Some interesting facts why missions so vital in Guatemala:

• Guatemala is recovering from 10 years of civil unrest
• when a NEW government is elected into power; they change ALL the policies and programs... whether it was good or bad. In doing this, unfortantely, they cannot establish economic and political growth and maintain the status quo
• Status quo is the NORM in Guatemala... people are content. They aren't driven by materialism as we are.
• Family relationships ARE everything. The people are rich in relationships. They may not have much but find significance in their relationships around them
• There is NO social net from the government; no medical, no CCP, no child tax... you are on your own. Due to this, much of the poor go without and/or experience unneccessary deaths. 

This is why the Church needs to be the Church in Guatemala. Since we have been here with Feviva, we have been working on 3 building projects; building a bridge, painting their Bible College that offers BA and MA degrees, and establishing a well for the Village of Hope (which is a transitional home for orphans from their orphanage; Casa Esperanza). I have preached 3 times in 2 days... our team presented 5 dramas, and prayed blessing on countless of people; churches, homeless, addicted.

We took ALL the kids from the orphanage to the pool yesterday. It was a time where these kids can be kids! We had chicken fights and played keep-away with teens that came from pasts that experienced rape, abuse, and left on their own... To put smiles on their faces was worth the cost!

I will have pictures up soon!