When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the LORD will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
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We were driving through Guatemala City, past the “ghetto” where the poorest of the poor live. The homes are really tin sheds, at best. Our pets and lawnmowers have nicer accommodations. Many of the children who live in this ghetto are orphaned. “Poverty” doesn’t even seem to accurately describe what we saw.
We arrived at the church, Iglesia Adonai. We enjoyed a wonderful service with familiar worship songs sung in Spanish. The boys behind us were giggling and trying to engage us. We smiled back and communicated with gestures and our limited Spanish. They asked to play with my camera and I happily obliged, watching them take pictures of their friends as their friends tried to hide behind one another. Riley shared her activity book and the boys were amazed by the erasable ink.
At one point, one of the boys, probably 9 or 10 years old, pointed to my water bottle and made the motion of drinking. He was asking for my water bottle. I laughed and said no. “Surely he’s kidding,” I thought. Who would ask a stranger for their water? As soon as I turned around, a terrible feeling came over me. Conviction. Guilt. Heartbreak. Before my first trip to Guatemala in 2008, Jes gave me this verse from Matthew 10, “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” A cup of cold water for a little one. What if this boy was thirsty? How could I have so quickly forgotten that he and his family struggle to survive? That he may not know where his next meal is coming from? How could I have been so selfish? Have I ever known real hunger or thirst? What if this boy was truly thirsty? I quickly grabbed my Spanish dictionary and looked up “thirsty”. Then I asked him, “Sediento? Sediento?” He nodded vigorously. I gave him my water bottle and touched his sweet dirty face. Looking into his eyes, I told him “Jesus Cristo te ama”. He drank half of the 20 ounces in one gulp. He was thirsty.
I was so ashamed of my selfishness and so overwhelmed with God’s love for this little boy, I had to turn around so he wouldn’t see me cry. As another song began, I stood, one hand raised in worship, tears streaming down my face. With my eyes closed, I suddenly felt two small arms around my waist. I looked down to see two brown eyes looking up at me with gratitude and love. A divine moment. He wasn’t angry that I had hesitated to share with him. He wasn’t frustrated with my selfishness. In that moment, he taught me more about my Savior’s love than I could have ever taught him. Patient. Kind. Unconditional.
Before, he left, I asked his name. I showed him my journal so he would know I was going to write down his name and remember him. His reply? “Andy”. Andy?! “Mi padre es Andy!” That’s my father’s name. He showed a small smile. No way would I ever forget this child’s name.
(I had forgotten that Andy’s friend still had my camera. I was completely oblivious to the fact that his friend had captured this moment. What a precious gift to discover on the bus as we pulled away!)I spent many sleepless hours praying for Andy that week. And I still do. I pray that he will have food, water, and shelter. Even more importantly, I pray that he will find the source of living water in Jesus. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Would you pray for Andy too?
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There are so many things I want to share with you about our trip. It was an incredible week. I loved sharing the experience with Riley and she is already asking when we can go back. Hundreds of children heard the gospel that week and many professed that Jesus is Lord and Savior of their lives. Some of the ladies on our team were able to share our testimonies with 120 women and teenage girls. We were able to minister to women who are hurting from past abuse, who struggle with shame, or who are overwhelmed with the burdens in their lives. These women heard the hope of the gospel. They heard the truth that, through Jesus Christ, they have value, they are freed from shame and guilt, and they have a Savior who knows their every need. So once more, I humbly thank you for your support. I thank you for sacrificing financially so that Riley and I could take this trip. I thank you for your prayers of protection and provision while we traveled. I thank you for your obedience. Please pray for us as we prepare for 2011. In July, Jes plans to travel to Southeast Asia to teach the New Testament to underground church leaders. In September, I hope to travel to Uganda with a medical team. In November, Riley and I would love to return to Guatemala. Only by God’s grace do we have the privilege to go and show Jesus to the world. Thank you for being a part of God’s mission to the nations!
I look forward to the day, when we will all worship our Father together…you, me, and my sweet friends in Guatemala…
Revelation 7:16-17
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
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