The light at the end

30 April 2025

“This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys.”

— JC Ryle

The light at the end of another school year

What is that? Can you see it? The little light in the distance? AH yes!! The end of another school year. How wild is it that the 2025-26 school year is already one month from a close?

I was blessed to have my family here for Semana Santa! I got to play tour guide and work on my Spanish a lot while serving as the designated translator. We had the opportunity to travel all around, hitting Guate, Antigua, San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, Panajachel, and of course Xela. Thrilled to spend time with them and I am so happy they got to experience my new home with me for a bit. It was sad to see them leave, but I’ll be heading over there for summer so soon.

I had the privilege to speak in high school chapel this morning (something that I am looking forward to doing more often in the next school year!). I gave a few main points and they serve as a great reminder for all of us!

Following Jesus will cost you
- Not much.. just literally your entire life! We are called to deny ourselves and follow Christ.
- Matthew 16:24-26
Just because it feel right doesn’t mean it is
- Denying ourselves means we have to unlearn the lies we believe(d) and replace it with the truth of God. He knows what's truly best for us.
- Romans 12:1-3
God isn’t a kill-joy
- It costs you now, but in the end you are actually gaining true life. The real abundant life! If not on earth we have all eternity with Jesus baby!
- John 10:7-16

We ended chapel with a brief time of prayer over the class of 2026 as they are ending this high school season of their lives and heading out to a new stage. I encouraged them as they are heading into the world to follow Jesus even when its difficult and even when it doesn’t feel right because He is the way and He is faithful to bring them into the abundant life. Not an abundant life as the world defines it, rather.. True life. The life only He can give.

IAS Class of 2026

Adriana
Camila Arevalo
Camila Asturias
Chuy
DB
Fatima
Juan Diego
JuanFer
LuisPe
Mario
Osh
Pablo
Rebe
Regina
Sebas
Valentina

Say a prayer for them when you can!

Hang in there & Vive sin miedo,

— Mackell Phillips

Support

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Check —
World Outreach Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box B Marietta, GA 30061
(designate for #1000 Mackell)

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(use the same info for checks)

Support Mackell

All donations are incredibly helpful and you are directly involved in expanding God’s kingdom around the world!

With summer coming soon, travel expenses add up quick! While I will be working summer jobs to raise just a little extra, time in the U.S. is much more expensive than Guatemala and every penny in this time is especially appreciated! All donations are received with much thanks!

I am also opening an opportunity for you to purchase Guatemalan coffee from the HANG soon which will also support me and give you a great morning cuppa! Stay tuned!

Thank You!

WHAT!? My family got to visit!! We had such a great time traveling around Guatemala during Semana Santa

The alfombras of Semana Santa are always such a cool experience

Model UN Antigua edition

Gathered some friends at my apartment for a game night and campfire. Thankful for new friends and a space to host

My little red car had to be returned (I was temporarily renting from a friend) and through a huge blessing from God I was able to procure some new wheels

It can even double as a truck on grocery days

Xelaju soccer game with 9th grade

White team didn’t take home the trophy at student retreat this year, but I still think we were the best team

Subject to change… but you already know the summer will be all packed in

To all the coffee drinkers…

Big news!! You could be sipping on some crisp Guatemalan coffee from me as early as next week!! I’ve had an opportunity to work with a couple of my students and a distributor here in Xela to sell/ship coffee to all the USofA!! Stay tuned!

Praises

God’s perfect timing
Great conversational opportunities with students lately
The simple ways that God has continued to show His faithfulness
A motorcycle!!!

Prayer Requests

Ability to grow financial support
A new role I am taking at school next year
Wisdom in ministering to students
Fresh motivation and determination for each day
That students’ hearts would be softened to the God’s Word
For wisdom in sharing gospel conversations through every day social studies classes
My Spanish learning journey
That we would find the right people to fill a few open positions at IAS
Guidance for the future

What I’m reading right now…

In Waiting Isn’t a Waste, author Mark Vroegop calls believers to resist the human urge for control and lean on Christ for comfort while we wait for the uncertainties of life to unfold. Vroegop explores what it means to wait on God through 6 important characteristics―waiting is hard, common, biblical, slow, commanded, and relational. This book not only teaches readers how to wait on God but inspires them to embrace waiting―for it prompts wisdom from God and brings invaluable peace to the present.