washer & dryer (the clothes are hung out because electricity is very expensive in CR). We have 2 bedrms & an office; also a full bath. We feel as if we are in a mansion, going from 1 room to all this. We could not be happier, except, maybe in OK!

2007-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

For the last 6 months, we have lived with a Tico family in CR. We now have our own house & yes, that is razor wire on the top. It is very secure & safe. Beside of us is a daycare; in front is a Chinese restaurant; on the corner is a meat market where we get very fresh meat as needed. The veggies & fruit are delicioso. School is about a 7 minute walk. We leave at 6:30 in the morning to greet all the teachers & students coming in. Others join us & we are called the 'Sunshine Club'.