Transforming Generational Cycles of Poverty to Ignite Hope and Value in the Name of Jesus
Sometimes we question if God loves us. But something profound happens when we reach beyond ourselves and choose to love someone else. In that moment of service we know and experience God’s powerful and intimate love for us. Striving to find love comes through showing love.
The families in the mentoring program have found connection and hope in their Saturday activities two times a month. These times together on Saturday are always at the end of a busy week dealing with the challenges of working, going to school, etc. but the families chose to come together for fellowship and fun. May God continue to bless these families.
Incarnational ministry is a fancy way of saying being present and in person. Joel Van Dyke and Kris Rocke break down Jesus as an example of being present. “If Jesus sends us as the Father sent him, exactly how did the Father send Jesus? The answer sings out from the beginning of the Gospel (of John), ‘And the word became flesh and lived among us’. God sent Jesus in the flesh, and that is how Jesus sends us – in the flesh.”
Dave Hillis writes this in his book, Playgrounds or Battlegrounds, “How we see and hope for our cities greatly affects how we behave in them, individually and collectively. We will argue that seeing our cities as God’s playgrounds, where we can see God’s redemptive Spirit already at work inviting us to join in and share our gifts, rather than as battlegrounds where divisions create rivalry and there is dissipation and discord, is the perspective required to bring us and our cities closer to God’s peace. That is, a place in which we see God as our friend, neighbors as co-laborers, resources as abundant, and mercy and grace available to all.”
In Popabaj, the eldest woman is know by all as Abuelita. “Little Grandma”. On a recent trip, we showed her a picture taken of her a few years ago. She was obviously entertained at the sight.
“Having a heart for the poor is easy. Having a mind for the poor is the challenge.”
-Michael Fairbanks-
The heart gives you the compassion to do something the mind secures the actions needed.
Yesterday in Guatemala our team brought all of the children and families from the tiny little village, Papa baj to the movies and for a happy meal. These kids have NEVER experienced anything like this. The area they live in is so remote and isolated. Praying their eyes, hearts and minds are wide open and that this inspires big dreams and possibilities.
This week we have a team down in Guatemala. They are learning about the culture, seeing the beautiful country, and experiencing our Lord’s heart for themselves and the precious people of Guatemala and how He knits our lives together. Please join us in praise as we see the hand of God move.
Space has been one of the simplest things For the Love of Missions has provided over the years and God has blessed that simple provision. Several years ago, we heard from a few local leaders about the lack of space for ministries to use and for them to meet with community and ministry leaders. We had a building that we were willing to open for these purposes. The garbage dump community in Guatemala City has not seen much cooperation and collaboration between organizations because many compete for resources. But something new is happening as space has been opened. We look forward to the future collaborations.
Chad Johnson gives a powerful challenge about how we view the materially poor in Rethink Missions. He writes, “Mindsets and action are directly correlated. How we perceive a situation directly affects how we react. This is human nature. Whether we view people in poverty as weak, unimaginative, destitute, and uneducated or as smart, capable, innovative, and potential-laden will elicit extremely different responses. The first view will produce shortsighted reactions – We’ll take control and react out of our perception of the needs. The second view will produce collaboration – We’ll come alongside, partner, create shared value, and promote opportunity.” We at For The Love strive to view the immense value each person is intrinsically created with and have seen the Lord open our hearts.
