Men's Social Work Update & What I'm Learning

The Men's Social Work ministry site is dedicated to empowering the lives of the people of Magdalena through Christ centered relationships and aid. When I learned I was going to be in the Men's Social Work site I was excited because I was interested in learning about the community of Magdalena and the culture of Guatemala. Also, through taking Missions classes at LIFT, I wanted to learn firsthand about missions in a foreign country in a practical context. Luckily, I've gotten far more than what I asked for in terms of valuable experience, education, and awesome memories. 

The first day at our ministry site we (myself, Zach Baldwin, LIFT Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, and William Hoffman, friend and fellow LIFTer) got to meet the head of the Men's Social Work Site, Gerber (pronounced Hare-Bear in english). For the two weeks that we would be in Guatemala, Gerber has led us into doing and experiencing missions in Guatemala in a very real way. The moral lesson of the trip is that missions is about relationships and being a powerful advocate for the people, especially groups that are often forgotten, on behalf of Jesus Christ. For example, one of our ministry days the four of us got into Gerber's carro and drove to the physical therapy ministry cite to make atole, a warm beverage filled with lots of sugar, vitamins and minerals to bring to the group of alcoholics that Gerber ministers to. We drink this together in an auto shop, listening to their stories and picking up on Spanish. 

The men are struggling with alcoholism, one man was a professional futbol player for five years before he became an alcoholic, and the other a very smart electrical engineer. I thought to myself, in every community there is great suffering and need for support, and for Jesus. At the end of every visit we pray in english for our companions and Gerber ends by praying in Spanish. 

Two days we've visited our friends (Elijah and Peter G and the SI staff) at the physical therapy ministry site and witnessed their mission in action. The staff provide an atmosphere for doing physical therapy work for elderly people who are sick or in pain. Gaby, the ministry site leader, joked that they they talked to their patients about the Gospel during treatment because they couldn't leave and had to listen. It is a great ministry and really serves a great need in the elderly community of people in Magdalena. 

One of our ministry's tasks was to assist in the relocation and building of a pentecostal church. Our first Ministry day in Guatemala, Gerber led us in transporting sheet metal and beams with a truck. The new site was a dirt-patch and a dream. We met Pastor Jose and Santos, who were mapping out the area, digging holes, and putting beams in the ground to support the ceiling to be. I thought the task to be very important and that it would take a while, but Pastor Jose projected that it would be complete in dos semanas, or two weeks! Six days later we returned to find the church with a roof done by Pastor Jose and Santos and help. 

Each day Gerber takes us to a new area in Magdalena to meet the Pastors of the area and pray for them. The hospitality among Gerber's friends is astounding. Every day we have two lunches and eat like kings---from Gerber's favorite Coca-Cola to the many delicious meals of Guatemala. Everyone in Magdalena loves Coca-Cola. It tastes way better than the United States, and they know it. Gerber loves tortillas and jalapenos. At our friendly visits in the community we have eaten guacamole from avocado farmers, made tortillas with humble servants, and have been treated to the kind-hearted hospitality of this beautiful place. 

I've learned that missions is as simple as making relationships with your neighbor in the community. Gerber is a powerful example of a pastor and teacher whose heart is to serve the Lord in obedience.

- Henry

In the Magdalena community, Men's social work offers a unique chance to make a positive impact in vulnerable areas. This involves dedicated work in the social domain, such as addressing the needs of the elderly and individuals grappling with alcoholism. Additionally, Men's social work actively supports local pastors, fostering relationships through home visits, engagement in social support centers, and participation in community churches.