Restoration founders David and Vickie Byrd are missionaries in the area of Comotan, Guatemala, located to the southeast of Guatemala City, near the Honduras border. David was a teacher who went down to Guatemala during summer breaks for about 5 years and fell in love with the Guatemalan people. God placed a calling on him to reach souls for Christ through meeting physical needs. Let us tell you a little about Guatemala.
There are several big modern cities like Antigua and Guatemala City. They have all the modern conveniences; Cosco (Pricemart), Walmart, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and much more. There are jungles, rainforests, volcanoes & historical sites that people from all over the world travel to see. High in the mountain villages, hours away from the modern cities, is the “real” world of Guatemala where there are souls lost in the past; some still practicing Mayan rituals and witch craft, and those with no idea of what to believe. These souls are in need of a Savior.
These people are very poor; many don’t have regular jobs, and only work during coffee, corn, black beans, and cane harvesting seasons. They live on mountain sides in stick, straw or mud huts. There are no modern conveniences. Some walk several hours carrying water to drink and cook with when there is no stream nearby. They cook over an open fire, and there are some with outhouses and electricity. Automobiles are extremely rare, and walking is their primary mode of transportation.. Over the years, most of the trees have been cut down for firewood or to build huts. The mountains are dry and bare, and where there are no trees and not much rain. Our area is called the “Dry Corridor.”
After spending time with the Guatemalan people, God placed the desire in David’s heart to start Restoration Ministries. The reason for starting the ministry is to bring hope to the people in the area of Southeast Guatemala. Vickie and David moved to Guatemala full time on June 20th of 2005.
