Flowing water has always reminded me of how good God is to give us beautiful creations for us to enjoy. The great expanse of the ocean reflects a tiny fraction of the expansiveness of God. Rivers wind through the land and bring life and a beautiful sound.
But this hasn’t been the case so far in Guatemala. The village we do house visits in has a river that cuts through the center. Typically, I would think that a community with a river would be teeming with life and beauty. But this river has brown murky water. Trash litters the river’s banks. The smell from the river is very unpleasant. I don’t say all this as judgement against the community, but out of genuine sadness.
One day as my team walked around the town we came to a stop by the river. I commented about how the pollution made me feel upset that this town was given something that I usually see as a gift from the Lord and now I see it as a burden. Mae, our field mentor asked, “Why do you think the people throw their trash in the water?” My immediate reply was that maybe the people didn’t have a city trash system and this method was easier. But then Mae responded, “Possibly, but even if they did have trash trucks, that might not stop them. Do you think there’s a spiritual aspect to this?”
Interesting. A spiritual aspect to pollution? But as I considered the question, I realized that maybe this reflected people’s self worth. No one valued their streets or the river, so why would they think their life was filled with purpose? No one has taken the time to clean up the river, so maybe no one sees the beauty of this community and the people within it. I’ve learned that domestic violence and adultery is very common in Guatemala. So my heart aches especially for the women who have come to believe they’re disposable. This is not God’s heart for His people.
As we continued walking past the river, we stopped by a soccer field and started praying. I prayed that the people here would see themselves as God sees them: beloved and filled with purpose. As I’ve done house visits, I’ve learned that every single person wants to be heard and know that someone cares about them. They welcome us into their homes with hospitality and are so thankful that someone wants to genuinely listen to them and learn about their families.
How can you show your community that you care about other’s wellbeing and the state of the city?
Thank you for sharing more about your mission trip in Guatemala. I know u are learning & growing so much. May Jesus continue to protect your team as u spread the love & hope of Jesus. Thank you for these thought provoking questions & reflections. Miss u SOooo much!
The analogies and insights you’ve shared are amazing, Jennasey! I love the depth of concern I hear. Continuing to pray for you and your team daily, as well as the people you’re ministering to. What an experience
This is beautifully written. I love the connected you made between the way the see the river & themselves. Praying these people would be awakened to the love of their Heavenly Father and who He says they are!
Oof this is good. Thanks for the sweet perspective and for challenging us to show the love of the Father in our own communities!