Opportunity Knocks

    Children of La Comunidad

First of all, may I apologize for the length between this blog post and my last? It seems that Google had locked me out! But, I think it is corrected and I am now excited to bring you up to date on our lives and work here in Guatemala!

It is amazing the amount of opportunity the Lord has given us in La Comunidad. It is such an enormous area. We are in one public school of 1,000 children ages 4-16 and right now could probably be in several other schools of equal or larger size in the city. We are seeing the children really start to love on us and trust us. The family unit, as it is in the U.S., suffers greatly here. You see very little of the father, if he is even around, and more mothers and grandmothers. Tessa had the wonderful idea of simply setting up outside the school and passing out juice to the children and guardians as they wait for their loved ones. It has worked great!

 Tessa giving out drinks

The Guatemalan people are very loving, kind, happy and compassionate. But at the same time, because of years of child kidnapping and adoption corruption, they are fearful and skeptical of Americans. Many children were stolen and illegally put up for adoption here. A lot still think that we are there to steal their children. For this and other reasons we are taking our time in gaining their trust. Tessa and I are firmly convicted that it is imperative that they see first and foremost that we simply care for them as a human beings and to show them we love them where they are. It is amazing to see through a simple act of handing someone a drink how many people now come and speak to us and thank us! What a great sign of things to come!

Our prayer is to be able to rent a small storefront to do outreach and discipleship. For whatever reason, it has proved very difficult. The plan is very simple: Love them and teach them Christ. 

A church plant or whatever may come after that is a natural progression of the Gospel being lived and shared. 

At this time we really do ask for and covet your prayers. On top of all the work available in La Comunidad, there might also be a huge opportunity for us in a neighboring village of indigenous Guatemalans too. More on that later! 

For now we ask that you specifically pray for:

1. Clarity and focus on what God wants and not what we want.
2. Continued trust gained of the people in La Comunidad.
3. A place to do discipling and outreach.
4. A small car to take into La Comunidad.
5. Direction on changing homes.

We really need a smaller vehicle to take into the are we work. Something less conspicuous. Also, we came to a furnished home and must really contemplate a move as it is very expensive living here, MUCH more than Mexico. That said, we did not purchase anything upon arrival so we basically only own our clothes and personal belongings. 

God knew this and we know it will work out for good. Please pray for us and we will be doing the same for you as we always do. We think of you all often and pray for your needs, safety and work in the Lord.

May God richly bless each one of you!

Bob and Tessa