Revitalizing the Church in Petén

How biblical training is strengthening pastors, renewing churches, and opening doors for the gospel in Guatemala’s northern frontier.

For many years, Petén was one of Guatemala’s most isolated regions. Located more than 300 miles from Guatemala City, the journey once took as long as 18 hours over rough, unpaved roads. Though improved highways and commercial flights have made the region more accessible today, another challenge remains: many communities are still waiting to hear the gospel.

“Petén was the last region of Guatemala to be reached with the gospel,” says David Marroquín, BMA Global Regional Coordinator for Central America and a ChangeMaker serving in Guatemala. “There are still many new ministry fields where there are no Baptist churches.”

Home to approximately 640,000 people, Petén is a diverse region where Spanish, Q’eqchi’ Maya, Mopan Maya, and Itzá Maya are commonly spoken. Despite its diversity, David describes the people with one simple observation: “They are very friendly and open to hearing the gospel.”

While churches throughout the region have faithfully sought to make disciples, many pastors recognized they needed additional training to better lead their congregations and faithfully teach God’s Word. In an area where numerous religious groups compete for influence, strong biblical leadership has never been more important.

That need led to a new partnership.

Through BMA Global, David connected with Bro. Sidney Farmer of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the Bible Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) curriculum. Together, they established a biblical training program for pastors and church leaders throughout Petén.

The response was immediate.

“The pastors and leaders were filled with joy,” David says. “They have always wanted to receive training that would help them preach and teach with a stronger biblical foundation.”

The training is intentionally practical. Rather than simply delivering information, the goal is to equip pastors with tools they can immediately apply in their churches. As they learn, they return home and put those principles into practice through preaching, teaching, and discipleship.

David says the results are already becoming evident.

“I have seen them putting into practice what they have learned. They are intentionally applying the principles they learned in class as they preach and teach.”

One story in particular captures the impact of this investment.

When the pastor of a local church in Petén passed away, one of the church’s leaders was chosen to become the new pastor. Though he accepted the responsibility with great humility–and a great deal of fear–he also committed himself to growing as a shepherd. With the encouragement of his church and support through the ChangeMaker program, he enrolled in the pastoral training center.

Over time, David has watched God transform his ministry.

“God has continually confirmed his calling to pastoral ministry,” he says. “Today he faithfully cares for the Lord’s flock and has a sincere desire to keep growing so he can glorify God through his life and ministry.”

That transformation is not happening in just one church.

“When I saw the eagerness of the pastors to receive training so they could serve the Lord more effectively, I realized their renewed enthusiasm would spread to their churches,” David explains. “That would begin a process of revitalization throughout the churches of the region.”

The training has also strengthened relationships among pastors themselves. As they study together, they are building friendships, encouraging one another, and developing a greater sense of unity that is now spreading throughout their churches.

This growing partnership extends beyond pastor training. Earlier this year, a BMMI medical team served alongside local churches, demonstrating Christ’s love through medical care while introducing hundreds of people to the gospel and a local church. More recently, a VSM team made up of GMA girls served in the region, investing in communities and encouraging believers.

For David, the greatest impact of these teams isn’t limited to the week they serve.

“They remind our churches that they are part of a much larger family called BMA Global,” he says. “That encourages and inspires them to continue serving the Lord with love and dedication.”

Looking ahead, Marroquín’s vision is clear. He is praying that over the next five years God will prepare enough workers to plant five new churches in communities that currently have no gospel witness.

How can churches help without creating dependency?

His answer is simple: pray and invest in training.

“I believe churches should focus on praying for and supporting pastor training programs so local pastors can develop healthy New Testament churches that faithfully serve, evangelize, and disciple others.”

When asked what he hopes readers remember most about Petén, David didn’t hesitate.

“The people of Petén need to know Jesus.”