...the least, the last and the lost

 I borrowed this term from a book I am reading called Geography of Grace.  The premise of the book is that grace is like water, it flows downhill and pools up in the lowest places.  Could it be that the deepest reservoirs of God’s grace are located at the lowest places?  If we want to experience the deep levels of God’s grace shouldn’t we seek to swim in these places? They are with the marginalized and the outcasts who are seldom accepted by mainstream society and, sadly, the church.  They are the least, the last and the lost.

And that is where we find ourselves...among the forgotten.  You hear a lot about how many missionaries are working in Guatemala, but the overwhelming majority are within a one hour radius of the capital.  Out here there are very few.  As we continue to find our way here in Chisec, we are often overwhelmed by the need.  Yet, in this small community that was completely destroyed during the 36 year long civil war, grace is pooling up and lives are being rebuilt. 

Poverty is all around us.  Yesterday, Karren and I went for a drive through the streets of Chisec, and it was so clear that to be poor is the norm.  Most homes are made from rough cut wooden planks with dirt floors and an outhouse.  Families struggle every day just to find clean water and put food on the table.  Yet as we drove by one home, and waved, we were invited in and shared a few minutes with a family who exuded God’s joy in the midst of their need.   

 Although the church is alive and growing here, it struggles with the concept of grace and often gives way to rules, regulations, superstitions and a “works” mentality.  There is a strong need for good solid teaching in this area.  But, we see how God is making provision through North American pastors who are willing to come and teach basic truths from God’s Word. Next week we will host our second pastors’ conference this year. What a blessing it is to watch these hungry pastors receive truths that bring freedom and joy to those in their care.

There is also an established education system here, but it is limping along at best.  50% of those who enter elementary school never finish.  Of those who do graduate from elementary school, very few go on to high school.  The mentality is, if you can write your name and speak a little Spanish (first language here Queqchi) you are far ahead of your mom and dad, and it is time to go to work so you can help put food on the table.  By helping to ease the financial burden associated with schooling, through providing school supplies, uniforms and shoes, families are encouraged to have hope for the future.    

Basic health education is also sorely lacking.  By working together with the local Center for Health, we can provide opportunities for children to learn how to do simple things like brush their teeth and bathe regularly.  Young girls, an especially marginalized part of this culture, can receive teaching about their worth and value in the eyes of God. 

Sometimes the need here seems overwhelming and it is difficult to see how the little we do can possibly make a difference.  It is then that I remind myself that if grace is like water, flowing downhill and pooling up in the lowest places, I am where I need to be…swimming in God’s grace, among the least, the last, and the lost.

… as much as you have done it to the least of one of these , My brethren,  you did it unto Me. Matt.25:40

Blessings, Rocky

If you are a blog follower and would like to get together with us when we are in Canada (April 15 to June 1) please contact us on facebook or by email (we don’t have a phone).  We like coffee!!!