Discovering a Gift

Edgardo (left), his mother Anabela, and his two brothers are continuing to seek and learn about God.


In the neighborhood of El Valle in San José Pinula, Guatemala, people live simple lives, working in factories, construction, house cleaning, or small businesses. Edgardo (age 10, 5th grade) and his family walk on its narrow streets to go to school and church.

As the oldest son, Edgardo is a help to his mother, Anabela. She is a single mom of three boys. Edgardo helps take care of his two younger brothers, packs their school lunches, checks their backpacks in the morning, and helps them with their homework. They walk to school together, three kilometers away.

"He is a polite, kind, obedient, patient and helpful boy," Anabela said.

For a while, Anabela and her boys attended church together. The boys participated in a Saturday children’s program that usually lasts for an hour. Thirty children usually attend. Edgardo, being the oldest, was especially interested in the program.

Even when Anabela stopped going to church two years ago for family reasons, Edgardo wanted to keep going to the children’s program. He enjoyed learning about God and became interested in seeking God personally.

Last month, the church held a drawing contest for the children: They were challenged to draw four stages of Jesus’ life, from birth to death. 

Edgardo took on the challenge. In doing so, he realized that he had a talent for drawing! In fact, he won the contest. And his love for the arts was born. 

Edgardo knows that God had given him a special gift. He sees the connection between seeking God and using his gifts to complement his relationship with the Lord. How beautiful is that!?

He and his brothers are continuing to learn about and trust God. They also are encouraging Anabela to begin to seek God again.

Their encouragement had such an impact on her that recently Anabela decided to start and host an Intentional Discipleship group, known as RDI, to study the word of God with some neighbors. What a blessing it has been to her community. Through this RDI group, the church is reaching the community.

"Please pray for this family and all that God is doing for them," said Deybee Berrios, Guatemala Country Director. "Even in difficult times, God shows His goodness and mercy so we can keep going!"