Kevin

Today I was happy to be heading back to the mission base.  The almost 3 months since Cohen was born have flown by, but at times they have seemed to drag by.  A bit of cabin fever has started to set in.  It was wonderful to celebrate Yolanda's birthday with the team. 

Laughing and joking with my fellow teammates brought back such good memories.  In the midst of the conversation I asked Yoli about her children- as I often do.  Her eyes became watery as she talked about them- as they often do!  She is so proud of her children, and with good reason.  She has 2 bright children, both of them respectful and obedient.

We talked about Kevin- now 17 years old!!!!!  I met him when he was 12 years old.  In just 5 years he has gone from being a pre-teen to a young man.  Yet, his heart has remained childlike and loving.  He has always been a star student.  However, never was I more impressed than now.  He remains at the top of his class despite being involved in church 3 to 5 nights a week, playing in the church band, and taking classes in the church music academy.  He stays busy serving God. 

Kevin has big dreams.  He dreams of going to University in just a year and a half.  He wants to become an engineer.  Imagine!  He and his family live in the famed "La Limonada"- a slum in Guatemala city best known for crime and substance abuse.  Having had personally worked in La Limonada daily for approximately 5 years, I can tell you that it is not a pretty sight.  Poverty abounds.  Sickness and substance abuse run rampant.  Every where your eyes turn you see depression. sadness, sickness, and just about every other manifestation of the curse of the law.  Yet, there in the midst of this feared and avoided shanty town are families who seek the Lord.  Yolanda's family is one of them.  In the midst of this place where most people never study past 6th grade, Kevin strives to obtain his college degree.

Yolanda tells me that she recently had a conversation with him regarding his studies.  In the next few months Kevin will be finished with his music studies at church.  Now what to study?  Yolanda is encouraging him to study English.  She wants him to have the opportunity to serve as an interpreter when mission teams come to Guatemala.  Yoli, like the rest of us at CCJ, adores working with mission teams.  It seems to breathe new life into us.  She wants that experience of serving God to the fullest alongside other committed christians for her son.

As she shared this with me I could see her expression turn thoughtful.  Of course- she is thinking how his current studies, his future college career, and his English classes- all cost money.  Before she even mentions what an expense it will be for her family she first mentions God's faithfulness.  She began to recite for us a variety of instances where God answered her prayers and where God's provision was evident in her home life.  A true women of faith.  We love Yolanda and are always encouraged by her steadfastness during personal trials and her quickness to encourage others in the midst of their own.

Keep Kevin in your prayers.  This bright young man remains respectful and obedient at home.  Let's ask the Lord to give him wisdom as he makes decisions regarding his future.  Let's ask the angels of the Lord to camp around him as he lives his daily life in a dangerous red zone of the city.  Let's ask the Lord to provide for Kevin's education.

God bless you all as you stand with us in prayer concerning Yolanda, her husband, and her children.