There are Times...

There are times when words will touch the heart, and then there is that picture that can speak a thousand words.

 "O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart…” (Psalm 10:17 ESV)

At times it can seem that God is distant. Being confined to your home, away from family, friends, and church will cause that thought to come into your mind more often than not. Unfortunately for many people with disabilities here in Guatemala, being confined to their home is a reality they have had to deal with before it was enforced by the government. 

When traveling through the crowded neighborhoods, walls and gates obscure your view of what is on the other side and add intrigue to what will be discovered there. It can make you wonder, what treasures is God hiding behind those gates? Behind one such gate, we were introduced to 13 year old Danilo, and his mother. Danilo’s mother has raised him on her own and washes clothes to be able to provide for their needs. She has been able to get by when work has been consistent, but now with enforced restrictions, work has been hard to find. Unable to pay rent, Danilo and his mother were forced out of their home, but with the kindness of a neighbor, they have been given a room to stay in. Due to lack of therapy and the terrain where they live, Danilo either crawled or had to be carried by his mother if he needed or wanted to go somewhere. 

We were able to fit Danilo with a few different sets of crutches, and leave much needed groceries for them. In our attempt to show the same love that He has shown to us, we hope they know that God is not far away, and that He’s close enough to hear us… You never know what treasure you’ll find in the hidden places.

                  

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“No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, …then I saw all the work of God,” (Ecc. 8:8, 17 NSRV)

We received word that in a small town just north of Chimaltenango, there were many families in need of food. One of the families that we visited was Violeta and her children: Jenifer, Mary, Jasmin, and Fernando. Her husband, Jose, worked as a helper on a bus, but public transportation has been shut down indefinitely. He has sought work, chopping wood or working on a farm, but the pay doesn’t equal what he was previously earning. In the place they live in, conditions are not good, two of the walls belong to their neighbors’ houses, and the rest is bamboo. 

The most endearing part of this visit was the joy in the house. These circumstances would be difficult and stressful for anyone to deal with, but what we saw was a family that had given control to God. Trying to control life is like trying to control the wind, we can become distraught over not being able to achieve this or we can give Him control. 

Every day the folks here at Bethel are trying to use our ability to see life from God’s perspective and decide what course of action He wants us to take. We want to accept each day for what it is: another opportunity to share about Jesus and what He does for us all. Thank you, friends, for standing with us. We appreciate you.

With love and prayers for you and yours,

Your Bethel Family in Guatemala