Can't help them all

Every conversation with Paul Townsend provides small jewels of wisdom or counsel. I often call him My Apostle Paul, but he would be angry with such a comparison. Today Paul took the time to tell us a little about Chajul. He often stops, moved to tears as he recalls some of the people who gave their lives to preserve God’s word during the war. The list of those killed because of who they called their King – is numbing.

This afternoon, in the quiet of his office, he broke our hearts with a story that runs parallel to our stay in the Ixil. A young shoeless shoe shine boy stuck his head in the office and Paul politely shooed him away. As he stared at the empty doorway, he said, “That was Manuel. He started coming around here a while back – wanting to shine my shoes. I paid him little attention at first.  Then I let him shine my shoes, and I learned a little about him. Sometimes I would give him a little soup which he would wolf down to fill his starving stomach. Over time I got to know him a bit and went to visit his home - such an extremely poor family, even by Ixil standards! Today I made arrangements to pay for his education; in January he will begin classes at the Christian School. I took him to Nebaj and purchased a pair of shoes and a shirt for him and his little brother. He was so pleased.” As he turned his eyes back from the empty doorway, I asked him, “With all this need everywhere you turn, how do you decide who to help and who to say no to?” He replied, “You can’t help them all. The Ixil people have one of the highest levels of malnutrition in the world. I have people coming to my door all the time – asking for food, asking for money, asking for medicine for a sick baby. You just have to say no sometimes. I’ve had people come back and tell me – thanks a lot - because you did not give me medicine for my baby, my baby died. It is hard, but you have to compartmentalize it. Sometimes God puts people in my path that I feel a overwhelming conviction to help. You just can’t help them all.”  

When there is such abundance back at home in the States, it is hard to accept that we cannot at least help more of these beautiful people. I pray that W.I.N.D. can help in some small way. With a focus on providing affordable quality Christian education, it might help a little. But I guess you can’t help them all. Oh God, give us a passion for the oppressed, the poor and the widowed.

But the Church grew

From my journal… We met today with a man named Ramando. He the Director of a Christian School in Chajul. It is connected with to the local Methodist Church. He showed us around his Church and we toured the school. Then we finished up in a beautiful sanctuary where about 600 people cram into the pews every Sunday for a 6am service (which last two hours – mas o menos). They have home groups and offer a VBS program.

He told us a little about the history of the church – specifically around the war years. He showed us an interesting looking garden area. Apparently during the war – the army forbade them to go to the river to hold baptisms. So they built this tub like structure behind the church. There they continued to secretly hold baptisms until the war was over. After the war they filled it with dirt and planted a garden. From it new life continues to emerge. During the war, everyone needed to be inside their homes before dark. Ramando explained how the army would scatter empty cans all around. In the pitch black of night if the soldiers heard the cans being kicked, they would start shooting. The next morning they would often find dead dogs which had been shot as a result. Sometime there were friends who had stumbled on the cans on their way to the bano during the night. They were shot and often killed as well. He told of the instance when one night the Army hung a dead body over the doorway of the church – saying that only death mattered. The Church did not matter - it was a waste of time. He said; “The army was trying to destroy the church. But the Church grew during this time. God can not be deterred. To this we said, Amen.

Rich

Open Door

Open Door

This is a picture of a door leading to a classroom in the current space being used for the Christian School in Cotzal; 82 students, grades 1-6 being taught under a leaking roof in dank facilities. The parents of these children have decided it is worth the 25Q per month (about $3) to have their children in a Christian learning environment. Public education would be free – but the public education is not effective. So they dig deep into their limited budget and pay the 25Q. If a family cannot come up with the 25Q, Tabita and the teachers quietly help cover their cost. They do not turn anyone away who wants to learn. Sadly, as the children learn to read and write, the number of students drops off as the parents feel they have learned what they need to know. But Tabita and her staff tirelessly work to inspire the students.

God led us to Cotzal. He called us to raise the education level of the people in the Ixil. He led us to Tabita, a real saint to the children she teaches. He showed us the way to this open door to new possibilities – an open door to making a difference to the children of Cotzal. An open door to bringing a better tomorrow to a region weighted down by years of war and oppression. But what? How? With what resources?

The real question is:  Do I have the faith required to jump in with both feet and say yes, we trust that God will provide the financial resources required to build a new school? Or would I rather hedge my bet and throw in a few dollars to provide materials and perhaps scholarships?  A question of faith?!  If I feel called, why would I doubt that the resources would be made available – and in abundance!  It requires a kind of “Sun Stand Still” faith to make it happen.  Do I have the confidence to look Tabita in the eye and say, “I believe God will raise the necessary money to build a school where He will be glorified.  Let’s get started!”  It is a question of faith, is it not?

Amanda sent me an email asking what was I doing on 11/11/11 at 11:11am. I was literally standing at the open door way of Tabita’s home – being invited in to hear her story. I believe we were being invited to take part in a new chapter. I invite you to join us on an 11:11 path of prayer. Everyday – when you can think about it – join us at 11:11am in prayer for the children of Cotzal. I trust God will tell you how to pray. I believe that amazing things will begin to happen. When God whispers a reply, I ask you to drop us a note and tell us what you heard.

Rich

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Tabita

November 11, 2011

We entered the day without plans or objectives. Over breakfast we decided to discuss the plans for the day and we both had been given the same idea for the day – the need to connect with the director of a Christian School in Cotzal. Clear leading. So we postponed our trip out of Nebaj and set out trying to find a way to connect with the director, Tabita. Within a half hour we had an appointment to meet with her in Cotzal at 11am. Clear leading.

Tabita runs a Christian School for students in grades 1 – 6. She operates the school on a shoestring budget – in fact her teachers do not receive compensation most of the time. The school is a shared/loaned space with a leaky roof and one very nasty bathroom (for all the students and their teachers).  She has 82 students enrolled who each pay 25Q per month for enrollment (about $3).  

A little about Tabita – her father was a prominent pastor in Cotzal in the 1980’s. This was at the height of the war. He was one of the many unfortunate who were caught in the middle.  He would go out to the villages and preach, where the Guerillas would think he was a spy of the army. He would go back to Cotzal to his home church and the Army would think he was a spy for the Guerillas. Somewhere in between he was executed in 1983. Somehow Tabita was able to rise above her difficult upbringing and get herself an education. Eventually she earned a Licenciaturo en Adminstracion Educativa degree. She felt called back to help the children of Cotzal, so 11 years ago she returned to teach.

Tabita recently organized some times of prayer in the community of Cotzal. She was able to get 20 churches in Cotzal to open their doors for prayer. Then at 5pm for 5 minutes the entire town came out and prayed for their pueblo 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Please join us in praying about what role WIND might have in enhancing the learning environment for this school. We have felt lead to this doorstep, and we have found an open door with a huge need awaiting us on the other side.

Jacinto Perez graduation

Nov 5, 2011

Today was the Graduation for Jorai (the Bible institute in Cotzal). Only one student graduated from the Diplomado Program this year. Jacinto Perez, the pastor of a Methodist Church in Cotzal, completed his third year of studies and earned a Diplomado Degree. Twelve individuals completed their second year and fourteen individuals completed their first year. The day started with a devotional time for all the students, teachers and staff of the program. This was a time of speeches and a sermon, prayer and thanks. We had the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of WIND and extended our congratulations from all of the supporters of the program.

I would like to put a few things into perspective here as it relates to what WIND is supporting at Jorai. Jacinto Perez has been the pastor of the Methodist Church for six years. He is a married man with six children. Every Sunday and Wednesday, in front of 50 – 60 of his flock, he preaches a sermon at his church. He is a man of very little education whose only requirement for acceptance into the program at Jorai was the ability to read (some) and write (some). His education the last three years at Jorai is the only formal education he has ever had. The degree he received, the Diplomado, is the equivalent to a sixth grade education. The Diplomado program offers very basic fill-in-the-blank Bible teaching. It is provided to pastors and individuals in the church who wish to obtain a greater understanding of the Bible. It does not offer any deep theological training. For Jacinto, the past three years has opened his eyes to the Bible which he has been teaching. By any standards of man, he is under prepared to lead his growing congregation. He remains hungry to learn more, but his economic situation does not make this possible. Through WIND, he was able to get some initial training and has a strong desire to continue if finances make it possible in the future. He sends his deepest appreciation to all the WIND supporters, and as he looked at us with emotion of the day written on his face he said, “You are an answer to my prayers.”

Jacinto was so very proud of his degree. His family and friends packed his church for the graduation ceremony. He held the diploma in his hands as if it were the greatest treasure ever received. At one point during the ceremony, his emotions got the best of him and he covered his eyes  as tears streaked down his face. He gave thanks to God for his education. Perhaps today Jacinto is a little more enlightened to the truth of God’s Word. It was a most amazing day and a great celebration.

Poco a poco

November 2, 2011

This chill time in Guatemala has been good. My head hurts from my two hours of intense Spanish lessons. Guillermo, my Spanish teacher, ends each session with the phrase “poco o poco”. Little by little. I pray for the pouring down of the Holy Spirit and a miracle of tongues – preferably Spanish. But nothing.

Today I wrestled with a question from our morning Bible Study.  It related to how the Christians in Jerusalem felt about the newly converted Gentile Christians during the Apostle Paul’s time of ministry. The Christians in Jerusalem were Jews – God’s chosen people. It was clearly recorded in all of their sacred scriptures that God had set them apart. He had promised them great things. He had led them to victory over their enemies. He had rescued them from slavery. He was their God! They were having a hard time with this new way of thinking and letting go of the old law; that Jesus had come to save more than the Jewish converts.

The Gentile Christians had not received all the formal training. Paul had shown up one day and told them the good news of Jesus Christ. They had listened – they had heard - they had accepted – they had been baptized. Then Paul and his mission team had departed. The new believers did not have the NIV Study Bible to help them in their newly found faith. They only had Paul’s testimony and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They had little of the history of the Old Testament.  Sure, Paul would return to encourage them. But they were left to learn on their own. I can certainly understand why the Jewish Christians felt like their way was the best.

 I fast forward to our work in the Quiche region. I once asked a man in Cajixay, who had recently given his life to Christ, how he gains his knowledge about living a Christian life. He looked at me, then his gaze returned back to the surrounding mountains – and he slowly pointed to the sky and said, “From the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches me and convicts me.”

Sent out by the Holy Spirit

Oct 31, 2011

We met with Amalia Tuc today. She was our translator for the MTI trip in June 2010. She works for Food for the Hungry, speaks excellent English and has a real love for the Lord. We really enjoyed her company. Amalia is going to connect us with a few other FH people. I have learned from past vision trips when someone says “you ought to meet this person” then you better listen. Actually, you should more than listen – you should set up some time on the calendar. When you pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit – those directions often flow through others. Lead us Holy Spirit.

I have been thinking a lot about a few innocent words in Acts 13. Saul (Paul) and team are being sent to the mission field. Their home church in Antioch prays over them and sends them out. It says they were “sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit”. I doubt they just showed up at the port and randomly selected Cyprus as their first stop. I am thinking that some one knew someone who had invited them to come. There was some sort of connection. So they felt God tug them toward Cyprus. They followed the bread crumbs – keenly aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit. They remained open to where the Spirit would lead them.

On trips like the one we are on right now – I try to become extra sensitive to Gods leading. It requires a slower pace. It requires much more prayer. It certainly requires more attentive listening. As we talked with Amalia, in conversation she mentioned these people who she thought it might be beneficial to meet. As she talked about why, I could feel the Holy Spirit radar go off. So we will follow these bread crumbs.

Here is the deal - I wish the Holy Spirit would audibly speak to me. I wish I could record and play back that conversation. But I truly believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to us through other people. We just need to be attentive and then responsive to that leading. That obedience most likely will cause us to be sent off on a journey of a lifetime.

Rich

Antigua, Guatemala

October 30, 2011

When the unexpected makes you smile. After an uneventful trip to Antigua yesterday -everything went as planned and we arrived at the hotel around 8:30 last night. We stepped out of our hotel – Pasada La Merced – and only walked a few paces when we ran into Mario Morales and Nathan from Agros. Mario and his family had come to Antigua to dine with the Horencia Uno team before they fly back today.

What a “coincidence” to run into them within moments of our arrival. From this encounter we learned that the roads up to the Ixil are in good shape and the road to Cajixay is passable. Nathan’s team had to pass through Cajixay on their daily trek to Horencia Uno. This is great news for our end of the week plans. We had not expected to have knowledge of the roads until we got to Nebaj.

We also talked to Mario about Jordan helping out in January and he said “no problema” (typical Mario fashion) regarding having Agros staff give Jordan a ride to Nabaj.

It is good to be back in Antigua. We are excited to see how the Lord provides and leads us today, this week and during our month long stay in Guatemala.  

Rich

Restoration

This morning I walked through the woods near our home. Enjoying the fresh crisp air, I could not miss the amazing beauty of God’s creation. The trees in the forest stretched skyward, disappearing into the low hanging clouds. God called my attention to an old and rotting stump of a once grand Douglas Fir. The stump was jagged and soft , full of holes created by insects. But clinging to the sides and disappearing into the dark soil surrounding it were the healthy and strong roots of a new tree which had been birthed from the top of that old stump.

What a perfect picture of God’s ability to restore. From the dead and rotten - new life has emerged. I believe God loves a good restoration project. Taking something broken, forgotten and beyond hope, our Lord creates a new marvel. He is in the business of restoration.  When everything seems helpless through the lens of our earthly eyes, He can step in to restore our brokenness. Sometimes we get painfully reduced to a stump – all of our splendor removed – before we can feel God’s hand of restoration.

I am reminded of the village of Cajixay. Totally destroyed and literally burned to the ground, the cries of the people had faded and left the smell of death lingering in the mountain valley.  A stump that time might have forgotten. Then, after the sounds of war were gone, new life took root in the village. Families returned and seeds were planted. New life begins and sprouts out of that old stump. The singing and laughter have returned to Cajixay and transformation is underway. New buildings have been built, supplemental crops developed, schools expanded and business created.  And I think God smiles down and says, “It is good.”  In Cajixay, there was a desire for restoration – a desire to put in the hard work – and hope for the future. 

God can take a seed and plant it in an old stump, turning it into a grand tree again. God can take the smoldering remains of a remote Guatemalan village and make it come to life. And God can certainly take our broken situations and relationships and create them new again.

 “He restores my soul” Ps 23:3

Rich

Workout for stronger faith

Faith is like a muscle - it needs to be strengthened. You must be intentional about working it out. Hearing and reading the God's Word will initiate faith. Speaking the the promises of the Word will activate faith. Living the instructions of the Word demonstrates faith. Your faith, just like your body, will grow stronger by incorporating a regular workout routine.

God's Miracle - Ana Elcy

This was the photo on the Compassion International website. Four year old Ana Elcy Yanira Toma Toma - a long name for such a little girl. I had found her in a search of the Compassion site for a child to sponsor from Guatemala; specifically a child who lived in the Guatemalan Highlands. I wanted to be able to connect with her on my visits to the region. I fell in love with this darling little girl who lived in the small community of Los Angeles, which is just outside of Cotzal.  Perfect.  We immediately committed to sponsor her in 2008.

Several factors led me to desire to sponsor a child through Compassion, one of which fits the WIND acronym – When It Needs Doing. Additionally, I have a passion for better understanding the ministries involved in the Ixil. What better way to understand an organization like Compassion than to participate in it.

My first visit with Ana Elsy started at her school. I met her mother, sister, and teachers. Then they led us to her home (a typical dirt-floored house) located on the property of her grandfather. We played as I tried to get her to relax and smile a little. I presented her and her family with some small gifts which we had brought with us. As we were leaving, I felt an immediate connection with this shy little girl.

The next day I was working in the village of Cajixay when my friend Nicolas (whom I wrote about in the previous blog entry) sought me out with his usual warm greeting. The first thing he said was, “Ricardo, estaban en mi casa ayer” (you were at my house yesterday). My silent confusion made him continue – “You visited my granddaughter Elcy!” As I put the pieces together, both of our eyes filled with tears. God is so amazing. My “random” selection of a little girl from the Compassion website had connected me with Nicolas in a very personal way.

I continue to visit Ana Elcy twice a year. Now she runs to greet me. She blesses me with big hugs and a contagious smile. I still stand amazed at God’s Miracles. God is so good!

Nicolas Toma - Forgiveness

Nicolas Toma – Lesson on Forgiveness

I first met Nicolas in 2004 during my first trip to Guatemala. He worked for Agros and was the promoter to the village of Cajixay. In 2003 he had led a team from our church to Cajixay and through his efforts a partnership was formed. Cajixay was where he had been raised. Cajixay is where his father had been a pastor. Cajixay is where he met his wife and was married. Cajixay is where his first child was conceived. And Cajixay is where the brutality of war crashed down upon him.

He looked on and watched as his father was executed in front of his fearful eyes. His village was burned to the ground and memories of the screams of terror were never forgotten. He and his pregnant wife fled to the hills. Hiding from both the army and the guerillas, they survived on tiny portions of food. Without shelter, his wife gave birth to a son – who had no chance to survive in the cold, damp climate. He and his wife were able to survive this terrible ordeal – his father, son and many friends were not as fortunate.  

In my previous blog, I wrote of a recent attempt at justice for those responsible for massacres such as the one that took place in Cajixay. I do not ever remember Nicolas speaking of retribution or justice. But in his life he demonstrated the powerful act of forgiveness. He knew the people who had killed his father and friends, the people who were somewhat responsible for the death of his first son, and he chose the path of forgiveness – not only in words, but in action. He ministered to them. He helped them. He witnessed to them. When I struggle with forgiveness to those I think have wronged me or those I love, I often think of the amazing grace which Nicolas lived out.

 I am not sure how Nicolas would feel about the recent verdicts handed down in Guatemala City. Cancer claimed his life a little over a year ago. I am proud to have known Nicolas as a friend. I missed seeing him on recent trip to the Ixil. But we have remained connected through an amazing sequence of “coincidences” which have led me to an amazing relationship with his granddaughter. I will tell you about Ana Elcy in my next post.

Rich

Justice and Forgiveness

The village of Cajixay is nestled in a lush valley in the Guatemala highlands. This area is frequently referred to as the Ixil Triangle. While things are relatively peaceful today, not many years ago the Ixil was caught in the middle of a bloody civil war – the brutality of which was horrific. Cajixay was burned to the ground and only resettled after the fighting was over. Today there are approximately 110 families carving out an existence in this beautiful place.

I was reminded this week about the violence that savaged this region not long ago. After 36 years of killing, the civil war officially ended in 1996. CNN published an article this week that reported on four former Guatemalan soldiers who received life sentences (6,000 years each) for the massacre of 201 people in the village of Dos Erres in 1982 They were convicted of crimes against humanity. The article mentions several imes that this sentence was only the beginning. .   

Often I have sat and listened to villagers tell their stories from the war. I have wiped away tears as they recounted watching family members and friends murdered. Often they speak of God’s protection on their lives. The men and women who are my age lived through some terrible events; we cannot begin to imagine the horrors.  Within their stories, I do not remember ever hearing talk of justice or of settling the score. Maybe because they feel hopeless to do anything – or maybe because that was another time and they live for a hope for a better tomorrow.

However I have heard talk of forgiveness. Next time I will tell you about a friend named Nicolas Toma who taught many about forgiveness.  He was an amazing man.

Rich

Link to CNN artilcle: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/08/02/guatemala.human.rights.trial/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

This is Why

Antonio Osorio - May 2011

Meet Antonio Osorio from Cajixay, Guatemala. He has experienced the horrors of civil war - close up.  He is a farmer – growing corn, peas and tomatoes. He understands very well what it means to be hungry – and worse yet for a father – sending his children to bed hungry. He is a grandfather to four beautiful children. He is a pillar of strength and determination in his community. He has a new and growing faith in God. He has a hope for his village – that every person in the village will come to know Jesus and not be lacking in what they need to simply live. I am proud to say that he is my friend-  whom I have known for 8 years.

When I saw him in May, with a broad smile he told me that this January, at age 58, he is headed back to school. He will be attending the W.I.N.D. of God sponsored Bible Training extension program in Cotzal. He will begin a three year program which will culminate in a Basico degree in Bible.  

Every student who attends the Bible Training extension program has stories similar to Antonio’s. They have a face. They have hopes and fears – for themselves and their communities. They see a better future ahead. They are excited to have the opportunity, even at the age of 58, to go back to school. I believe that this is why God led us to start W.I.N.D of God.  On November 23^rd, we will watch 20 graduates from multiple villages march to receive their diplomas. Family and friends will clap and celebrate these achievements with streamers, fireworks, and parades. One of their own has fulfilled a dream. For my friend Antonio – he is following in the footsteps of his son Sebastian and daughter Amalia who graduated in 2009.

It is my hope and prayer that this blog site will raise your awareness of the needs that W.I.N.D. is trying to address in Guatemala. That perhaps you will be compelled to join us in the journey. W.I.N.D. is an acronym for When It Needs Doing. In life we are given the opportunity to decide how we will respond to the needs that are laid before us. We can elect to let someone else deal with it – or we can become part of the story. From experience I can say that the one who stops to bless others is the one who becomes showered with blessings.  I look forward to sharing more of the story as we travel the path before us.

Rich

We are entering the blogging world!

Stay tuned to this site for WIND updates, news, and thoughts.  We are excited to share what God is doing through our non-profit in Guatemala!