Serving God's Children
The very first church built by the mission 19 years ago, was amplified in Guatemala this year. The villagers celebrated the “Day of The Maya” on the same day the blessing of the church took place. Giving thanks for all they have especially their children is a three day event in the Q’eqchi villages!
Five churches and two chapels have been built by K2K Mission Hope in Guatemalan villages. Working with Bishop Gabriel Peñate Rodriguez and Father Jose on the Rio Dulce as well as the Claratians has been a joy. These men are truly loving and compassionate towards God’s people. Their pastoral concern is evident in the work they do to help the poor. This is Holy Ground.
This church was built 10 years ago, but the gentleman who had been helping them financially died and the building, which only has the floor and walls has not been completed. The people are poor fisherman. Some women and children are without husbands and dads because they have died out at sea trying to make a living. One young woman told me that it is very hard when you wait, and wait, and wait for your husband to come back and he never returns. Some of the stories really tug at your heart.
The people in this area have migrated from Vera Cruz and they want to complete their church. They are willing to work but need Help. Please pray for these sweet people and offer what you can in time, talent and treasure.
St. Paul said “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive!’” Acts 20:35
Due to “lack of opportunity”, most villagers cannot find or maintain jobs. Their families live in poverty not because Dad does not want to work but because he cannot find it. Most families consider themselves blessed if they have enough tortillas each day to fill their stomachs. Malnutrition is a big problem and to help alleviate some of it the mission funds village school nutrition programs. The kids get eggs, oatmeal, rice, beans, fruit, chicken and vegetables, which provides more balance. In addition to the foods, they receive a multivitamin daily.
Casa Del Pescador is a nutrition program that was supported by K2K Mission Hope for 11 years. This program began with 23 kids who were searching in a nearby garbage dump for food. They were invited and brought to a donated house where volunteers cooked nutritious meals for them. Today the coordinators, who courageou and tireless as they have been, had to discontinue due to their own economic problems.
Rotary Clubs, Protestant & Catholic Churches from Austin to Corpus Christi, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America as well as many individuals have helped the mission provide food for the kids in this program and the people are grateful.
They asked, When did we feed you, Lord? Jesus said, “Whenever you did it to the Least of my people, you did it to Me!”Matthew 25:35,36