Everyone Needs the Gospel

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