If there is one thing that I have learned from my time here in Guatemala it is this:
God’s dreams and plans are always bigger, better, smarter, and more life giving than anything we can come up with.
So often in the three weeks that I have been here I have heard Pastor Ben say, “Yeah, we didn’t plan on this at first, but God made a way and so we’re going with it.”
Isn’t this the truth? I have seen the evidence of this truth in the lives of Ben and Jennifer Kunkel. They said yes to God. I don’t know if it was timid, filled with courage, or a silent whisper. Either way, they said yes…and God has provided every step of the way.
As you’ve read in past issues, we are praying again for provision in order to purchase the land next door. Love Guatemala desperately needs space to drill a well. The dry and rainy season issue presents problems with adequate water during the dry season for the building and the Kunkel family who live here. Check out our video here:
Also, with the land next door, we believe God is calling us to build a missionary and team house. With these in place we would be able to free up a lot of space currently being used in our building. This will help us to begin new programs and schools. They are currently being planned and in the works to begin when the space becomes available! I personally am an advocate for these houses to be built because it will allow Ben and Jennifer a slight separation from work and home. Their current apartment at the top of our building is lovely, but there is no separation for them and their family. This can be a gift and sometimes not so much. I am believing for a bona fide home for this family because honestly, they deserve it. These two have given all that they are to this community.
With the addition of this piece of land, Love Guatemala will be able to make a larger impact in the community of Magdalena Milpas Altas and surrounding towns. More students will be able to hear about God’s immaculate love for them daily. More families will be able to find hope in the Gospel of Christ while attaining an education and vocational training. More youth and women will be trained in a skill in which they find joy and can better provide financially for their families. With Jesus, there is always MORE-Joy, Love, Hope, and Life. This is the abundant life Jesus told us about. It is happening here in Magdalena.
Will you help us? The land costs $30,000. We’ve been blessed by $15,000 matching gifts and $4,000 has been raised. Thanks be to God! We need to raise approximately $11,000 more in order to purchase this land. Would you pray about financially supporting us? Would you pray with us for the radical provision of God to happen here again? Would you continue to pray for the students here at Love Guatemala as they often face very difficult home situations and continue to fight to receive an education in a vocational skill that can forever change their futures? Most importantly, would you continue to pray for students to experience and come to know the love of Christ in their lives? This is ultimately the most important part of our work here. The truth is, Christ alone can forever change our futures.
#givehope
Never Settling,
-Caleb the Intern