I’ve been in Guatemala City for a little over a week now!! …and I’ve been trying to find the right words to describe all that my team and I have done, as well as the words to describe all that I will encounter this month. Our internet went out at our house so this update is a bit delayed..and without pictures because I can’t upload any!
The ministry I’m working with is The Street Revolution here in Guatemala City. David Von Cannon, originally from Houston, TX, started the Street Revolution with his wife Julie. This is a street ministry that focuses on street groups around the city. So far we have met 5 different groups, and my team will to continue to spend time and grow in our relationships with each group this week and next. Each group we have worked with is different…some groups are teenagers while others are young adults and adults.
The slogan for The Street Revolution is “No one dreams of being homeless.”
What often happens with these young adults and teenagers is some form of abuse will take place at home, and the teen will decide to run away to escape and provide a life for themselves. Life takes a turn however when they find themselves living on the streets addicted to drugs. The popular drug of choice on the streets is solvent…which is basically a paint thinner they spend all day huffing. Another drug often found on the streets is marijuana.
The ministry is all about building and creating relationships with the youth and showing them the love of Jesus. David has never wanted to reject or discriminate against the youth because of their drug use so we often come back to our house smelling strongly of fumes.
A couple of other factions of the ministry are working with children living in the bus terminal, and working with women and kids in a battered women’s home. I absolutely love working with the kids! Their smiling faces and glowing personalities bring the greatest joy to my heart. Unfortunately I came down sick midweek and was unable to make it to the battered women’s home, but I heard nothing but great things from the other members of my team.
My team is really enjoying the opportunity to create and build relationships with those we encounter. Street ministry is something that I’m not completely comfortable with myself, but this is a good thing!! By being uncomfortable in this ministry I know the best personal, emotional, and spiritual growth will take place. God is breaking my heart for what breaks his every day, and he is teaching me daily to be the hands and feet of Jesus to every person I meet. It’s not always easy, but I know looking back it’s going to be worth it.
I ask that you continue to pray for myself, my team, as well as those we meet on the streets. God is doing amazing work in Guatemala City and I am excited to be a part of this great mission.
