Wednesday, September 5, 2012

From Ashes to Joy

Four, beautiful, Mayan, widowed woman huddled by the fireplace.  The lines on their faces, tell of the hardship they have endured during their lifetime....war, poverty, and abandonment.  Who can 
"bestow on them a crown of beauty,
 instead of ashes,
the oil of joy,
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair?"

There's only one, found worthy. His name is Jesus.







 We've been in prayer for months now, about a project that will help the many widows in the particular village/area of Chiminisiguan. The ministry has been helping these many widows in many ways for a long time...but recently, the desire arose to start a project/group that would provide a place for widows to have community, hear the gospel, and provide them with a skill or trade to help earn income. So, after many months of prayer, on Tuesday we had our first meeting.




  After the nutrition kids, and some general consults we invited the widows into the clinic to start a meeting. Meanwhile, the medical clinic carried on as usual. We opened the meeting with prayer, and an explanation of the purpose of the group. We also asked if anyone had a trade, or skill, that they knew to make, or sell. The general consensus was "no". Then, we began showing them how to make pine needle  baskets that are simple and easy to make.  Pines grow all around this area, so the materials would be easy to obtain. To my surprise, it really seemed to take off! They learned very quickly, and better yet, they seemed to enjoy making them! After working on the baskets for awhile,we asked the group, when they would like to meet again. When given the choice of one month, or 2 weeks, they all chose 2 weeks!  

Now, when you've worked with areas like this before, you know that this can only be God. I've had enough experience working in these areas and other parts of Guatemala to know that normally, when starting a program, you try, and try, and try to stir up interest to no avail.  I give all glory to God who gave the timing and the setup.  Now, I also know this was just the first meeting and many trials may come, however, I am so grateful as it seems that God is in this! It's not just another program or activity. 



I believe God is going to move through this program to reveal Himself a little more to the woman. 

Please be in prayer that Jesus is known to these widows. I speak Isaiah 61 over each one of these woman:




Instead of your shame
    you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
    you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

4 comments:

  1. Oh Rachel..this is so beautiful! I love that house there and to see being used for something so great! I will be praying for your project...so very rewarding, they are so hungry to learn...God has put that hunger in their hearts so they can get to know HIM! Those are pretty baskets..I want to learn myself!

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  2. Looking forward to hearing more about this! Thanks for sharing the scriptures as God put them in your heart for this situation.

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    1. Hi Melissa! I didn't recognize who you were at first! Thank you so much for your comment, it's very encouraging to get feed back! I hope you are well!

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