Skip to main content

Reclaiming the Hope in Guatemala

Thoughts from Erica during her week with the family team

I think I have always been a strong believer in hope. Maybe it's because I'm a dreamer, but maybe it's because I see the world for what it is-- a series of opportunities waiting for the perfect moment. Nonetheless, I don't believe that one can fully understand hope until one has stood in the face of destitution. 

I understand that my previous statement was a little paradoxical, but my time here in this amazing country has shown me that the light of true hope springs forward from the darkest places.

I have seen people worship and seek God's Word with the utmost sincerity, despite the burden this world has placed on their shoulders.

I have held dirt-brushed children whose precious hands and beautiful faces show the scars of a jagged past that I know will one day be reconciled with a glorious future. 

I have witnessed former strangers, but now brothers and sisters in Christ, truly laying down their lives for a fierce love of their people, community, country, and foremost of their gracious God. 

I have heard a language I am not fortunate enough to call my own manifest the good news of a grace that reaches beyond circumstance to meet us on our darkest hour. 

I have talked with Guatemalans whose intelligence, faithfulness, humility, love, and hospitality shine out brightly amidst these destitute streets because they know of the golden ones that are to come for us in los cielos.


I have kicked a ball with children I had never met and may never be fortunate enough to meet again, yet in that moment had the assurance that my God is forever faithful and merciful. 

I have smiled watching the joyful work of men, Guatemalteco and Gringo alike, so invested in the LORD that the tiresome bending of a wire becomes a simple act of grateful worship. 

I have wrapped children in my arms whose definition of touch is far from loving, and I have prayed that in the name of Christ simple moments can have the power to change the deep cycle of hurt my dear friends have known. 

I have been encouraged that God's church is still alive as I see my teammates serve in their unique ways-- giving unexpected compliments, serving spoonfuls of delicious food, and twisting tools carefully despite their drained bodies and hearts. 


I have found that laughter has no language barrier, that smiles need no translation, and that the living Spirit in the body of Christ does not require the assistance of a translator. 

I have walked rocky streets down green covered mountainsides and have never been more assured of one thing: Our God is a God who brings hope. It lingers over the work of joyful hands, the play of impoverished children, and the song of a foreign language. 

The light of hope is breaking through in Guatemala. I pray for the day it shines on this place like the noon day sun. 


Lord, my words aren't enough. I'm a broken stone. So lay me in the house You're building. 

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Where are they now? Cesy Samayoa

  Cesy, translating for Kaitlyn Our friend Cesy was too old to be in our child sponsorship program when we met her, but she definitely benefited from the program because two of her siblings were sponsored consistently.  And we benefited from knowing Cesy!  For years she would translate for our special programs.  I remember speaking to a group of moms years ago and Cesy translated for me.  She stayed for hours after the talk to help me minister to women.  One of those women had concerns about her son who clearly showed signs of ADHD.  Cesy helped me find natural ways to address his inattention and lack of focus and a year later that same Mom shared how Cesy's suggestions had helped! Cesy, we know how hard you have worked and we are incredibly proud of you!  Thank you for being a beautiful example to young women everywhere!
Read more

Leaving for Guatemala in less than 8 hours!

Everyone is in a mad dash to get their carryons packed and catch some sleep before we depart at 3am! You read that right, 3 am! It's going to be a long travel day. We'll depart Colfax at 3am, drive to Raleigh, fly to Miami at 6:50am and arrive in Guatemala at 1 in the afternoon. After we collect ALL of our luggage (because you guys have prayed that it all arrives:) we'll load a bus and drive 3-4 hours to Eagle's Nest Children's Home. We appreciate your prayers as the first of 50 people go to Guatemala. Our second week begins July 5th. Specific requests for this first BIG team are unity, good health, safety, and that God blesses our time with kids in churches, schools, the community and at Eagle's Nest. Check out their blog at http://www.boggsministry.com/ We hope to update you daily but we're not quite sure how the internet access will be. Thanks for your prayers:)
Read more

$40 can send a teen to camp

  Words can't express how proud we are of the youth from Adonai Church in Guatemala City.  They have worked hard to develop a discipleship and outreach program that is amazing!  In addition, they have been raising funds to attend their high school aged camp November 25-27.  They began months ago by creating banks and teaching on the importance of saving.  From there they hosted a ton of fundraisers and have been able to raise the funds for their youth group to attend camp. Now they need our help!  They would love for 25 of the older teens from their Gerona church plant to attend camp as well.  The cost is $40 per teen and we're looking for a total of $1000. If you would like to partner with the Adonai Youth and support a teen from Gerona, please follow this link.  Thank you for helping us celebrate the Adonai Youth and their hard work, while making a way for the teens in Gerona to attend camp.  
Read more