* GUATEMALA * * * * * * * * Dick Rutgers *

An ongoing journal of life as a Missionary in Guatemala. It will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

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Location: Chimaltenango, Guatemala

I work in Guatemala with Hope Haven international and Bethel Ministries. Along with my friends Chris and Donna Mooney and their family, we share the love of Jesus in various ways. Although giving out and maintaining wheelchairs is our primary ministry, we are involved in many other things as well. Building houses, feeding the hungry, providing education to handicapped children in orphanages and villages, and hosting a camp for the handicapped are just a small part of the things that God has given us the privilege of getting involved in. For several years now I have been keeping daily journals. Once a week I try to post new journals and pictures. My e-mail is dick@dickrutgers.com Guatemala Cell Phone # 502 5379 9451 USA Phone # 360 312 7720(Relays free to Guatemala)

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

A rough few days.

I still find it hard to believe.  It was only last Friday that Cesar, Jason and I went to the orphanage in Guatemala to return Gustavo's head controlled power wheelchiar to him.  Normally I try to stay out of the City on Friday because that is one of the worst days for traffic, but knowing how happy Gustavo would be to have his power chair repaired after being without it for several weeks I made an exception.   I am glad that I did because he at least got to enjoy it for a few days before dying of hart failure early this morning. 

I could write novels about Gustavo and what an inspiration he was to all of us that knew and loved him but not tonight.  Tonight my hart is to heavy.

Too much has taken place these past few days to even attempt to convince anyone that being here is always fun and games.  

Just last night I found one of my boys huddled in a corner by the wall out side of my house.  After sitting with him for nearly a half hour he confided in me that his father flew into a drunken rage and tried to beat up on him.   He also told me that dad has been beating mom and threatening some of the other kids.  

This morning the mother of one of my other boys informed me that her son is not making wise choices when he is at his home. 

Today I discovered that one of my other boys has been stealing from Pat and myself.   

Granted I knew that they were not all angles when I first allowed them into my house and into my life, and praise God most of them are doing well, but it still hearts when even one of them stumbles.

I spent most of this afternoon at the Hermano Pedro orphanage holding Lionel.

I don't know who needed it more Lionel or me, but it was good for both of us.

Tonight I am trying to remind myself that even when our world seems to be falling in around us,   God is in Charge.   I'm sure glad that I'm not.

"Be still, and know that I am God: ....... I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10 

 Goodnight,
<>< Yours in Christ: Dick ><>