By: Steve McDaniel, International Director

With an average of 800-1,000 new COVID-19 cases being reported in Guatemala each day, we are sad to report that the Living Water Adopt-a-Child (LWAAC) family has lost our first member of the ministry team from this virus. Affectionately known as “don Meme,” Manuel De Jesús Valle Barahona most recently served as a security guard for the Jocotenango Feeding Program. 

A faithful and tireless member of the Guatemala LWAAC ministry team for the past 15 years, don Meme was a loving father and husband survived by his daughter and wife.

At LWAAC, we are a family and our family has lost a dear brother. However, without doubt we will see don Meme again as his name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Although our feeding program operations are still currently closed due to government restrictions, we are continuing to deliver groceries to the impoverished communities we serve. We are also systematically providing food and essential supplies to all LWAAC sponsored children as well as our M25 and Women in Need (WIN) families. Since May, more than 3,255 food parcels have been provided to families in need. The total value of these food parcels exceeds $27,000.

Our LWAAC churches have teams actively visiting members and projecting services online to meet the spiritual needs of the people.  We are thankful that, although our church buildings are closed, our home church participation is growing during this time.

Due to government restrictions imposed on private medical clinics, we are operating our medical clinic via telephone. Over 200 patients have been served from May through the end of July. Our dental clinics remain closed by government order.

We are providing help to families living in poverty regardless of their status with LWAAC. Families that were already struggling before COVID-19 are being significantly effected by the economic impact of the pandemic. Many are without work and are in great need of food and other life-sustaining resources at this time.  We are working to do the most we can for as many as we can.

Please join us in praying for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as we continue to find new ways to show the love of Christ to those who need it most in Guatemala.