Guatemala (MNN) — Some Christians dream of opportunities to share Christ with others for the first time. That dream came true for a Michigan team helping Paradise Bound Ministries in Guatemala.
Paradise Bound’s President, Dan Smith, says their Guatemala staff recently stumbled upon a remote village called San Ramon.
“They made it into the village, which was a feat in-and-of itself,” Smith says. “There’s really not even a road going into it.”
The team soon discovered the villagers were scared of them.
“After the vehicle made it in, [villagers] actually blocked the road off with a lot of wood. They felled some trees so if something bad happened our vehicle wasn’t going to be able to leave,” shares Smith.
“That brought up some red flags that this was going to be a little different situation.”
Although villagers were fearful, Smith says they were willing to accept the team’s help.
“They have no water and no electricity there. Therefore their need outweighed their fear about us coming in,” explains Smith. “We always let them know that we were going to share the Gospel. They really didn’t know what to do with that. In fact, some voted not to come in.”
Medical needs are tremendous in this village because the people lack access to clean water. Smith says this need opens the door in many Guatemalan villages.
“We do the medical clinic first and see everyone who needs to be seen in the village, then after that we show the JESUS Film and we have a time to be able to share the Gospel and present them with New Testaments,” Smith says.
Paradise Bound’s Guatemalan team was able to present the Gospel in a familiar way. “It was just a beautiful night and yes, we had some people that came to Christ that night,” Smith recounts.
The doors are now wide open for Paradise Bound in San Ramon; they’ve been invited back to the village for another visit. Smith hopes to someday provide water filters for the entire village. You can support that effort here.
