VIDEO & Four Short Stories – Guatemala – Month 1 Recap (Ken Goes World Wide)

VIDEO OF MONTH ONE: http://vimeo.com/71250091

Tuk-Tuks zooming through the streets are the most popular sight in El Quiche. So, one late night needing a ride back to the compound Jonathan Johnson and I flagged down Miguel. He’s a native Guatemalan, 22 years young, and Catholic. After getting to know him we asked him if he’d like prayer for anything specific. 

Turning his back to us, he bowed his head and said “Si, por mi familia”. Meaning “Yes. for my family.” We laid hands on him and prayed for his family in the name of Jesus.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1: 16)

Prayer Answered At Bienestar Social Day Care

Arriving made me light headed thinking back to the few experiences I’ve had with children being plain and short lived.

Standing in the middle of the courtyard I begin to see classroom doors open. Praying for peace, creativity, and enthusiasm were the first things I thought to pray for. I looked up “Father, peace, supernatural creativity, and enthusiasm for every child today, in your Son’s name I pray”. Before I finish my prayer I have at least 10 kids jumping at me from every direction. Wrapping their arms around my legs, hanging from my arms, and jumping on my back.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11: 24)

Twenty-two children ran at us with gripping hugs. I felt confused. Really confused. I thought orphanages were supposed to look dark, lifeless, and falling apart by the brick load.

Shane Sanderson, the founder and director, told us his miracle filled story starting when he left his entire life behind in the USA by moving to Guatemala. Selling all of his possessions and moving to a country where he doesn’t know anyone nor the language. His background has always been in ministry and had no money. At 48 years old he radically changed his life to follow a calling he heard from God. Now after 3 years of serving he has taken in 22 children.

At the end of the night the boys and girls acted out two skits wearing all black clothes with white gloves and their faces painted white. First skit brought uncontrollable movements to my chin following with my throat welling up and tears pouring down my cheeks like a faucet. 

One of the children dressed in torn pants, t-shirt, and dirt stains acted as a blind person searching the floor while others walked by. Then Jesus walks in wearing a glowing white robe. The boy touches Jesus feet and can then begin to see. I lost all control over my face at the point. My nose started running and I could barely even look up, it was so bad. 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1: 27)

MannaFest spent a few days working at a construction site where a church is being built. Our “Jefe” or boss was Walter a 10 year old Guatemalan boy. His mom pulled him out of school, once his father passed away, to work full time. Walking around with a machete on his shoulder he confidently instructs us how to pull weeds with a pick-ax and a hoe. 

During the middle of one day he took a siesta under a tree on an old ruffled potato sack and fell asleep on his side. Planning on talking to him about something I sit with my back leaning on the tree and begin to ask him questions. He gives me half answers while he glances over and in mid-answer he falls back asleep. 

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord Finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5: 11)

1. Become a human jungle gym for 6 hours a day.
2. Love, laugh, and pray with the care givers.
3. Build a playground with intentional hands and focused prayer.