Update 2/12/08

I just returned from Guatemala where I was able to be with most of our partners and host a group from Fairview Christian Church-Carthage Missouri.

 I am sad to report that street violence seems to be on the rise.  The group helped a lady and her family clean their home in preparation of a new baby arriving.  Sadly, the father was shot recently and it has left the family depressed and without much financial support.  The group also provided a bunk bed and a baby bed.  These will be helpful as the whole family had been trying to sleep in a twin size bed that was infested with various bugs.

 On a more joyous note the group worked two days in the ghetto of Santa Faz with the Rice Family.  We were able to provide an activity day for 50-60 children.  This was done as an outreach of the new church being started in this community.  The second day the group painted the front of the church building and painted a 25 foot mural on the wall of a future childrens classroom.  The mural was of Noah’s Ark.

 One night the group spent time with the El Castillo street team.  The group cut hair for some of the boys and wash the hair of a couple of young girls.

 Please remember the street children and our ministry partners as they try to avoid the increased violence.

 Rick Grove, Life of Hope Ministries