We often meet foreigners visiting Guatemala. Some, just passing others on the street, are friendly, though many Americans are pretty unfriendly, not open to a simple smiling greeting as is customary here in Guatemala. It's probably a cultural thing, but it's quite noticeable here. And some friends who are store owners here have remarked that some Americans are pretty rude, disparaging their products or leaving a mess behind.
Many foreigners are here on vacation - it's one of the top vacation spots in Guatemala. But a good number are here working with NGOs (non-government organizations, a nonprofit group of volunteers), staying weeks or months. (One of the NGO workers told a friend that she was disgusted - that, according to her, all the NGOs are the same, that they use you up after a time and then throw you out). Some of these workers are friendly, but again, not always.
A friend said she had a bit of a surprise as a young man associated with one of the NGOs scoffed at our work in the ministry, saying how much they do to help the people, and that we "only talk" to them. We try to be peaceable with others, and don't feel like we're in a competition, and certainly would never minimize the value of what these folks are doing. The NGO workers are providing medical care, or assistance in other ways. Guatemala - in most areas - is impoverished and this provides a very kind help.
But ... what is the value of "just talking" to people? Are we making a difference? Does our ministry benefit anyone? Absolutely. Our talking is not just chit-chat or feel-good 'happy talk'. We help people understand why there is so much suffering, and whether it reflects disinterest, or a lack of love, on the part of God. There is the phrase "act of God" to describe natural disasters, and some churches down here commonly describe disasters as being some kind of punishment of a vengeful God. We are able to show them - using the source they also respect, the Bible - that God has a greater purpose for the earth that he will fulfill. He will not let suffering go on forever (Ps 37:10,11), and it is certainly not sent by God to test humans
In other cases, we are able to help people to eliminate destructive habits like alcohol misuse, or to restore peace in a family. We provide resources for teenagers to help them through difficult challenges. We can help them cope with chronic illness. We use the Bible's positive message about the future to give people hope and a close relationship with their heavenly Father.
We do provide personal help in a material way when we are able. And it's true that we are not, as an organization, set up to provide primarily material help. But our purpose is to do what Jesus asked his followers to do - to tell others about God's kingdom. (Mt 24:14; Mt 28, 18, 19; Acts 1:8).
And I love that we make personal home visits. People here - locals - are sometimes shy, but a friendly smile and comfortable greeting usually puts them at ease and we have wonderful conversations with them. This morning I spoke to an older lady who I could barely understand - a combination of a lack of teeth on her part as well as her Spanish being mixed with Kakquichel. But her home was at the bottom of a mountain, back a half-mile on a path, and what a thrill it was to be able to just visit with such a friendly open woman as she stood in her yard with her chickens. Just to talk with people is a joy, especially here where I never would have had a chance to do given any other circumstances in my life.
So, you young NGO worker, that's why we talk to people. Because it reaches people's hearts, and it fulfills what Jesus asked us to do. And I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.
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