LAURINBURG — Out of a small city, members at Northview Harvest Ministries are making a big difference in a country that is more than 2,700 miles away — Guatemala.

Northview Harvest Ministries is holding a Strings Attached art class to raise money for the upcoming mission trip.

“My husband (Pastor Carlos Tobias) is from Guatemala, and when we visited a few years ago, we came across an area that did not receive a lot of support from the government,” said Suzette Tobias, a member of NHM.

That area was Punta de Manabique, a town in which Tobias stated has limited electricity and mobility options for the residents.

“You can only get in and out by boat, and electricity for lights only goes so far,” added Tobias. “Since then we started making trips and, so far, we have painted two schools and added screen doors.”

The Tobiases bought property and have a mission house there where the family, church members and friends all go to. Suzette shares that the trips have become like a close-knit family affair.

“We have people from church, family, and a few from Georgia and Mississippi come,” said Tobias.

Now they are planning to bring training classes and to teach the people trades to help them earn money.

“Our main goal is to show the love of Jesus,” said Tobias. “It’s one thing to preach, but showing love by meeting their needs is another way.”

The mission house also needs repairs so the church is finding different ways to raise the money.

“We have done yard sales (but) we are thankful to Fox for donating her time to help us raise the funds, it is wonderful,” said Tobias.

Member Ericka Poole Fox will head the class with various art pieces for participants to work on. Her small business is called Strings Attached and the artist shared that she is happy to help.

“Suzette is my aunt so I wanted to help her and I also want to help the children in Guatemala. It is my way of giving back while getting others involved in the art,” said Fox.

Fox has been practicing the craft for five years and urges locals to come out.

“It is for a great cause and you get to learn something new, there is no downside to it,” added Fox.

The Christmas String art class will be held Dec.6 at 6:30 p.m. at Northview Harvest Ministries, 17760 Log Cabin Lane in Laurinburg. The cost is $25 per person and all art materials are included. To reserve a seat, visit the Facebook page named Christmas String Art Class for Guatemala Missions and inbox a message.

“It helps us prepare enough supplies for the class,” said Suzette Tobias.

The money will be taken at the door by cash or check and all proceeds will go to the Guatemala missions.

Jael Pembrick can be reached at 910-506-3169 or [email protected].

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Jael Pembrick

Staff writer