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