Many people in the Diocese of Spokane had the opportunity to meet Lourdes Tzoc, director of Nawal Estereo radio station in Nahuala, Guatemala, in September. Lourdes’ dedication and enthusiasm for the radio station was contagious.

Lourdes’ presentation at the Seventh Annual Diocesan Guatemala Mission Celebration was both impressive and informational. After reviewing the 56-year history of the radio station, she discussed its mission and presence in Western Guatemala, where it serves 1.5 million people. Because a transmitter was destroyed by weather, the station has been using a borrowed transmitter and has not been able to broadcast as far as usual. To raise funds to replace the transmitter, the staff held a radio marathon, receiving $7,000 and a turkey. The turkey, donated by an elderly woman without money to give, was sold by the station to bring them closer to a new transmitter.

The radio station staff are especially grateful for the new truck they recently purchased, thanks to funds sent from a donor in the Spokane diocese. They had it blessed by the priest before using it for the first time.

In Spokane, Lourdes visited two radio stations, KXLY and KPBX, and St. Mary Catholic School. She also spent time with Guatemala Commission members, the Social Concerns Committee of St. Joseph Church in Colbert, and St. Mary Church members.

Lourdes also had the opportunity to talk with parishioners in Walla Walla and in Pullman. The Social Concerns Ministry of the Walla Walla parishes hosted a dinner at which Lourdes spoke about the radio station. At Sacred Heart Parish, Pullman, Lourdes met with parishioners between Sunday morning Masses. Both the Walla Walla parishes and Sacred Heart Parish, Pullman, are consistent donors to the radio station.

Many people generously donated funds to the radio station after meeting Lourdes and listening to her presentation. Thankfully, one person in the diocese fully funded the much-needed transmitter!

Lourdes is overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks you with all her heart for the continued economic, spiritual, and moral support. “Your support gives life to the radio station and we, together with everyone, provide education through the station’s programming,” she said. She said she is so thankful to God that she was able to visit the Spokane diocese, meet so many wonderful and caring people, and prays that God blesses everyone in the diocese.

Note: The drawing for the beautiful quilt that traveled to many parishes this year was held at the Annual Celebration. The winner was Dave McGann of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.  Thank you to all who supported this fundraiser for the mission! More than $5,000 was made for mission programs.