When in Guatemala, not everything goes according to the plan we have set out. Sometimes God leads us in different directions. The other day, the dental and medical team were out to the Land of Hope when we passed by what looked like a huge trench. Alejandro told us it was from the volcano that erupted last year. We were shocked. None of us had seen anything like it. As we drove on, after stopping to take pictures, Alejandro brought us to a village that was in the path of destruction. We were not prepared for what we saw. Buildings were buried, metal doors caved in, pieces of tin roofs and pieces of cement walls lay scattered around. Memorials were laid about for the fallen, crosses with their names etched on wood. It was devastating. We climbed a large pile of ash and Alejandro pointed out a little shack across the way. An elderly lady was living there with her son and husband.
It was a year and day since the tragedy struck, yet in her eyes it was as if it was yesterday. As we were praying over the woman, she was praying back. What struck us was that she was praising God and giving Him glory. She lost everything, yet, she gained the most valuable thing, her love for God. As we left, I started crying. I felt helpless but I was reminded that prayer was powerful and love conquers all. All that woman needed to know what she was loved by her God and by strangers from afar. When we exited the village, there was a building to the left that was in good condition. Ash still covered the floor, the door was bent, the roof caved in, however, all four walls still remained, plastic chair still standing. This building, was the Church. I’m the middle of destruction and death, Gods house still remained. Even though it was heartbreaking and rough to see, I’m glad God showed us that village. There were even plants growing from the soil like a small beacon of hope and life.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1-3
-CyCy Neill
