Guatemala (MNN) — “In a country like Guatemala right now,” says Brian Dennett with AMG International, “They’re estimating that as many as 65% of the elderly population is living in very deep poverty and vulnerable conditions.”
Dennett and his family served in Guatemala with AMG international for 12 years. He talks about his experience in the country. “One thing that we’ve observed over a number of years is just how underserved the elderly population of Guatemala and really all of Latin America is. Post-COVID, our team in Guatemala had brought this to our attention, saying that they really would like to try to make a difference.”
He says the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed so many elderly people into poverty that AMG has shifted its ministry focus to better care for them, providing, “food, shelter, and medical care. And we have a goal of reaching thousands of elderly people specifically in Guatemala over the coming months, and providing very much needed relief to them.”
Discrimination against the elderly
Once they pass their most productive years, the elderly in Guatemala face a lot of discrimination. And the government does very little to help them. Dennett says many end up fending for themselves.
But Jesus offers a new way to see the elderly, one that values the Image of God over productivity. Dennett says, “And they have so much wisdom and love to share themselves that we should be drawing closer to them. And certainly, when we are seeing those in need, we should be providing for them.”
You can support AMG’s work with the elderly in Guatemala by visiting amghelps.org.
Header photo courtesy of marcoreyes on Pixabay.
