In a time of pandemic what else is there to say……..it looks like the news is already repeating themselves.  The numbers keep going up and we still do not have the cure.  Guatemala is not different than the rest of the world, even with the curve going up exponentially, we have no cases in San Pedro as for today, thanks be to God!  Our community clinic Fruits of Faith is open to the patients that need continued care for chronic illnesses and for emergencies. I am part of the technical support team getting together with people from the community involved in making the decisions about the protocols to follow and also, part of the call center of the village to avoid unnecessary visits to the Health Center.  I feel very honored to be able to bring my white hair experience to the table.

The uncertainty of the future makes humankind vulnerable to fear and hopelessness, but we, Christians, can identify the signs of the times. And we are to proclaim the good news before it is too late.  This is the spirit that has moved special donors in this time of trouble.

Thanks to their generous contributions we have been able to open a temporary soup kitchen to feed people in need who have been especially affected by the viral storm. The Bible, Our Daily Bread Devotional, and a plate of food are given to 50 people believers and unbelievers alike, twice a week as our hearty expression of God’s love.   

They come with their own containers and food is given by a measured portion for each member of the family, perhaps the only one of the day.  The limitations are given by the authorities to avoid the spread of the disease affect families who earn their daily provision even harder. We, representing Proyecto Fe and thanks to the donors, want to give to those in need as the support continues.  Please pray for this opportunity of service.

Dr. Larry Crabb, a Christian counselor, quotes: “The Bible is a love story that begins with a divorce.  Everything from the third chapter of Genesis through the end of Revelation is the story of a betrayed lover wooing us back into His arms so we can enjoy the love of the family forever”.

This pandemic is part of the whole love story. We all are under the same storm even when we ride in different boats.  Life seems unfair and without a path, but if this crisis does not bring us closer to our Father, hardly anything will.  “…the earth is full of the steadfast love of The Lord” Psalm 33:5  Why can’t we see it?

How can we see God’s love amid the suffering?  “Good works are links that form a chain of love” says Mother Teresa. The love story is still evolving… Let us find our path “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10.  We can rest assured that The Lord will be pleased if we want to get involved.

Should we change the question: What do we need in this time of crisis? What can we give in this time of crisis? There is always so much we can give because we have received much.  It is time to empty our hearts to support those who are in fear, depression, loneliness, who lack a plate of food, who need Christ to save them.  The priorities are not mine anymore, but my neighbors.  We all share the responsibility of giving a word of hope with those who have no hope, an act of love with those whose hearts are broken, partaking our Bread of Life with those who do not know Him as their savior.

We frequently forget that The Lord is praying for us.  His love is so immeasurable that even after pouring out His life for us, He keeps praying for us to become one in Him. If He prays for me and I pray for someone else, the chain continues making us one body, unbreakable, unchangeable, with endless love until we get home, when we will see Him face to face. 

Do not let the chain of love end with you!  You can count on me.

Luz Elena