Our volunteer program is a unique way to experience the ministry of Hope of Life. Volunteers come to serve with us for extended periods of time, typically for a few weeks up to a few months. Every volunteer that comes to serve at Hope of Life is given daily tasks, and our goal is to help them find a role in the ministry that fits their gifts and abilities.
Our vision is simple, we are striving to achieve a stronger ministry by partnering with long term volunteers. The intent is that the vision of Hope of Life will be accomplished with a single focus; to preach a practical Gospel by being the hands and feet of Christ in Guatemala, and that by the end of each volunteers term- it has been a mutually beneficial opportunity.
Kristina is one of our current long term volunteers, she has been here for just over three months now and has developed a very specific passion in her ministry. Many of you may have met Kristina in recent months and been blessed by her servant heart, and willing spirit.
We love her heart for the ministry. We love her heart for the people of Guatemala. And we love how the Lord is using her. Please enjoy reading and experiencing part of her story, and her heart.
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“These days remind you that this is why you’re here.”
This statement is short and sweet, but reminds me every day that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. It may seem simple, but there is a lot more to this little quote.
From my very first time visiting the dump in Teculutan over a year ago, my heart broke into a million pieces for the people there. It is not an easy thing for most people to see- seeing children running around without shoes on broken glass, little ones inhaling dangerous smoke every day, and people who are desperate for food.
But this is reality. A harsh reality that many people don’t like to think about.
Since arriving at Hope of Life, one of the ministries that I knew the Lord was putting on my heart was going to the dump to serve food regularly. People have asked, “Does it ever get easier for you, do you ever “get used” to it?”
The answer is no. It is never easy to see people in so much need.
Just recently, after coming back from the dump one particular day, I found that I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t explain why, but that day had been exceptionally difficult.
My heart was broken, yet again.
It was hard to see so many people trying to make sure they would get some of the food that was being passed out. It was the emotions that go through you that you are not sure exactly how to handle gracefully. It was confounding trying to comprehend the sight of so many little ones that had the look of desperation. It was having the kids who know you, hugging you tightly, not wanting to let you go, pouring out tears as they say goodbye.
It gets you. Every time.
Upon returning, a friend asked what was wrong- that is when I realized I couldn’t find my words. Speaking seemed impossible. Impossible to explain what had happened at that dump that afternoon. It took a few hours, but eventually I was able to say: “I was at the dump today, I saw “my kids”, and there was more people than usual that day. They seemed much more hungry today than other days. They are always hungry, but today was unusual. My heart keeps aching for them. It is aching for their hunger and their souls.”
My friend reminded me with that a simple phrase, “These days remind you that this is why you’re here.”
These people are the poorest of the poor, yet the sweetest people you will meet.
As my heart breaks for them continually, I am reminded that I’m here to serve them. Not just food, but also to serve them love -Christ’s love. To keep building relationships and letting God work through me, and through the difficulties, and praying that it changes lives. Some days I do wonder if it makes an impact when I go, and thankfully, with the community that I have here, God is continually showing me that yes, there is an impact even when we don’t think there is. It may be simple things for us, but not for them. God tends to work in ways we don’t see. Our job is to obey and always be willing to say yes.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” 1 Cor. 13:13