“Pure religion is this…”

You can find kindness in people every where you go. Some cultures are warmer than others, more eager to invite you in and share their life with you. That being said, my time in Guatemala has been incredibly beautiful. Not because of the country itself, but because of the people; their smiles and hearts.

(from left to right: back- Madison, Berenice, Amsi, Alex, Clarita, Daniela, me;
front- Rachel, Maria, Belen, Jenna, Wags, Paula)

 “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

James 1:27 (ESV)

It has been amazing to know Alex and the passion he has for sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who desperately need to hear it. From the very first day of walking with him in the communities, I could see the true gospel in the way he lives, caring for the weak and vulnerable. I recognized it as the words of James 1:27, in the flesh. Alex embodies this, care for the widows and orphans, being pure in heart and mind, unstained by the world. He is doing it right, responding to the hope of Jesus in his own life, and sharing that with others. It is because of his ministry that Casa Guatemala has started, and so many lives have been changed because of Jesus. And when they go out, they bring that same hope with them and share with others. This is life with Christ. 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“

2 Thes. 5:16-18 (ESV)

“Siempre oramos.” We always pray. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have heard that out of his mouth. We start the days with prayer. We end the days with prayer. We don’t leave a house without praying. We pray over people in the park or stop to pray for people in the street. In spanish or english, we are literally always praying. 

And another beloved phrase, “Quien quiere orar?” Who wants to pray? I was thinking about that… my response should always be yes. I want to pray! I’ve started praying specific prayers, and have been watching him answer. I find myself asking, “What can I pray for today?” because honestly, that’s the kind of life I want to live. 

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 
praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:46-47 (ESV)

I can’t help but think of the early church when I hear the story of CASA. They started meeting in Alex’s house, but quickly outgrew that space. They moved to a coffee shop, then to the back room of a different shop, growing in number day by day. They eventually  ended up in the space we use now, since their numbers radically increased during COVID, as Alex felt called to meet a need in the communities of Mixco. 

I was sitting in a house, we were there to deliver a box of food and really just check in on that family, when it dawned on me. Every aspect about how they live, reflects that sweet passage in Acts. It’s inspiring. I want to live like that. 

Our presence was not necessary for any of the work we did over the past month. If we never made it out of the United States, the work of the gospel would continue through my faithful brothers and sisters. But that actually made it so much sweeter. 
We get to be here. We get to pray. We get to share. We get to serve.  

What an honor it has been to seek the Kingdom of God alongside these beautiful people.