Morning Devotion

We started our morning off with a delicious breakfast, hot coffee and a devotion led by David. Among other things, we talked about how the Bible is active and living, meaning God’s Word is alive and active in our lives and in the world. The Holy Spirit brings all things together for God’s glory and our good. From the people we meet, to the words we speak. That means when we visit families in Guatemala, we can know with confidence that God has a plan in bringing us together, and that if we are faithful to speak His Word in love and truth, it will accomplish what He intends.

Gangs and Rock Bands

The first mom we met was Maria. She has seven children from 21 to 1.5 years old and is 8-months pregnant. Unfortunately, Maria’s husband was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. The police said he was driving too fast, without a helmet and drove in front of an incoming truck. He was instantly killed in the wreck. His tragic death has left a physical, spiritual and financial hole in this family. Maria is amazingly strong. The fact she can open her heart and talk to us about the deep thoughts of her heart are truly amazing. She has a picture frame on her wall with family photos that include their dad, and his cowboy hat hanging below. It’s a memorial wall to be a reminder for her children and for herself. When Ben began quoting Scripture, Maria finished it. She has God’s Word hidden in her heart. I had Ben ask how she became a Christian. She said she was living a life in which she knew she shouldn’t be in. She was dating the man who would eventually become her husband. But, there was another man she became too close to. While they were not intimately involved, the other man became jealous and threatened both Maria and her boyfriend with death threats. He was a member of a local gang and this rocked Maria’s world. She felt she had no other place to turn than the Lord. She began praying and turning her life and future over to Jesus. In a way only God can orchestrate, Maria and her boyfriend got married, the man stopped making death threats, he eventually left the gang he was involved with (which is very rare to happen) and he became a Christian himself. That man who made the death threats went on to become part of a Christian music band and is now telling people about this man Jesus he met and who changed his life.

Mike Rowe is right

If you’ve ever watched Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, you’ll know he is a very big proponent of young people going into the trades such as plumbing and electrical. Maria has three older sons. The two oldest are working in an auto-body shop making decent money. They are stepping in to fill the financial gap left by the loss of their dad. The 17-year old named Esdras is working as a masonry assistant but wants to go to school to be an electrician. After a lot of conversation, we figured out that he can study and go to school and not greatly effect his family. If someone will sponsor him, he can finish high school over the next three years and be certified to work as an electrician. Pastor Juanito and his wife Ana were there with us. Their son (ironically named Esdras) finished this same program several years ago and has an amazing job. Esdras is very interested in continuing his education. These are the kinds of jobs that change people’s financial future. We just need to find a sponsor.

I like math

I like math! Those are three words you will most likely never hear me say. But, Maria’s daughter Alysia told us she loves it. She is an amazing young girl who faithfully serves her mom and family. The entire time she was holding the young children, went to the store to buy a diaper, changed her youngest sibling, kept them all busy all the while smiling and listening to what we were saying. She is in school but has no backpack, shoes or school supplies. Neither do her siblings. All of that costs about $110 each. School is free but if you don’t have those items, you can’t attend. Because of all of your generosity, we can make that happen. I told Alysia how strong she was and that God sees her heart.

Stoves make life better

We then installed a stove for Maria’s family. It actually went very quickly. I’ve been telling David how dirty we will get installing them. We typically have to remove the old open fire burning in their floor. But, Maria didn’t have that. So, Garry and Juanito, along with two of the younger sons all installed the stove. David and I went outside to install the chimney and seal it up. Bill and Emily began working with Maria and the children to find clothes and shoes that would fit. It was an amazing visit and I thank God for the privilege to meet them.

Another motorcycle mess

The next family we met had a father, wife and two young daughters. When we walked in, he was sitting in a wheelchair with one leg elevated. His job is to deliver propane bottles. He drives a motorcycle. One day while riding, a car swerved and hit him. Fortunately he lived, but it severely broke the bones in his leg. He uncovered the leg to show us. It was very bad. Out of respect I did not take a picture (though I wanted to). There were pins and a lot of swelling. He said the doctors believe it’s getting better, but he has a long road to travel to get there. Ben asked if he was on antibiotics. He said yes. Turns out he has some antibiotic topical cream but is not on them. Amazingly, he had a scheduled appointment for the very next day. We discussed the need to ask his physician about antibiotics. With the amount of dirt, flies buzzing around and general unsanitary conditions, it would be so easy to get infected (if it’s not already). Their 10-year old daughter had a cut on her finger. It didn’t look good. She cut it on rusty metal some time ago. She had her tetanus shot a long time ago but not her booster. We told them to have it looked at.

The church being the church

The dad in this family is very strong. He has a intense faith and knows how important his role is in the family. The mom is quiet but even stronger. Here is a woman taking care of her injured husband and also the children. She washes other people’s clothes when she can to help earn extra money. But, the only way they are actually making it is because of fellow Christians in the community. Their church delivers food and helps where they can. His boss, who is a Christian, is paying their land debt and has told him they do not need to repay it. And, as soon as he can do anything, he has a job to come back to. David looked up at me and said, “That’s the church being the church”. I agree.

Church celebration

After getting cleaned up, we all went to church. It is the 33-year anniversary of Juanito’s church. It was so good to see everyone. The music was absolutely too loud. 🙂 But, the worship was amazing. We met a young man named Carlos who is an FCA representative. It was a great night.