Only A Child

Once again, I ask for prayers for a graduate of our program, Giovany. A little over a year ago I asked for prayers for Giovany and his family. His wife Flor had been killed at that time by a speeding driver who jumped the curb and struck Flor on the sidewalk. In the last few years Giovany has lost his parents, as well. Roughly 10 year ago his younger sister was kidnapped and murdered. Today, Giovany learned that the only surviving member of his immediate family, his younger brother Josue, died from complications of COVID-19. Josue was 30 years old. Giovany is the widowed father of 5 children. He lives with his mother-in-law and 6 orphaned nieces and nephews. His brother-in-law was murdered on a public bus several years ago and his sister-in law, Lydia, died of complications from Lupus disease 3 years ago. I spoke with Giovany today and tried to consol him as best I could, but he will need many, many prayers to strengthen him after years of painful loss and struggle. I imagine that many people have long prayer lists at this time, but ask that you think of Giovany and his family when calling on the Lord.

I write to you at this time to ask for your support. On March 12th, Only A Child's Board of Directors reached the decision to cancel this year's spring fundraiser, which was scheduled for today, April 5th. The decision was made without hesitation, before our government formally canceled private gatherings. Our Board, composed of volunteers, had also decided to cancel our fall fundraiser, this past November, when faced with hectic schedules and challenging situations in their personal lives. I believe it is not an exaggeration to say that the loss of both events in one fiscal year could ultimately put Only A Child's future in jeopardy as, together, the events provide for a significant percentage of our annual operating budget, which is modest to begin with. We have entered uncharted waters, and there in lies the source of much of our anxiety. We have been and will be tested in ways that are unfamiliar to us and asked that we selflessly give of humanity in both ordinary and out-of-the-ordinary ways. To those of you who remain financially able, I ask that you please take a moment to support our spring fundraiser, even though we will not be gathering this year. For information on how to make a donation to our cause, please visit our web site at www.onlyachild.org

Last week Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei called for the country to come together in fasting and prayer on Saturday, March 21st. I immediately thought it a good idea and took a day to consider what form our participation would take. Upon reaching a decision, I gathered my housemates together and informed him that I would not be serving breakfast on the morning of the 21st, explaining that I felt it proper that we participate in the national fast and time of prayer. I also explained that our house would be noise and technology free between 8 AM and 12 noon. That included no time dedicated to homework, no books, no laptops, no cellphones. They were to spend the time quietly in their rooms, in reflection and prayer. I encourgaed them to get to better know their Bibles, as we have one for each of our youths thanks to a donation from a mission out of Austin Texas. There was a somewhat tentative consensus that my decision was a proper one. I decided to spend the time in my apartment where, for years, I have begun my days quietly alone with my Maker. Saturday morning I confidently left them home alone. I returned just after noon to prepare lunch, the menu consisting of what was normally served on Saturday morning - our version of a leisurely weekend breakfast. The house remained quiet well beyond noon until I called everyone to the table, just after one. Occasional, low key conversation continued throughout out our time gathered together. But there was an unmistakable air of reverence not usually found at meals and I sensed that each, in his own way, had been moved by the experience, so much so that I have decided to continue our Saturday morning devotion of fasting and prayer. I thinks of it as the godly version of solidarity. P.S. Upon returning to prepare lunch, I came upon one of our youths, Jonathan (photo, above), at his desk, copying a Bible verse into a notebook. I later asked him which verse he had been copying. Jonathan informed me that it was Isaiah 5:9 “So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness, for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.” These are surely difficult times for the world. Age, gender, race, creed, social and economic status, we all share the same struggle, at present. The details may vary, but the fear and anxiety we experience are known by one and all. No one is spared. Let this be our common ground. One world under God, indivisible…

Last week Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei called for the country to come together in fasting and prayer on Saturday, March 21st. I immediately thought it a good idea and took a day to consider what form our participation would take. Upon reaching a decision, I gathered my housemates together and informed him that I would not be serving breakfast on the morning of the 21st, explaining that I felt it proper that we participate in the national fast and time of prayer. I also explained that our house would be noise and technology free between 8 AM and 12 noon - no time dedicated to homework, no books, no laptops, no cellphones. They were to spend the time quietly in their rooms, in reflection and prayer. I encourgaed them to get to better know their Bibles, as we have one for each of our youths thanks to a donation from a mission out of Austin Texas. There was a somewhat tentative consensus that my decision was a proper one. I decided to spend the time in my apartment where, for years, I have begun my days in solitude with my Maker. Saturday morning I confidently left them home alone. I returned just after noon to prepare lunch, the menu consisting of what was normally served on Saturday morning - our version of a leisurely weekend breakfast. The house remained quiet well beyond noon until I called everyone to the table, just after one. Occasional, low key conversation continued throughout out our time gathered together. But there was an unmistakable air of reverence not usually found at meals and I sensed that each, in his own way, had been moved by the experience, so much so that I have decided to continue our Saturday morning devotion of fasting and prayer. I thinks of it as the godly version of solidarity. P.S. Upon returning to prepare lunch, I came upon one of our youths, Jonathan (photo, above), at his desk, copying a Bible verse into a notebook. I later asked him which verse he had been copying. Jonathan informed me that it was Isaiah 5:9 “So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness, for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.” These are surely difficult times for the world. Age, gender, race, creed, social and economic status, we all share the same struggle, at present. The details may vary, but the fear and anxiety we experience are known, by one and all. No one is spared. Let this be our common ground. One world under God, indivisible…