Jesus is alive and moving mightily in Guatemala! Lives are being eternally changed and HIS Kingdom is expanding! We have updates on the ongoing and NEW projects that In Jesus Name is a part of in Guatemala!
I am sure that you thought the orphanage, Casa de Nana, would never start. We have been “patiently” waiting for God to lead and direct us. Sometimes, not so patiently! We are so glad that we have waited though. Unfortunately, the Guatemalan government has some very negative practices regarding orphanages and “complete control.” If we use the typical model of an orphanage, the government would be able to dictate everything from room size to what children are placed and who can visit and when. The rules are tremendously overbearing and if we do not follow them to the letter, they can close the facility down completely and all the investment could be lost.
So, after some prayer and a GOD-sized idea of changing the model of the facility, we have some thoughts on keeping control. If we build a series of casitas, Guatemalan style small homes, for unwed or single mothers with children, children living together with an older sibling, etc… we would still be able to help, assist and shelter those children in need. We would establish rules for church attendance, acceptance into the housing complex, expectations, safety, and much more. This complex would function similarly to Pan de Vida except it would be individual, residential homes that are more substantial than the present living conditions for these family groups. Our idea is that this would be an enclosed, gated community for those with no or little income. It will be secure, safe, and clean. There will be supervision and direction in the lives of these families that points to Jesus and His goal of taking the Gospel to the nation and people. We will also work with these families to help them get on their feet and leave “Casas de Nana” therefore opening the homes(s) for the next family in need.
We plan to proceed with this model, our version of an orphanage, as it has been successful in other Latin American countries and in avoiding governmental mandates and takeover that may not align with Christ’s. We are actively looking for the right parcel(s) of land to accomplish this GOD-size plan.
The work at Pan De Vida continues and is growing. We have increased the number of children coming to the feeding center and as the need is ever present, we expect the number of children attending to continue to grow. The children are flourishing in the knowledge of God and HIS Word and in their health. Their families, we pray, are strengthened by additional food/needs that are met as needed as well as by the monthly parent meetings/church services. Pastor Cesar and Amy and Pastor Max continue to feed these children both physically and spiritually.
Lastly, we would like to inform you of a NEW project we are supporting. Pastor Cesar and Amy Gonzalez are the pastors of Ministerios Vida. They are in process of trying to complete construction on their main church in San Lorenzo. We are coming alongside them to see the Kingdom of God expand.
We have already started talking with churches about how they can be a part of this project and all that In Jesus Name Medical Ministry is doing in Guatemala. If you would like us to come and visit your church, we would love to come and share about what GOD is doing! Feel free to reach out to any of us with questions and set up time for us to come and share with your small group, church or fellowship! We just want to tell everyone about Jesus and what HE is doing!
Your continued prayers and support are coveted as we embark on this journey together.