November Mission Trip Planned
We are once again taking a team to Guatemala in November. We will be leaving November 12 and returning November 20. This is always a wonderful time to get acquainted with the children and their parents. We will be doing some painting at a school. We will also be distributing the gently used clothing that we take with us to needy families. The parents really appreciate the clothes for their children. We will be having a party for the children and taking them to an arcade in a mall to play video games, possibly to a movie, and McDonalds for lunch. Although these seem like normal activites for elementary aged children, they are things these children have never done. Because of the extreme poverty of their families, "our" children have not had any of these experiences. We always welcome new team members to go with us. We go in November each year. The weather is a little cooler then and the children are out of school. Keep up with our daily activities and browse uploaded pictures at our blog or by visiting our facebook page.
Last Year's Team
Malnutrition Hits Crisis Proportions In Guatemala
Malnutrition has become a major health problem in Guatemala. According to United Nations figures, 49% of Guatemalan children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition. This is one of the highest rates in the world and the highest in Latin America. On Septmeber 9, the government of Guatemala declared a "state of public calamity" to tackle the famine suffered by thousands of poor families brought on by drought that has left at least 462 people dead. Although the south east part of Guatemala including the departments of Chiquimula and Zacapa have been hard hit, the shortage of rainfall during the rainy season has had a devastating effect on the whole country. Many international aid organizations have sent food and supplies to help the Guatemalan people. Reachout Ministries is working to supply necessary nutrition to the families that we work with. We have increased the amount of nutritional cereal given to our families. We have committed to increase our support to reduce malnutrition in the Chiquimula area.
Newsletter
We publish a newsletter quarterly that is free of charge to all who want to receive it. The newsletter is a great way to stay informed about what is going on with Reachout Ministries. It nearly always includes encouraging testimonials about the childen or their familes. Be sure to request a copy on the comment section of the How You Can Help page. It can be sent by US mail or you can help us save the cost of postage by receiving it by email. You can also read an issue by clicking here.
Valparaiso University joins with Reachout Ministries for Operation "Christmas Tree"
The track and field team of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana has partnered with Reachout Ministries to provide our families with a Christmas tree and box of food. The track and field team recently held a lift-a-thon to raise money to support this project. Over $900 was raised. Twenty six families who have never had a Christmas tree now have one to decorate their home this year and for years to come thanks to the help of the student athletes. they will also be able to enjoy a special meal on Christmas. The poverty of the families that we serve is so great that they are unable to afford even the basic Christmas decorations. An artificial tree is something that is beyond their means. Now, we have been able to bless them with the help of Coach Ryan Moore and his athletes. Our thanks to them for "touching hearts and changing lives" in Chiquimula.
News From Guatemala
- Pastor Otto