Youth turn from despair to Hope

One of the most exciting aspects of Hope for Guatemala is to see the Lord raising up future leaders among our youth.

This year we have more than a dozen teenagers entering middle school and they are serving the younger children and their families. Last summer when the hurricanes hit, these students helped clean up mud and debris from the homes of our families. This spring, when the water main broke, our youth helped us distribute water to their families, as well as to countless others in our community.

These youth come from broken homes and live in difficult circumstances, but they are choosing to stay in school in order to have more options for their future. Sandra, Alvaro, Doris, Brian and Marta Julia help each week to prepare lunch and to clean up after. They are choosing to stay out of the streets where it is dangerous, instead taking extra classes and using their time to serve along side our staff.

One example is Brian, whose older brother was killed 2 years ago by members of a rival gang. The gang wanted Brian to join, promising to help him avenge his brother's killer - but Brian is saying no! choosing instead to help younger kids in our program. Alvaro is choosing to stay in school, to help with ministry activities and dreams of one day becoming a doctor for Hope's future medical clinic.

These youth are the future leaders of Hope for Guatemala. They understand the hardships of life, yet also know that with God all things are possible, including breaking the cycle of poverty facing so many in our community. They are the future hope of their generation!