We drove in the bus, through mountains up to Zacapa, Guatemala. Up and around and down and up, again. And my emotions have been a lot the same.
There is not enough time, space or internet for me to share with you all that is swirling in my mind, and stirring in my heart.
Seeing the way the people live, and the culture in Guatemala, so different than our own, I knew would be a shock to my senses. But what has been astounding and astonishing is the incredible work that is happening here — work to truly save and rehabilitate lives.
What I have seen is just a very small part of what World Help does in partnership with Hope of Life, yet is seems immense. I want to share it all at once, but I will share just a bit now.
They have an orphanage, and over 100 rescued children that call it their home. As our bus approached the outdoor cafeteria where I saw a couple dozen children running in red, I heard Sal say with conviction, “We are changing lives. Changing futures. Changing the world. Those are future architects, lawyers and doctors over there.”
Lady and Alicia, now 9 and 10, were rescued when they were 4 and 5. They were reduced to thin skin and fragile bones. They lost their parents and were left to their grandmother. Though, she should have been their caregiver offering love and protection, she was not and did not. She would leave the girls home alone, but not without tying up the girls each day — to a bed or table leg. When she was home, the abuse toward them was unspeakable.
Yet, they were rescued.
These children would have no hope for life is wasn’t for Hope of Life and their partnership with World Help — a partnership that Sal with Hope of Life, says, “Feels more like family.”
I believe it. What I have seen in these 8 hours has given me renewed hope to see the world filled with the glory of God, as His Body serves as carriers of His glory.
The need is great and will always be. Yet, there are people day by day, offering what is in their hands and God is multiplying it. It’s a privilege to see it in action. It is a joy to be able to give. My family and I are giving, making this our Christmas offering. Here is my Operation Baby Rescue fundraising page. You can give, too. Or you can share. I get so excited when you share!
“We give them the bread and then the Bread of Life. If we tell them, ‘God loves you’, and their bellies are full and their thirst is quenched and their pains are eased, then they see God’s love is not just in words but in action.” — Sal Vargas, Hope of Life.
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