The family in this picture is the family of Jaime Fermin Churunel Villegas. Allow us for a minute to tell you their situation…
Jamie’s family lived right beside the river that flooded during Hurricane Stan’s mudslides. His whole house was destroyed in the flood. Not only did his house perish but his father was asleep in bed in his house and could not get out of the house in time when the river changed directions and was washed down the river into Lake Atitlan. Jaime and his family not only are going through a time of grieving but also a time of rebuilding at the same time.
The family put a cross on a piece left of the house at the point where Jaime’s father had died. (See the picture on the right) After the storm, Jaime’s 13 year old son began to suffer from anxiety, nervousness, and despair. He basically just stares into space and rarely talks. This is very hard for the family seeing their vibrant talkative son/brother in this state. He took his son to doctors in Guatemala City only to find that he is unable to pay the expensive medical bills.
Jaime also lost his job after the storm after some heart wrenching circumstances. While he searches for work, he is beginning to rebuild their house along with 2 other sons away from the river. While he is building a new house for his family he still is required to pay the mortgage on his destroyed home, which is 500 Quetzals/month (about $66/month)
Our group was able to help Jaime and pay for a new roof and cement for his floor. Jaime loves the Lord and knows that our God is great and even if he didn’t have a house he is still a blessed man. He knows his reward will be great in heaven. Our last evening in Panajachel, Jaime invited all of the teams and his neighbors over for a traditional Panajachel dinner of soup as well as a time of worship and our Mexican brother, Miquel, preached. Three people gave their life to Christ right in Jaime’s home half finished new home.
Jaime has expressed to us his love for God and his family. He has 5 more months left on his mortgage on his destroyed home. If you feel you would like to help Jaime in anyway financially on his mortgage or in any other area please contact Sarah Cruz at [email protected] Sarah has Jaime’s bank information and how you can deposit directly to the Guatemalan bank from the United States into his mortgage.
Jaime’s house is very special because all of the 2006 World Racers built an alter of rocks (with our team color and name) at his house just like the Israelites did many years ago. These rocks will be left here for future World Racers to place their rocks on the alter each year.
Please pray for this family for physical and mental healings as they continue to serve the Lord and others. May God Bless You!!
