This post originally appeared in the May 2018 SEAPC Magazine.
“‘But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.’ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:17-20
Nothing is more powerful than the name of Jesus and nothing can stop us from speaking His name. Nothing has changed since the times of the disciples. The enemies of God are still trying to silence the disciples of Jesus from declaring His name. But His disciples are still fearlessly declaring His name and sharing His victory and love. The threat is still the same now as it was then. By His grace we are having the same response. We will not be silent to speak the name of Jesus into a hopeless and dark world.
One of the darkest places is La Limonada of Guatemala City and the surrounding red zone areas — the areas where violence and death are on a cruel rampage, districts that are in the claws of Satan himself. The battle is real and we face real opposition. The enemy doesn’t want to let go of what he thinks is his. The disciples faced that — jail, threats, beatings, intimidation, and even death.
As we are stepping into the red zone areas we find young people living under a culture of poverty, death, and violence where the life expectancy is short and early death is the norm. Our mission is to enter these dark places with the light, hope, and love of Jesus, to bring freedom where there is bondage, life where there is death, and hope where there is hopelessness. Just a few months ago, we lost two young adult men (one of whom had children) due to this widespread violence in La Limonada. These are just two examples of the battle we are fighting — but we know who Jesus is.
We know Him and know His desires for the lost world for we once were lost ourselves but now we are His. Knowing God’s heart and compassion for these children, we are more determined than ever, in spite of the war, to establish His faith and hope. He has given us the vision to start a place of rescue, a home which is called Faith and Hope.
Thanks to God we have people like you who already know about this project and have been praying and giving financially to this endeavor. We are so grateful to each of you. In this ministry home, Faith and Hope, where the children are coming to know Jesus and being discipled, they are also being provided the opportunity to continue their high school education and learn a skill and trade including: welding, baking, tailoring, hair styling, printing, and computer skills, just to name a few.
We are driven by God’s love to see that this generation will not die but will live and declare the glory of God. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the love and generosity of His Body, we are determined to break this vicious cycle of violence and death and bring life and hope through the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
