B.J. Murrey - World Orphans, Central America

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On August 28, I leave for Guatemala with a group of World Orphans staff (Paul Myhill, Scott Vair, and Rod Vestal). We will spend a week shoring up partnerships and plans for my move there at the end of October. Maybe you are unfamiliar with the region and have some questions.  I would like to introduce you to my future home, Guatemala, and offer a few details about our work.

Guatemala is located in Central America, just south of Mexico. It is not part of Mexico, nor is any other country in Central America. It is not part of South America either. Antigua, Guatemala was once the capital of Central America, when all of the Central American countries were united, from 1823-1838. Then, the Central American Federation began to disintegrate due to civil war, which has plagued the region until recently. Guatemala boasts the longest civil war in the area, lasting 36 years.

So why is World Orphans sending me to Guatemala instead of Nicaragua or Honduras? While both are poorer than Guatemala and have great need, Guatemala boasts a larger concentration of partner organizations like CAM and Compassion International.   In May of 2008, Guatemala put a freeze on its international adoption program amidst allegations of child trafficking. While World Orphans is not specifically involved in international adoption, the cancellation of Guatemala’s adoption program will have an added negative impact on the orphan problem. We anticipate that the number of orphans uncared for, and specifically abandoned, will continue to rise.

How will I, as World Orphans Central American Director, be implementing orphan care? In working to expand World Orphans’ work in Central America, I will be developing relationships with like-minded organizations in Guatemala, and throughout the region, who are committed to strengthening the church and helping the orphan. Through these relationships, I will be serving as a resource for the national churches during their planning, construction and implementation of orphan care projects, which ensures continued quality, communication, and oversight. Furthermore, as church-to-church partnerships are established, I will be hosting and coordinating the in-country activities for teams sent for short-term mission projects from Western churches.

What are the biggest concerns for this upcoming trip to Guatemala? Many potential problems could come up during this trip. We need prayer for safe travels – Guatemala boasts a high crime rate. We need prayer for effective transportation so that we can make the most of our time. We need prayer for divine appointments so that we can quickly integrate into the region with the favor of the people and government. I personally need your prayerful support for fundraising to be successful to cover the cost of ministry and relocation.

I look forward to giving a full report via my blog and World Orphans Weekly once the trip is completed. It is because of your continued prayer and financial support that this work is possible.