I often get asked what the best thing is about living and serving in Guatemala. It’s a hard question to answer as there are so many great things about Guatemala and being part of what God is doing here.
I know that this life is a calling and perhaps it is not for everyone but with deepest sincerity I can say that it is an absolute honour and privilege. How could it not be when I get to work alongside incredible and talented people, serving the vulnerable and helping others to do the same.
I would like to share just three examples from recent experiences in ministry that show the depth of privilege it is to be here and serve God and others. It seems fitting to consider some of these wonderful things as I am about to celebrate 7 years since I moved to Guatemala.
Firstly, I would like to share with you about a recent experience I had with some of the mentors I work with. One of the great things I get to do a couple of times a week is meet with mentors and hear about their mentoring story and experiences. Normally we meet in a café and have some kind of hot beverage together as we sit and share. During these times together I am also able to share any updates and relevant resources and offer support and prayer. I suppose I am a type of mentor for our mentors. Over the years God has really shown me the importance and value of member or team care and I consider it an honour to be able to offer support to these dedicated people who are serving God and vulnerable children and youth through mentoring.
Just a few weeks ago I met up with a lovely married couple who mentor two siblings from a group of four siblings in the same children’s home. I arrived early and I remember I was stood in line ordering a coffee and praying, knowing some of the context of the situation of the children they mentor I knew that the conversation ahead would be emotional and was asking God for guidance and the right words to share. I almost jumped when I heard someone behind me say my name as I was about to pay. It was the mentors who had also arrived early, I had been so deep in thought that I had not noticed them behind me in the line. We ordered their drinks and went to sit in the nice big comfy seats. I was right, the conversation was emotional. The young man that the husband had previously been mentoring for many years had passed away from a degenerative pre-existing medical condition just over a year ago and as they shared stories about his life, we were able to laugh together and also shed tears together. The full testimony of this young man is not mine to share but one thing I will say is that I am looking forward to meeting him in eternity and hearing him share about his love for the Lord and having the privilege of worshiping alongside him. Something else that struck me during this time together was the vulnerability and faithfulness with which these wonderful people serve God. Choosing to continue to serve even in the face of deep loss and heartache. They even chose to become mentors to another child after their loss and they do it with such humility and grace, for the Lord not for their own glory. I was extremely encouraged by the time we spent together and consider it a blessing to be able to hear and share with such dedicated and servant hearted people. Even more encouraging is knowing that this is just one example from the many beautiful and humbling conversations I have had a will have with mentors.
Secondly, I want to share about how God has been working through the team in the lives of young people here. Another wonderful thing I have the blessing to do a few times a week is go to our project in a vulnerable community, Bethania, and hang out with a great bunch of children and young people. David and I have really enjoyed being part of the team in Bethania and have both been impacted by the openness of the youth, in particular, to share with us and ask for our support and advice as they face and work through some of life challenges. I remember the first time one of the young ladies approached me and asked if we could sit and chat, I was a little bit taken aback and a lot nervous. I silently prayed almost the whole time that she shared with me, wanting to understand and respond with words that would encourage her and show her that she is safe and loved. I was surprised at how openly she shared and the trust she had towards me. She shared in detail about her life and was actively seeking my advice, I don’t know many 14-year-olds that show an interest in what the adults around them think, never mind an adult that is not present in their lives daily. It was such a privilege that she chose to share with me, and I pray that God used and uses me, and the other team members, to be a blessing in her life and the lives of all the children and young people in our project in Bethania.
The final example I would like to share is how impacted I was recently when, along with a couple of other team members, we went to record the testimony of a young adult who spent most of his childhood growing up in children’s homes. He is now 19 years old and living with his mentors who are in the process to adopt him. Again, his testimony is not mine to share, but I would like to share how it impacted me. One of the most wonderful things about what he shared is that although this is a rare outcome, we do not see many mentors adopting their mentees (we don’t expect that to happen either), it is also not the only time we have seen this happen. We know of several families who have adopted the young people they were mentoring and welcomed them into their families as children. What a beautiful reflection of God and us.
I was also deeply impacted by the form in which he shared his story, clearly desiring to inspire more people to act. For more people to choose to become mentors and help make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. He has seen and lived things that we can only imagine, and he knows the value and benefit mentoring can have. He was also super open to the ideas I shared with him about sharing with teenagers living in children’s homes as I believe his experiences and testimony could truly bless and help so many young people. I have not known many 19-year-olds who would choose to help others in such a vulnerable way. I was incredibly grateful for his wiliness to share with us and his openness to share with others too.
What a blessing.
I hope these three glimpses into the types of amazing experiences I get to have with so many inspiring people help express why privilege is an understatement for how I feel about what God has called me to be part of.
Thanks for sharing Azaria, it is great to hear the work that you have been doing and the lives that have been impacted by the mentoring. Laura x
Thank you so much for your encouraging words Laura. x
Thank you Azaria, it’s so encouraging to hear about the opportunities God opens up for you. You’re certainly in the right place! May God continue to lead you day by day and may many young people be blessed by your faithful presence.
Amen! Thank you for your comments Marion, I am very thankful for all the opportunities God has been inviting me to share in.
Lovely to read this! Praying for you and David in your continued ministry!
Thank you Jon.