In the Christian churches of Guatemala, it is normal for people to randomly decide to host a Giving-Thanks service, taking over the regular church service time. They invite (and pay) a special band to come play (extra loud), and they usually provide a meal for everyone afterwards.
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| Tables, instead of the normal chairs, were set up, adding to the festive atmosphere and promising a meal to come. |
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| Favorite drinks (Coca-Cola and orange drink) and crackers were set out on each table during the service. |
Our most recent Giving-Thanks service, pictured above, was hosted by three brothers and their families in our church who are in the beef butchering business in Chichisastenango. They wanted to thank God for what He has done in their businesses and in their lives.
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| The music was super loud, so we wore earplugs! |
We were also intrigued by the small gift that was handed out to each attending family at the end of the service, since this was an uncommon detail: a mug with a picture of a bull, a Bible verse, and a picture of raw meat. The families said it was a small "thank-you gift" to everyone, but I also saw it as convenient advertising, hahaha.
