Everyone
Needs the Gospel
When we first got here we were all humbled by the joy the
people here have despite how little they have. But, the more the locals open up
and share about their lives, the more we realize the intricacies of the needs
that still need to be met. God wants to take care of all of his children. He
never wants his children to be lacking, and that is why he talks about his
heart for the poor and generosity so often in His word. Poverty can be
described in many different ways; spiritually, mentally, economically, bodily,
politically or societally.
After last night’s
dinner with Students International of beans, rice and tortillas to simulate a
common meal of the people here who have less, we had a discussion about the
absolute poverty that we have been witnessing, and living in here in Magdalena.
Many men, women, and children here are malnourished due to the lack of food-
and nutritious food at that. If the children acquire 1 or 2 Quetzals, they can
buy a bag of tortilla chips as a cheap snack. An Avocado or a banana costs the
same amount, but all opt for un-nutritious snacks. I realize that this is also
a problem close to home as well, so we can all be praying for an increase in
awareness of nutrition, and an increase in resources for those in need.
It is easy to say that when we go back to the United States,
that we will see poverty in a different way, because “the people here are poor
economically but rich in the things that matter”. It IS true that in many other
parts of the world, we tend to put our hope and comfort in materials rather
than God, resulting in spiritual poverty. But, I want to be careful to NOT
glorify poverty. Poverty breeds immorality everywhere, due to many factors such
as lack of education, nutrition, relationship with God, and community support.
It is survival mode, to say the least, and so many people are simply fending
for themselves. For example, some children get handed over for marriage at a
young age and by the time they are 13 years old have 7-10 children in places
like El Tablon. Here in Magdalena, the average age is 15 with 3 children.
Money does not fix poverty; it
helps, but not holistically. As Christians, we cannot downplay the importance
of being present. So, while at our ministry sites, simply being present with the
adults and children, or a home visit, makes all the difference. We can pour out
Christ's love onto others and pray for them. Yesterday, with the Creative Arts site, we
went to a home visit in a town called El Gorrion. As we walked down the dirt
road, we arrived at their humble “home” of wood, sheet metal and plastic thrown
together in a rectangular fashion. The host taught us how to make tortillas and
after she re-heated the chicken she had prepared on the wood-fire “stove”. We
felt honored to be eating meat, because meat is definitely a delicacy here. We
prayed for the meal and feasted, and at the end she asked for prayer for her
and her family’s spiritual life. It was so amazing that this was the only thing
she asked for prayer for! We prayed for her with all the energy Christ so powerfully
works in us, and then parted ways. I am still filled with awe and thanksgiving
at her graciousness toward us.
During the last week, we have all heard many stories of brokenness
being restored because of Christ. It is so encouraging that God is working
everywhere, all the time and the fruits of his labor is joy. Yes, this joy I
speak of comes from the Lord. I know this is a bold statement but it is true.
Chains are broken and people are set free spiritually. Families are restored
and lives are transformed. Joy is a deep, soul expression that God gives us.
Yes, we can feel many emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, etc., but joy
is form the Lord! As previously stated, the people we encounter here at the
ministry sites have little to nothing, but they still emit a joy that is
unmistakable. It has been incredible to hear the many stories of “Machismo” men
who “used to drink all the time, spend all of their wife’s money, and beat
their wives” be transformed by Christ. They give all the glory to God for this defining
moment in their life and how Christ gives them a hope and a joy that is
unchangeable. It is also encouraging to hear and see children and wives who
have discovered and are deepening a relationship with Christ. And if they still
live in broken homes, they now have a heavenly father to put their faith and
hope in.
Basically, everyone needs the
gospel, no matter the circumstances. Think about how consistent God has been in
your life. God is SO big. The freedom, peace and joy he brings spring from the hope
stored up for us in heaven. It is a never ending spring of life, and the people
here in Guatemala are discovering it. Hearts are being set on fire for Christ
and people are rejoicing in WHO he is. There is still a huge need of resources
though, so continue to pray for Guatemala and for an increase in resources for
the people here - and all over the world! Just because a family discovers the
hope found in Christ, does not mean they need to continue to live in
difficult circumstances with an immense lack of hygiene and other resources.
Blessings,
Eva Porter
