“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
– Proverbs 31:8
Following these instructions would certainly describe our month here in Guatemala. Although our ministry location wasn’t what we originally had planned for, it was a tremendous learning experience and offered a great way to reach the “least of these.”
We spent our time at three different locations in downtown Antigua, Guatemala: 1) Casa Maria, a home for poor and abandoned elderly folks. 2) Casa Jackson, a center for malnourished children. 3) Hermano Pedro Hospital, a long-term care facility for children and adults suffering from Cerebral Palsy. Each of these places presented unfamiliar territory for me. The first time I stepped into each location, I felt absolutely helpless, unsure as to what I could do to help. But I gradually discovered how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in little ways. My time was primarily spent feeding, dressing, cleaning, assisting with therapy, and playing games. And whether I was serving a feeble old man, a young and frail baby, or a handicapped teenager, I realized how desperate for love that each individual was. These folks are often forgotten and left by the wayside here, because they can do so little on their own and have very little to offer society. Yet, Christ always pleads their case. He makes it clear time and time again that they are near and dear to His heart. Consequently, they should be near to our hearts as well. We often forget that Jesus had favorites; and they were the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
From an earthly point of view, it’s often difficult to understand why they are so important. I wrestle with these thoughts all the time. I often struggle to see Christ in each of them, but I know I need to. It’s so easy to love those who are just like us and those who have something to give, something to offer. But Christ tells us that it’s simply not enough to love just our friends. It takes great faith, courage, and sacrifice to love those who can’t give back. Truly loving them requires a selfless and unconditional love.
Please pray that I continue to keep my heart and mind open and receptive to every need and every person that is near to the heart of God. My burden needs to be as broad as His. I know I can’t do everything. And I know that I’m not even asked to do big things. Only little things with great love. Even still, I will do my best to remain focused on seeing this whole world as its Creator does.
Concerning my support account, I’ve received nearly $10,000 in donations and pledges thus far. Praise God! Pray that I receive the remaining $5,000 needed within the next couple of months. If you would like to make any further donations, make checks payable to Adventures In Missions, mail payments to the following address, and be sure to include my name in the memo:
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
You can also make your contribution online at danlidwin.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” tab on the left hand column and follow the instructions thereafter.
For His Renown,
Dan Lidwin
