Welcoming Children for a 5th Year!
He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37
Before Jesus said this, the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them. Jesus prompted them to shift their viewpoint. The focus shouldn’t be on power, but on being a servant to the least, such as powerless children. Jesus calls us to this also. We are so grateful for your partnership and saying yes to this call!
Together we are welcoming children and expanding their horizons through teaching them God’s Word. We get to show how it applies to their lives and how to be in relationship with God. They are also exposed to new worlds and opportunities through English and Computer classes.
This year, 40 children aged 8-12 are part of the program. We are able to have the children come for in-person classes. Each child comes 3 times/month as part of a small group. First they come to receive their English/Bible workbook to work from home. The topics are introduced at this class. After some time to review it, they come again to reinforce the English lesson for that month and practice speaking/writing English. Learning a new language can be scary and some of them are shy to speak English, but they are being positively stretched to grow. This way their confidence and abilities will grow.
They also come once/month to learn about computers and practice how to use them. For children who don’t have computers at home, this is life changing! With computers and English, we have beginners and novice groups that come separately. This way we’re able to give the children individualized attention according to their ability. This is something new this year and it’s working well. Their physical health is also being attended to through receiving a nutritional snack each time they come to class.
The children are at a very moldable stage in their lives and we’re excited to see how God shapes them into the persons He created them to be. Instead of being lured into gangs and other dangers around them, at BMH they get to go on an adventure with Jesus. This year they continue to learn about Jesus’ ministry here on earth, travel with Him as they learn these stories, and learn how to be a follower of Jesus. Every month there are two Jesus stories and two Bible verses to memorize. What a joy to see their hearts being filled with God’s Word! His Word will encourage them and enable them to share this encouragement with others.
The other continuing focus in this program is the BMH parents. They too need support, especially at this time. We are in the second year of a pandemic that is worsening in Guatemala. On top of that, the daily struggle to provide for their families continues. In the fall we will hold a three-hour education session for them. We will continue the topic of family. Based on Biblical principles, they will be encouraged to have healthy relationships with their spouses & children and to be united as a family. We hope to see families strengthened in relationship with each other and with God.
We thank you very much for all your support and we ask for your prayers for these BMH parents and children.