Guatemala and Generosity

Maybe some of you know, but Ryan and I will be travelling to Guatemala this January with our church, Indy Metro. Our church has a partnership with 6:8 ministries, and we will be serving the local community of Magdalena. One of the main opportunities on our agenda is to add on to a building at the local art school. Many children in Guatemala are taken out of school prematurely to go to work and help support the family (see article below). This art school allows kids to not only get an education but also earn money by selling their art, and allowing their families to keep them in school. The gentleman running the school also teaches the kids biblical principles and about the love of Christ. What a great opportunity to serve this community!

We will also be meeting the needs of the community with food, clothing, etc... Our team is hoping to pack duffel bags full of extra clothes, toys, and art supplies to take down with us. (If you have any of these things you would like to send with us, just let me know!)

As Ryan and I consider what we feel called to as far as long term missions, we are so excited to get to experience this together. Christ's love and compassion for the world is so evident in the gospels, and how can we react other than to go and serve the least of these (Matt 25:40). I could go on and on about this, and maybe a few of you have already heard me go on and on about this, but I have to agree with Rick Warren when he says "We are most like God when we are giving." I believe this applies to both our time and finances, and I would encourage you, in all that you do, cultivate a heart to always give generously. I know I personally have such a long way to grow in this area, but I am encouraged to keep going because generosity pleases God.

"A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." 2 Cor. 8:2-3

More information on issues in Guatemala:

http://blog.compassion.com/attacking-the-global-food-crisis-in-guatemala/

http://www.water.cc/2009/12/09/like-a-child/

http://www.figarosstudio.com/GuatemalaGallery/index.html (pictures from the last trip)

Photos by Casey Jo Ailes