Dear prayer partner,
My name is Juanfer, and I’m Compassion Guatemala’s photojournalist. Whenever I travel around the country visiting Compassion centers, I am often breathless at the views of majestic mountains, deep forests, colorful clothing and the richness of cultures. Still, I am saddened to find poverty amid so much beauty. Despite that, I always meet people full of hope.
Guatemala is full of contrasts: richness and need, poverty and hope. Many single mothers struggle alone, girls stay at home without any opportunity for education and young people dream of immigrating as the only pathway to a brighter future. Many live in forgotten communities lacking essential services, jobs and development opportunities.
But as easy as it is to find poverty, it is easy to find hope — the kind only God gives. Thanks to Compassion and our partner churches, single mothers can strive fiercely to find better ways to provide for their children, girls can study and become professionals and young ones are eagerly acquiring knowledge and skills, confident that God will break the cycle of poverty in their lives.
I love spending time with church and center staff and volunteers the most. They are the heroes behind the hope I see. Having a cup of coffee while hearing their hearts is the most rewarding experience of every trip.
Please pray the work of Compassion’s church partners will effectively release more children from poverty in Jesus’ name, equip more mothers and impact young people to become thriving followers of Jesus who positively influence their communities.
In Christ,
Juanfer Leon
Compassion Guatemala Photojournalist