International Highlight: Guatemala

GENERAL INFO


If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Guatemala.

Compassion asks that we pray for three things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for the children who are not receiving proper love and care at home. Pray that they may come to know the love of the Lord Jesus. Pray they will find abundant hope and provision as they follow Him. Pray that their lives would be a testimony to their parents.
2) Pray for parents who are burdened with not being able to provide for their children. May they be blessed with the resources they need to raise healthy families.
3) Pray for the medical needs of children living in poverty in Guatemala. May they come to rely on the Lord and know Him as Healer.

And for some beautiful photos of Guatemala, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN GUATEMALA



If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Guatemala, read their ministry highlight here. These are my favorite summaries of Compassion at work in each country!

Compassion Guatemala tries to prepare some of their sponsored kids for the Leadership Development Program...you can read how they do this: Leadership Development Academy.


This is an encouraging post written by the Compassion Staff of Guatemala: We Teach Children How to Dream.

Here is a fun post about how birthdays are celebrated for the Compassion assisted kids: Feliz Cumpleaños With No Piñata?


And another fun post about a Math Olympiad!


Check out these video tours of GU-970, Cristo Rey de Gloria Student Center:

Guatemalan Church and Child Development Center Tour GU-970 from Compassion International on Vimeo.

Guatemalan Church and Child Development Center Tour II (GU-970) from Compassion International on Vimeo.

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Meet Melissa, a sponsored child, and enjoy learning about her day: Living in Guatemala: A Day in the Life of Melissa.


Jorge has an encouraging story: Keeping Dreams Alive in the Midst of Hardship.


And here how Compassion was able to intervene in Rossy's life: You Saved a Life.


Here is Silvia's story and about how she had hope despite hard circumstances: Overcoming Gender Inequality in Guatemala.


The Compassion Bloggers were in Guatemala! You can read all their blog posts here. But I picked out my favorites to share with you!

Pastor Manuel’s Three Point Sermon To American Pastors: "In a sanctuary turned classroom and gymnasium, over a bowl of chicken and rice, I leaned across the table and shouted over the music of children playing. “A poll a few years back found that 80% of American pastors have never spoken on the subject of poverty. With their help,” I said, “we could serve so many more children.” Pastor Manuel nodded, eyebrows raised. A balloon whizzed overhead cheered on by children laughing." More.

Treasures in the Dark: "I found a gem today here in Guatemala City, and I wanted to take this little treasure home. Her name is Darling, and she is nine years old. She is sponsored, but she has never received a letter from her sponsor. She clung to me today as we got to know each other. Her bashful spirit, sweet smile, and affectionate hugs were more beautiful than any masterpiece I have ever seen." More.

Lame sponsors of the world unite! "Hello, my name is Lisa-Jo and I am a lame Compassion International sponsor. Yea, I’m thinking of starting a support group – “Lame Sponsors Anonymous.” ‘Cause after today I just know that there are others out there like me who could be founding members. Here’s the deal- we sponsor two kids through Compassion International and I have never really put much stock in letter writing." More.

Making Happy Feet in Guatemala! "I know this beautiful girl who has a big heart. At 5 years old, this little girl traveled to Indonesia and visited her sponsored child. At that time, her father and I wondered if she would be too little to understand, but we watched this 5-year-old reach out and profoundly minister to her sponsored child, Kristy. Kristy was frightened of “the white people” and cried when we came to her home." More.

FOOD

You can make rellenitos by following this recipe on the Compassion blog: Cook with Compassion: Rellenitos.


SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Compassion's website shared this information on Guatemalan holidays:

Holy Week, March or April: The week before Easter. Guatemalans make intricately patterned designs on their streets, sometimes made of flowers and leaves but most often of colored sawdust.
Labor Day, May 1
Independence Day, Sept. 15
Revolution Day, Oct. 20: The anniversary of the 1944 revolution that resulted in a liberal government.
Saints Day, Nov. 1: Families get together to give thanks and eat.
Christmas, Dec. 24, 25: Guatemalans decorate their homes with life-size replicas of nativity scenes, pine wreaths, poinsettias and fruit. Tamales are served on Christmas Eve.

And there is a fun post about how Easter is celebrated in Guatemala: Easter in Guatemala.


AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Guatemala who are still waiting for sponsors.

Update: Anghy has been sponsored! Meet Anghy, who's 8 and who has been waiting 256 days for a sponsor.



Anghy's birthday is August 7. She lives with her mother and two siblings. Her mother is sometimes employed as laborer. Anghy enjoys playing house, art and playing with dolls. She is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals. To sponsor Anghy, click here.

Update: William has been sponsored! And meet William, who's also 8 and who has been waiting 438 days for a sponsor.



William's birthday is August 10. He lives with his parents and one sibling. His dad is employed as a farmer. William enjoys playing soccer, playing with cars and playing ball games. He is responsible for carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals. To sponsor William, click here.

To see more available kids from the Guatemala, please click here.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)