The document describes the experiences of Deacon Pat and Liz Kearns serving communities in Guatemala and Bolivia. They found meaning and purpose helping rural villages by building relationships, sharing their faith, and instilling hope. They ask for donations, either one-time or monthly, to continue their work providing necessities, medical care, and education to those living in poverty.

1. The Spirit of Mission
Deacon Pat and Liz Kearns

2. How it all Began

3. San Lucas Tolíman

4. A small town high in the Guatemalan Mountains

5. Lake Atitlán

8. The Mission

10. The Village (San Andres)

12. Meeting 100 Families without a home

16. The Next Year – We returned!

17. We worked hard during the days

18. So did the Girls!

19. TIRED!!!

20. But each afternoon - We sat on the
porch for hours with René

21. He opened our eyes
Friends, Family, Love, Happiness, Faith

22. We learned about the people
Real Poverty doesn’t have to
mean sadness….
As long as God is near!

23. How they live
Simplicity

24. Making tortillas to sell
Chimney

25. Typical Kitchen, no exhaust / chimney

26. We began to make friends

28. Friends

29. Building relationships

30. We learned that life can be hard

31. Gaining an understanding

32. That all must help and pitch in.

33. Sharing in their lives

34. Everyone has something to contribute
no matter the size or ability.

35. No washing
machine for us.
We learned to be
thankful for the
small things in life.

36. Andréas taught us about plantation life

37. Experiencing Church differently

39. The Children

41. We learned a different perspective

42. We were changed by the experience and
needed to share what we had learned.

43. Seminarian Josh, Deacons Pat and Rick

44. Changed by Guatemala

46. Sharing our Faith

47. Physical poverty - A deep spirituality

48. It is in the giving without
expecting anything in return
that creates an inner joy and
fulfillment that nothing else in
the world can replace.

50. Now that our children are grown, we
feel called to serve in a special way.

52. B
o
l
i
v
i
a

54. Yapakaní, Bolivia

55. Mary Help of Christians Parish

56. Serving in the villages

57. Bringing Jesus to the rural communities

58. Helping the Sisters make home visits

59. Helping to educate the children

60. Sports – Ministry of “Presence”

61. Instilling Hope for a better tomorrow

62. Sharing God’s Love

63. Saturday Oratory - 700-900 kids

64. Hope and Joy

65. Teaching life lessons

66. How can you help?

67. Maybe a small donation
• A one-time donation, or
• A small monthly donation
Or through Our Lady of Mercy Parish Office

68. How a “One-Time Donation” can help.
1. Required Immunizations (Yellow Fever , Malaria, Tetanus, etc.)
2. Flights to NYC for required training (July 23- Aug 15)
3. Flights to Guatemala and then to Bolivia
4. Two months of Language (Spanish) School

69. How a small “Monthly Donation”
can help.
Buying shoes for the shoeless Giving food when there is none
We are hoping to establish a small fund that can be used as needed for:

70. Helping with medical care
Building stoves
And in so many other ways…..

71. Sometimes just a little can save a life

72. Thank you for helping us to serve others
You make this possible for us