Karen Kolb – Guatemala

Karen Kolb

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your wailful love endures forever, do not abandon the work of Your hand. -Psalm 138:8

This verse stood out to me last year as I read it during part of my daily devotions. No matter what I am going through, I can trust that God’s loving kindness is always with me as He is faithfully fulling His purposes in my life. Thinking on these words today brings me great hope and joy!


Karen was recognized as a short-term missionary to Mexico in September 2005. In May 2008, she was approved as a career missionary to the field of Guatemala. She served her internship as a team missionary in Mexico City, Mexico where she worked with veteran missionaries, Mark and Debbie Williams, and Ed and Annita Hoagland. Her sending church is Grace Baptist Church in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Letter Update:

Greetings from Guatemala. There is so much for which to be thankful. Please take a moment to read this update and rejoice in the Lord”s goodness.

Furlough News:

I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to be Stateside to share of God’s faithfulness in His work among our churches in Guatemala. Over the course of 10 weeks, I traveled to 9 different states giving updates in 13 churches and making connections with many other ministry partners. I was privileged to be able to personally thank so many people for their involvement in the ministry. It was a great joy to welcome so many new pray warriors to the team. I am blessed beyond measure!

Update on Dad:

God sovereignly ordained my furlough to coincide with an intense medical issue that my Dad encountered. Just 15 days after arriving in the States, my dad was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains. In the following days he had a double bypass surgery. God had previously arranged my travel schedule which allowed me to help care for my Dad in his recovery as well as to keep my ministry commitments. Living abroad I don’t normally have daily opportunities to physically serve my family when needs arise, but his time I did. I am so thankful for God’s orchestration in these details of life.

Teammate News:

Team Guatemala is thrilled to announce that Nick and Denise Guyer (along with their 4 children) will be joining us in serving the Lord in Guatemala! We are looking forward with anticipation to the good things that God has in store. Please join us in praying for them during this time of preparation and fundraising, and consider helping them financially in their journey. https://guyersforguatemala.com/

My teammates, Adriel and Kaitlynee Yos, will be on furlough during the months of June and July. They are in need of raising additional monthly support. If you would like to encourage them in their labor and strengthen your investment in Guatemala, feel free to reach out to them. https://worldinitiativenetwork.org/review/missionary-fundraising-campaign/4773

Guatemala News:

  • Praise the Lord for the baptism of Kevin and Jorge from the Sumpango church (pictured with Adriel). Please pray for their continual growth in their Christ-likeness.
  • Pray for the Gospel seeds that have been recently planted in conjunction with Mother’s Day. In events at both churches, we had opportunities to share Christ with more than 40 visiting mothers. May God use us to water these seeds for His glory.

There is so much work to be done here in Guatemala. The Lord gives me strength and wisdom through your prayers and sustains me and the work through your offerings. I am so grateful to partner with you all!

Your friend and partner in ministry. -Karen


A Word From Karen



If you would like to stay updated with Karen Kolb or feel led to give to help them on their journey, you can give your donations to Hickory Ridge Baptist Church.