For a year and a half, our daughter Jessica and son-in-law, Josh have been involved in a life saving effort in Rio Bravo, Guatemala. Because of extreme poverty in the region, several children died of starvation. Thanks to the generosity of some and the hands-on involvement of others, the children are eating breakfast every day, and the situation is changing – slowly. Pastor Freddie who ministers in the area is providing facilities and volunteers to provide one meal a day for some of the kids. Other North American missionaries, Bob and Georgette, are busy implementing a fresh and clean water system, which addresses another major need in the area – the water is polluted and is poisoning the people there. Thank God, this situation is also turning – slowly.
On our visit there last week, our team was struck by the continuing need. Recent flooding has left many families homeless and with nowhere to turn. We are burdened about doing more for this hurting community.
I am now processing the possibility of a micro-economic project whereby the people there could learn to provide a more effective means of feeding the hungry there. While the efforts are awesome, the one meal a day that 200 of the most needy children are eating is not enough. Their families require food for additional meals. Our Missional Pastor, Rich and I are working through some ideas that would provide a greater supply of food at a minimal cost to North American donors.
I think it is possible to go there, train workers, establish a food purchasing/distribution system and secure funding that could save more lives. God help us to help those who cannot help themselves.
Thoughts on Life and Leading 