I’m writing this from the kitchen table inside one of The Inn’s guest homes here in San Cristobel, Guatemala. Tucked away in the mountains, a cool evening breeze is wafting through the windows, which are continually left open; a light rain is falling outside, accented by spats of lighting and rolling thunder; and the smell of fresh flowers and fried plantains is filling the house. All of these sensations are highlighting the extreme emotional tensions that surround this beautiful ministry compound, both a school and a church.

The large majority of the children in this village live in poverty. They’ve also likely been sexually abused by members of their own families; adolescent boys are encouraged to engage with prostitues, while adolescent girls are abused by male relatives. The tragedy is enough to break even the most calloused heart. Looking at the beauty of these faces makes any warm-blooded human wonder how anyone could endorse such atrocities.

But there is hope for San Cristóbal.

In the early 1990′s, God gave a man and his wife an amazing vision to bring life to a dark village, steeped in Mayan witchcraft and suffering from neglect. Michael & LaTonya Lewis have given their lives (and in a few cases, almost lost them entirely) to bring the love and light of Jesus to these beautiful people. Twenty years later, what used to be swamp-land is now a school, known as the most prestigious education in the region, with a reach into the public school system which is unprecedented. Likewise, their church is busy meeting the spiritual needs of their village. It’s truly a remarkable work.

Over the last two days, Jennifer and I have been able to meet all three of our sponsor children: Cristian, Katerine and Hugo. And as much as we’re told our lives have impacted theirs, the diametric opposite is true: our lives have been radically altered by them. To hug these children is to touch the heart of the Father. They are genuine, sincere, warm and full of life. And they love unconditionally. They have less than I’ve ever had, yet carry more joy than I think I ever will. They are three of my heros.

Our finances go directly to affording our Inn Kids the highest quality education in the region, hosted by an outstanding faculty of born again Christians (both indigenous and foreign) who are professionals in their own right. This means they not only get ahead intellectually, and therefore culturally, but also spiritually, as the Gospel is a part of their life-curriculum.

Jennifer and I are asking you to sponsor at least one child. Your cost is $25.00 USD per month; your benefit is immeasurable. Because you’re literally changing a human life, and affecting an entire people group, as these children grow up to be leaders in their region, sharing the light, love and life of Christ with others.

Please prayerfully consider our request, and ask the Holy Spirit how many children he wants you to support, then contact Inn Ministries’ child sponsorship division today. They’ll help you select your child, and walk you through the process. When you’re finished, please leave a comment back here and let us know the first name of your child so we can be praying for them with you.

And if you ever want to come down to serve and meet your little guy or little girl, you’re always welcome. But just be prepared: that $25 dollars will change your life.

ch: