We stood in the cool breeze shaking our heads. Didn’t the kids finish the school term a few weeks ago? We continued to ride the zip line of time and today was the first day at Liberty Christian School. The director, Carina Aguilar, took up the theme that the children were blessed to have an opportunity for education. That went over the heads of many. I thought about the freedom they inherited to be able to attend school. People paid for that freedom with their blood, sacrifice, and through tribulation. My prayers went up that the population present at this open ceremony would see and feel the depth of the word “blessed.”
Statistics show 54% of the Guatemalan population is below the poverty line. The literacy rate for those over 15 years of age is about 75%. Guatemala places the lowest overall in Central America. The students at LCS have the opportunity to change those statistics and make a difference in this country. They walk in the blessing for this chance to fulfill such a destiny.
Teachers and Staff
Excited Kindergarteners
It’s so nice to read about the progress of the Shadow project. I visited Carroll there some years ago and was impressed even then. Now it’s greater and better. I remember the children in some of the housing units — some were shy but the general tone was happy, well fed, having fun. My travels in other parts of Guatemala helped me understand the immense need that many people, and very many children, have for basic resources that most of us take for granted in the U.S. I remember being in high school with Carroll, wondering what I would do in life. I don’t think any of us realized how much Carroll would help people through her life. All of us from Great Falls Central are proud of her.
Dave Wells
David, you are very kind. I never dreamed such a thing back in high school either but God had a plan and I decided to follow it. Blessings to you. Come and see us again.
Amen, Carroll! And may these children that SOHW are raising, rise up and serve the Lord in both deed and word as they impact their community around them. You’re not just saving children’s lives, but your investing in the lives of the community and the future generations of Guatemala. Your ministry is so far reaching! Love, love, love it!
Thank you Maggie. Read my response to David Ewing. You know this young lady. Look for her picture on FB when I get it posted. Hugs to you, Carroll
Carroll, the children and young people my not fully realize what an opportunity they have to get an education, (many youth cannot phantom what they have) but they have the privilege of experiencing it every day through the ministry of Shadow. In time, many realize what they had and the value of it becomes so evident to them and they realize they have indeed been transformed and “saved” from an uncertain future on the streets. Some continue in rebellion and “walk away” from the opportunities that are presented, a sad but true reality! Your efforts are not wasted by their resistance. Our responsibility is to offer the opportunity and to show love to those the LORD places before us and then to leave the results to HIM, HE IS ABLE! Blessings on your ministry!
That is all true David. I recently had a visit with a young lady who lived at Shadow for 15 years. She finished her education through the Project, became a teacher, and is happily married with two children. An incredible story of one who grabbed hold of the opportunity and is making a difference in lives around her. May we see more!!