Guillermo Powell (Billy), the son, grandson and great-grandson of missionaries, was raised and educated in Argentina. His childhood was shaped by parental examples of love and unselfish dedication to helping others in need. His parents founded and directed an orphanage in the beautiful mountains of Córdoba. Years later, while working as a counselor at that same orphanage, he met his future wife, Elsa, as they cared for the children together. They were married and began their ministry in Argentina.

In 1985, Guillermo and Elsa returned to the United States with their two children. Bruised by difficulties in the pastorate after serving for several years, their marriage fell apart. Guillermo plunged into depression, and for months he wept and mourned the losses in his ministry and personal life. Deeply shaken, he questioned the reality of God, and the purpose behind leading a life of service to others. Was it worth it?

How did memorizing begin?

At the peak of his depression, when all things seemed lost, Guillermo desperately claimed the words of the Bible about God’s love in spite of circumstances. Based on this faith decision, he began reading daily the first letter of Peter in an attempt to better know again this God who said He loved him. Nine months later, as he continued to read the letter aloud every day, he realized that he was memorizing the book and becoming a changed man. The circumstances had not changed, but his heart had. A full 18 months passed before he could complete the memorization of this magnificent letter written by Peter and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Why recite the Scriptures?

As he read the words of I Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God”, the following prayer arose from his heart: “Lord if at any time you allow me to preach again, I would like to preach only your Word.” He set to the challenge of memorizing other books, both in Spanish and English. The Lord answered his initial prayer five years later. In 1993 he was asked to recite two chapters of the book of Ephesians, the response from the congregation was an affirmation that the Lord would use this gift of memorizing and reciting the Scriptures as a way to build the faith of believers, and demonstrate the power of the living Word of God. So began a most exhilarating journey. Guillermo has been given the awesome privilege and responsibility of teaching the Scriptures through memory presentations that convey the message as if the author himself was speaking. He continues to memorize books of the New Testament, including the book of Revelation, in both English and Spanish.

How does the story end?

The Lord extended his mercy and grace to Guillermo and Elsa, and in 1990 they celebrated a renewal of vows in the presence of family and friends. This was a powerful testimony of God’s unending love toward them.

Today, Guillermo carves out time from his full-time job to visit cities in the U.S. and Latin-America, proclaiming the powerful and living Word of God by speaking in churches, schools, seminaries, Bible schools and on radio programs.

How is the ministry supported?

The question is asked many times: How much does Guillermo charge? What are his fees? Guillermo does not charge for the privilege of presenting the Scriptures. He receives any honorariums a church gives him or he suggests a love offering be taken particularly when presenting the book of Revelation. Any monies received are set aside to cover expenses related to mission trips.

“All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
II Timothy 3:16-17