Extortion is a major issue in Guatemala. It's not unheard of for gang members to go to people who own businesses and demand that they pay them or they will be killed. Extortion was a part of every day life for Maria. She owned a small cafe and for 10 years she gave the same extortionist $4 a day. For 10 years. Every day. 10 years.
One day in September Maria didn't have the $4 so the man shot her.....7 times. It was a miracle that she survived and we were blessed to meet her in October when we visited a neighborhood Bible Study in her community. The people that our partners had been investing in for several years had started investing in Maria. They took her in, helped her, and loved on her. And that night she asked Jesus into her heart. It was a beautiful moment. We saw her a few weeks later when we attended a wedding in the community. She was growing and healing and smiling. The road to healing of her physical and emotional trauma is long, but now she has a supportive community and the power of the Holy Spirit living in her.
We have found that many of our families have awesome ideas for businesses but they can't start them because of their fear of being extorted. In our business training that we offered in 2017 we addressed this need with our friends and out of those conversations Florecer, a new branch of Caroline's Promise began.
Florecer is the artisan branch of Caroline’s Promise. Through social
media we will bring you handmade items from Guatemala and other
countries that you can purchase. Artisans have been paid a fair price
for their work. Profits from the sale of the products will go to
projects in Guatemala through the ministries of Caroline’s Promise. Be
sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Will you join us in praying for Maria and for all of those living in similar situations? And pray for Florecer - that God will use this part of the ministry to reclaim hope for many.
2017 End of Year Projects
Building of Promise:
Help us complete the third floor of the Building of Promise, providing a
rooftop playground, sports court, classrooms, and space for
horticulture projects. To support this project, click here.
Child Sponsorship: Your gift of $40 a month will support a child in Guatemala. Click here to view the kids who are waiting for a sponsor.
Support for Teachers:
Your monthly gift of any amount will allow us to pay our teachers what
they deserve. If you have a heart for teachers, contact Lisa for more
information or set up your monthly recurring gift here.
We are also raising money for classroom support of our teachers. Your
one time gift will support a teacher and her class. To give a one time
gift, click here.
Trauma & Grief Counseling Team:
In February, we will take a team to offer grief counseling and training
for our leaders in Guatemala. Our prayer it that this will not only be a
time of healing for our friends, but that they will learn the skills to
provide trauma and grief counseling in the future.To read more about
the team and to donate, click here.
*Name has been changed to protect the individual