Jordan Christian School raised funds for goats as a part of the Word & Deed agricultural project in Xe Abaj, Guatemala (located on a mountain 3000m above sea level).
Earlier this year, Jordan Christian School of Jordan Station, Ontario, collected $1,860 to purchase goats for the community of Xe Abaj. Goat milk is very beneficial for its nutritional quality and goats are relatively undemanding in terms of care. Ten families were selected to be included in the project. After receiving two workshops as to the care and feeding of goats, they received their animals.
A list of those who received their goats was made and the arrangement is that their first kids must be given to another needy family. This approach was suggested by Ms. Hamstra a teacher at the school. It is a wonderful way to share the blessing they received. We trust that the goats will contribute to the overall health and economy of this community.
We thank the students, their teachers and principal Mark Fintelman for their interest in improving the lives of these families in this remote community. Under God's blessing, the gift of the goats will be multiplied for years to come.
Pastor Ken Herfst
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Home Rebuilding Project - Hurricane Stan
Earlier this summer, the final phase of construction was completed. 40 homes are constructed and each home has electricity and water. While the government's policies changed and people were no longer required to help in the construction, they did help in laying water pipes through the community.
In October of 2005, Hurricane Stan devastated the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Road access was severely curtailed as mudslides wiped out sections of roads and bridges. In the community of El Cedro in San Marcos, pastor Román Ardiano appealed for help. 50 families had lost their homes or were living in high risk locations. Initially the concern was food and the emergency committee of Bethel Presbyterian church responded through the generous giving of Word and Deed. Once the emergency relief had satisfied that need, a series of meetings was held with the affected families. It was evident that they needed to be relocated to safer areas. Additionally, some people had lost their hillside plots that used for planting corn.
Talks were held with the governement and housing ministry. In order to achieve legal status required by law, the emergency committee of Bethel formed a non-government organization that today is known as Asociación SAQ B'E. Word and Deed funded the purchase of part of a farm that would allow people a place to build, as well as a place to plant.
Putting considerable pressure on the government through regular meetings in Guatemala City with high ranking officials ensured that a road system was put in place and the lots were divided up. Then the government changed hands... and we needed to begin again.
After numerous setbacks and failed promised, construction finally began in late 2008. This summer, the 40 families who agreed to move to this new community took ownership of their homes. SAQ B'E was not involved in the construction of the houses, but was a recognized partner in the process. Not only were we able to provide land through Word and Deed's generosity, but, under God's blessing, we played a key role in ensuring that these families received a home. The leadership of the community is keenly aware of that role and we have earned a permament place in the hearts of the people. In the months ahead we will continue to meet with them and help them with the transition to a new future.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
New Life In The Clouds
Xe Abaj Update-By Ken Herfst
A birds eye view of the XeAbaj Agricultural Project
From Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango, the road winds upwards to over 2500 m, where mist is common. The clouds break at a barren plateau in an area known as “Alaska”. Vegetation is sparse and local inhabitants tend small herds of sheep along the Inter-American Highway. The highland grasses flatten with the wind blasts. It is still common to see indigenous men braving the cold in woolen kilts. On a clear day, the breathtaking view is of the volcanoes surrounding picturesque Lake Atitlán.
Hurricane Stan (October 2005) devastated the small community of Xe Abaj (a k’iché word meaning “below the rock”) with high winds and torrential rains. While few houses were damaged, crops were almost entirely wiped out. Asociación SAQ B’E met numerous times with the community leaders to determine how to work together towards immediate relief and a long-term solution.
Women's Group leader Manuela Guiachiac, with Samuel Espana, Meyda Mazariegos and Jackie Herfst
Xe Abaj was already a marginalized community; many members speak very little Spanish and education is limited. In recent years a dirt road carved into rough terrain connected the community to the outside world. When we met with the locals, they confessed that their diet consisted of corn tortillas, rice and wild herbs. They rarely ate meat. At 3000 m, the Guatemalan staple of black beans does not grow well. Similarly, potatoes often suffer rot. And not only does the corn produce poorly, but moisture and rodents eat into the meager harvest.
Although cultivating corn is not effective, Mayans have produced corn for millennia. It has a sacred, mystical character: Mayans traditionally believe that their ancestors are descendents of corn. Changing the tradition of planting corn to other more feasible, nutritious, and lucrative crops is no small challenge. After working with local leaders, holding demonstrations, workshops, and community discussion sessions, we gradually introduced vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Groups of men now grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers in large cold frames. Our agricultural team has worked with the community to improve corn production, and metal silos have improved corn storage. We also teach improved methods for planting and storing potatoes.
Patricio Paxtor, a K’iché-speaking brother, is our field technician. He promotes organic crops, and with great patience has been able to show that organic fertilizers effectively produce quality vegetables. To demonstrate alternative food preparation methods, he has made salads and soup. In his early 60’s, he taught himself how to read using the Bible. His transformation – both in terms of his spiritual journey and his application of agricultural principles – is an impressive testimony. Community leaders have visited him and returned home convinced of the new possibilities.
For the second year in a row we have worked with chickens and hogs. The majority of families has learned to care for their chickens or pig, and is able to earn enough to reinvest in more livestock as well as enjoy an occasional meal with meat. Those involved in the project are expected to pay into the program as we gradually work together towards financial independence.
The project also includes health care. Meyda Mazariegos, a health care giver from our church in Quetzaltenango, visits the community twice a week. As nutrition improves, we see less sickness, allowing Meyda to devote more time to training local health promoters. Prevention is key. Here again, the traditional Mayan worldview is a challenge. There is some reluctance to work with pharmaceuticals, so we try to encourage natural methods whenever possible. Recently, our local church, Bethel Presbyterian Church of Quetzaltenango, provided a two-day medical outreach to more than 200 people.
A demonstration of traditional stone ground corn.
Change comes slowly, especially in a traditional community, but it is present. Increased change came when we began including more women in the projects. This year, a new cold frame will be built to be run exclusively by women. Additionally, in the fall of last year, we responded to the women’s request for a corn grinder. They treated us to a delightful inaugural event that included poetry – part of their oral tradition – and a demonstration of traditional stone-ground corn.
The second key factor for increased change is the use of the Scriptures. A number of years ago, 100 people purchased Bibles, recognizing the need for spiritual orientation. Last year we obtained 20 proclaimers – a radio-like device with the entire K’iché New Testament recorded on a micro-chip. Samuel España, our general coordinator, regularly visits with the families and gives Bible studies. Using the proclaimers as a starting point, he is able to share God’s good news with his listeners. A very small evangelical church now meets in this community. Most people, however, maintain their connection to their traditional religious past. As they are confronted with the life-transforming message of the New Testament, people ask questions – questions which we believe will bring them face to face with the promises and demands of Jesus Christ.
Although change is slow, we do not want to see the people of Xe Abaj to fall back into their old life patterns when our role in the area is finished. We are working hard to give Xe Abaj an alternative, one that encourages lasting, life-impacting change. In the community now, it is encouraging to see a patchwork of vegetables competing with corn. Change is in the air; there is new life for this community in the clouds.
Ken Herfst teaches at the Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano of Guatemala. He is also the president of Asociación SAQ B’E. In partnership with Word and Deed, this association seeks to bring about lasting solutions to the problems facing the poor in Western Guatemala.
A birds eye view of the XeAbaj Agricultural ProjectHurricane Stan (October 2005) devastated the small community of Xe Abaj (a k’iché word meaning “below the rock”) with high winds and torrential rains. While few houses were damaged, crops were almost entirely wiped out. Asociación SAQ B’E met numerous times with the community leaders to determine how to work together towards immediate relief and a long-term solution.
Women's Group leader Manuela Guiachiac, with Samuel Espana, Meyda Mazariegos and Jackie HerfstXe Abaj was already a marginalized community; many members speak very little Spanish and education is limited. In recent years a dirt road carved into rough terrain connected the community to the outside world. When we met with the locals, they confessed that their diet consisted of corn tortillas, rice and wild herbs. They rarely ate meat. At 3000 m, the Guatemalan staple of black beans does not grow well. Similarly, potatoes often suffer rot. And not only does the corn produce poorly, but moisture and rodents eat into the meager harvest.
Although cultivating corn is not effective, Mayans have produced corn for millennia. It has a sacred, mystical character: Mayans traditionally believe that their ancestors are descendents of corn. Changing the tradition of planting corn to other more feasible, nutritious, and lucrative crops is no small challenge. After working with local leaders, holding demonstrations, workshops, and community discussion sessions, we gradually introduced vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Groups of men now grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers in large cold frames. Our agricultural team has worked with the community to improve corn production, and metal silos have improved corn storage. We also teach improved methods for planting and storing potatoes.
Patricio Paxtor, a K’iché-speaking brother, is our field technician. He promotes organic crops, and with great patience has been able to show that organic fertilizers effectively produce quality vegetables. To demonstrate alternative food preparation methods, he has made salads and soup. In his early 60’s, he taught himself how to read using the Bible. His transformation – both in terms of his spiritual journey and his application of agricultural principles – is an impressive testimony. Community leaders have visited him and returned home convinced of the new possibilities.
For the second year in a row we have worked with chickens and hogs. The majority of families has learned to care for their chickens or pig, and is able to earn enough to reinvest in more livestock as well as enjoy an occasional meal with meat. Those involved in the project are expected to pay into the program as we gradually work together towards financial independence.
The project also includes health care. Meyda Mazariegos, a health care giver from our church in Quetzaltenango, visits the community twice a week. As nutrition improves, we see less sickness, allowing Meyda to devote more time to training local health promoters. Prevention is key. Here again, the traditional Mayan worldview is a challenge. There is some reluctance to work with pharmaceuticals, so we try to encourage natural methods whenever possible. Recently, our local church, Bethel Presbyterian Church of Quetzaltenango, provided a two-day medical outreach to more than 200 people.
A demonstration of traditional stone ground corn.The second key factor for increased change is the use of the Scriptures. A number of years ago, 100 people purchased Bibles, recognizing the need for spiritual orientation. Last year we obtained 20 proclaimers – a radio-like device with the entire K’iché New Testament recorded on a micro-chip. Samuel España, our general coordinator, regularly visits with the families and gives Bible studies. Using the proclaimers as a starting point, he is able to share God’s good news with his listeners. A very small evangelical church now meets in this community. Most people, however, maintain their connection to their traditional religious past. As they are confronted with the life-transforming message of the New Testament, people ask questions – questions which we believe will bring them face to face with the promises and demands of Jesus Christ.
Although change is slow, we do not want to see the people of Xe Abaj to fall back into their old life patterns when our role in the area is finished. We are working hard to give Xe Abaj an alternative, one that encourages lasting, life-impacting change. In the community now, it is encouraging to see a patchwork of vegetables competing with corn. Change is in the air; there is new life for this community in the clouds.
Ken Herfst teaches at the Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano of Guatemala. He is also the president of Asociación SAQ B’E. In partnership with Word and Deed, this association seeks to bring about lasting solutions to the problems facing the poor in Western Guatemala.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Bridge in Guatemala
Jesus es el Camino by Ken Herfst
It had been about an hour earlier that we had left Quetzaltenango en route to view the new bridge in Provincia Chiquita. We left the paved road and began our winding descent to Corral Grande. As we came around a corner, we met up with two trucks on either side of a one lane bridge. There was no choice but for one to back up some 500 meters. Naturally, that meant that we all needed to reverse up the hill. Finally, about 30 minutes later we managed to cross that bridge and were on our way again.
Once we reached Corral Grande we took another road to Bella Vista (“beautiful view”). Only a 4x4 can handle this kind of road. Vehicles must hug the mountain side to avoid a steep drop. At the top, a small crew of men was digging a trench across the road for a drainage pipe. We negotiated with the work crew for some time, until they agreed to fill part of the trench with rocks so that we could cross. Twenty minutes later we pulled up to the Presbyterian Church “New Jerusalem” in Provincia Chiquita, where pastor Marlón Carreto met us. After breakfast, we walked down to the new bridge.
Our journey emphasized the importance of good infrastructure. Bridges can make all the difference in the world. The previous bridge had been wiped out by Hurricane Stan in October of 2005. During the rainy season, those living near this river cannot cross to the other side. Children have no access to the school, villagers have no access to health care, farmers cannot bring their crops to market and church members cannot attend services. A makeshift bridge consisting of three tall pine trees lashed side by side provided a dangerous alternative.
The challenges of building this bridge were huge. Our engineer designed a bridge that could be assembled on site. Three-meter sections were welded together near the village center and then carried down to the bridge site by teams of 20 men each. The bridge is roughly 30 meters long. The entire community pitched in, and in three months the construction was complete. When the rainy season arrived, the three-log bridge was washed away by the torrent.
We gathered at the bridge site and had a short inauguration ceremony.
I pointed out that the bridge is a wonderful picture of the friendship and cooperation that exists between Christians in Holland and North America and the community (Word & Deed Holland funded this project with oversight provided by Word & Deed North America). Even more, a bridge is a tangible example of how Jesus Christ closes the gap between God and man. In fact, the dedication plaque carries the name “Jesus es el Camino” – Jesus is the Way.
Contrary to so many projects, no one tried to gain personal benefit from the bridge construction: this was done – as the motto of Word & Deed rightly says – to the glory of God.
Later that morning we returned to the Presbyterian Church for a thanksgiving service. I preached briefly from Hebrews 12:1-3, emphasizing what it means to follow Christ, following up from John 14:6. Words of appreciation were expressed by members of the community, the mayor’s office from the neighboring city, as well as others. Time and again we heard about the testimony this church has had in the community. The pastor shared with me that as a result of the work of the church they have 50 new members. What impressed these people was the church’s genuine concern for the well-being of the community. Shortly after lunch we left the community, anxious to get out of the area before the afternoon rains would make travel impossible.
By late afternoon, we were back in Quetzaltenango. The words of the mayor’s wife stayed with me: there are many other bridges built by the international community that might cost more, but this one was certainly more challenging. Over 1,300 work days were donated by the community to make this a reality. Work crews of 10 to 15 men worked daily to gather sand, gravel and rocks for the bridge walls. They worked with the bricklayers and then built the scaffolding. Later they brought down the sections one at a time. Yet, none of this could have been done without the partnership with the churches in North America and Holland. Time and again, the community asked me to express their gratitude to Word & Deed and their supporters for this gift.
Please join us in giving thanks to God for the privilege of serving this community in this way. Pray that as people use the bridge daily and as they see the plaque announcing the fact that Jesus is the Way, they would walk with Him.
San Jacinto Update
After endless conversations and negotiation, we are now set to begin the construction of the homes by the end of October. Changes in government, changes in policies, and changes in approach to community work created a whole new series of hoops we needed to jump through. It looks like we’ve jumped the last ones now and all the lights are green to go. We’ll keep you updated!
Xe Abaj Update
The agricultural development project is going very well. A few families built their own cold frames as they saw the advantages of producing tomatoes and chili peppers. Eighty families received chickens and built small coops. We were able to participate in a government program that provided corn, beans, cooking oil, rice and other staples for the entire community. A health worker now visits this community two days a week and Bible studies using “Proclaimers” (devices that hold the entire New Testament on a micro-chip) are slowly producing fruit. This is a very traditional community, but we are confident that the gospel being planted through Word and tangible deeds is providing real and lasting hope.
Pastor Ken Herfst is director of the mission department at the Presbyterian Seminary in Guatemala; and coordinator of the Emergency Relief Committee of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
It had been about an hour earlier that we had left Quetzaltenango en route to view the new bridge in Provincia Chiquita. We left the paved road and began our winding descent to Corral Grande. As we came around a corner, we met up with two trucks on either side of a one lane bridge. There was no choice but for one to back up some 500 meters. Naturally, that meant that we all needed to reverse up the hill. Finally, about 30 minutes later we managed to cross that bridge and were on our way again.
Once we reached Corral Grande we took another road to Bella Vista (“beautiful view”). Only a 4x4 can handle this kind of road. Vehicles must hug the mountain side to avoid a steep drop. At the top, a small crew of men was digging a trench across the road for a drainage pipe. We negotiated with the work crew for some time, until they agreed to fill part of the trench with rocks so that we could cross. Twenty minutes later we pulled up to the Presbyterian Church “New Jerusalem” in Provincia Chiquita, where pastor Marlón Carreto met us. After breakfast, we walked down to the new bridge.
Our journey emphasized the importance of good infrastructure. Bridges can make all the difference in the world. The previous bridge had been wiped out by Hurricane Stan in October of 2005. During the rainy season, those living near this river cannot cross to the other side. Children have no access to the school, villagers have no access to health care, farmers cannot bring their crops to market and church members cannot attend services. A makeshift bridge consisting of three tall pine trees lashed side by side provided a dangerous alternative.The challenges of building this bridge were huge. Our engineer designed a bridge that could be assembled on site. Three-meter sections were welded together near the village center and then carried down to the bridge site by teams of 20 men each. The bridge is roughly 30 meters long. The entire community pitched in, and in three months the construction was complete. When the rainy season arrived, the three-log bridge was washed away by the torrent.
We gathered at the bridge site and had a short inauguration ceremony.
I pointed out that the bridge is a wonderful picture of the friendship and cooperation that exists between Christians in Holland and North America and the community (Word & Deed Holland funded this project with oversight provided by Word & Deed North America). Even more, a bridge is a tangible example of how Jesus Christ closes the gap between God and man. In fact, the dedication plaque carries the name “Jesus es el Camino” – Jesus is the Way.
Contrary to so many projects, no one tried to gain personal benefit from the bridge construction: this was done – as the motto of Word & Deed rightly says – to the glory of God.Later that morning we returned to the Presbyterian Church for a thanksgiving service. I preached briefly from Hebrews 12:1-3, emphasizing what it means to follow Christ, following up from John 14:6. Words of appreciation were expressed by members of the community, the mayor’s office from the neighboring city, as well as others. Time and again we heard about the testimony this church has had in the community. The pastor shared with me that as a result of the work of the church they have 50 new members. What impressed these people was the church’s genuine concern for the well-being of the community. Shortly after lunch we left the community, anxious to get out of the area before the afternoon rains would make travel impossible.
By late afternoon, we were back in Quetzaltenango. The words of the mayor’s wife stayed with me: there are many other bridges built by the international community that might cost more, but this one was certainly more challenging. Over 1,300 work days were donated by the community to make this a reality. Work crews of 10 to 15 men worked daily to gather sand, gravel and rocks for the bridge walls. They worked with the bricklayers and then built the scaffolding. Later they brought down the sections one at a time. Yet, none of this could have been done without the partnership with the churches in North America and Holland. Time and again, the community asked me to express their gratitude to Word & Deed and their supporters for this gift.
Please join us in giving thanks to God for the privilege of serving this community in this way. Pray that as people use the bridge daily and as they see the plaque announcing the fact that Jesus is the Way, they would walk with Him.
San Jacinto Update
After endless conversations and negotiation, we are now set to begin the construction of the homes by the end of October. Changes in government, changes in policies, and changes in approach to community work created a whole new series of hoops we needed to jump through. It looks like we’ve jumped the last ones now and all the lights are green to go. We’ll keep you updated!
Xe Abaj Update
The agricultural development project is going very well. A few families built their own cold frames as they saw the advantages of producing tomatoes and chili peppers. Eighty families received chickens and built small coops. We were able to participate in a government program that provided corn, beans, cooking oil, rice and other staples for the entire community. A health worker now visits this community two days a week and Bible studies using “Proclaimers” (devices that hold the entire New Testament on a micro-chip) are slowly producing fruit. This is a very traditional community, but we are confident that the gospel being planted through Word and tangible deeds is providing real and lasting hope.
Pastor Ken Herfst is director of the mission department at the Presbyterian Seminary in Guatemala; and coordinator of the Emergency Relief Committee of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Construction in San Jacinto
CONSTRUCTION IN SAN JACINTO… FINALLY!!!!!!!!!
Organic latrines.
House construction
Pastor Ken Herfst
Inauguration of Corn Grinder
Most of our focus in the Xe Abaj community has been on improving agricultural methods and introducing new viable crops. While entire families benefit from the program, men seem to be involved more than women. Earlier this year, a women's committee approached us and asked if it were possible to install a corn grinder in their hamlet. Xe Abaj is made up of a number of smaller hamlets and this area had been isolated. In order to grind their corn, women would walk at least an hour one way to the only other grinder in the center of the community. Given the high altitude, weather affects their health. Often, mothers would walk with small children on their backs and during the rainy season, they would become sick. Word and Deed considered their proposal and endorsed it. Last month, we joined them for the celebrations. To our surprise, they had organized a two hour long program that included the participation of women, children and youth. Above, the president of the women’s committee addressing the crowd.
A drama of how women used to grind corn by hand using special grinding stones. They would sit on their knees.
Patricio Paxtor, our agricultural technician receives a morral (shoulder bag) from a member of the women’s committee.
The women’s committee in front of the building that houses the corn grinder.
Pastor Ken Herfst
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Projects in Guatemala
Corn Grinder ($2,000)
Restoration House ($17,000)
This project is temporarily on hold
A community near Xe Abaj has received a much needed corn grinder. The inauguration of the corn grinder is described here. Funding is still needed.
Restoration House ($17,000)
This project is temporarily on hold
Restoration House is a home for recovering drug and alcohol addicts in Champerico, a fishing village on the Pacific coast of
Agricultural Project ($90,000)
This is an example of targeting self-sufficiency – providing people in the developing world with the knowledge and tools to better their lives while at the same time giving them hope for eternity. Association Saq B’e runs the project and Woord en Daad in Holland is also a major supporter of this project.
La
The La Palabra School project was adopted by Word & Deed in April, 2008. The school, run by a conservative evangelical church in Monjas, has been operating with little or no support in the past (it was about to shut down due to lack of funding) and will be incorporated by our partner, AMG Guatemala, into their school and sponsorship program. A number of upgrades and changes to the school are needed over the next year as it undergoes a transition to fully meet all the sponsorship program requirements. Word & Deed is looking for 60 child sponsors who will support this project at the standard monthly rate ($35 per month in Canada, $32 per month in US) with the understanding that the full sponsorship service level will not be met until 2009 and that their funds will be used in the mean time to run the school and help fund the transition.
Hospital Radio Broadcast ($4600)
This project is a 30 minute daily broadcast run by the hospital in Cubulco , Guatemala John Otten was the administrator for many years) with the intent of bringing the Gospel as well as announcing events at the Hospital including visiting medical teams. On a weekly basis, the doctors at the hospital will take turns discussing health care issues including basic nutrition, childcare, first aid, and advice as to when listeners need to seek professional help. The object is to both raise the level of healthcare in the home and also the awareness of the hospital services.
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