Linda DeVault
Linda is serving the Lord in the city of Huehuetenango, located in the mountains of northwestern Guatemala. Her primary passion is to disciple children and youth in small group settings. Linda’s ministry goal is to be Spirit-led, loving, and consistent not only in teaching but also in living the life of a disciple in order to raise up converts who become passionate disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For 7 years, Linda has been teaching Bible stories and principles to 200 children in the public elementary school in the small community of Zaculeu Ruinas. Most of the children are Catholic by family tradition and don’t have a clear understanding of the gospel nor how to apply the Bible to their daily lives. In addition to teaching, Linda sings and prays with each class, and every child present receives their weekly hug from “Miss Linda”.
Recently, God opened the door for Linda to begin teaching Bible in another public elementary school in a more remote area, but still within easy driving distance of Huehuetenango. The Las Joyas school is one room with one teacher and fifteen kids, ages 6 – 13. This school brings new challenges as these children are in varying stages of learning to read, write, and study. With the 2019 school year coming to a close in November, Linda has started up verse memorization contests for these children so they might win a Bible before the school year is over.
Linda also solicits and manages funds with which to provide scholarships for teenagers from poor families so they can continue their education. This program has grown from just one student in 2017 to eight students from in 2019. A great advantage in this effort is Linda’s experience with these kids over the course of several years, so only the most motivated students with the least opportunities to study can be given this life-changing help. Linda is hopeful that, with more donors, more students can be considered as possible scholarship recipients for 2020.
With nearly 12 years of service thus far in Huehuetenango, Linda has the confidence and love of the people she serves and is looking forward to what the Lord will do in the coming years.