What awaits us in 2012!?!

Well, 2011 has come and gone.  At the beginning of October I am always struck by the months that still remain before the coming of the new year. Yet somehow in January I am always left asking: 'what happened to November and December?'


2011 was a whirlwind of activity for Strategy of Transformation here in Guate - full of opportunities for our team to learn from one another, to accept each other's failures and shortcomings, and to continuously learn and mature as a team. But above all, we have been able to celebrate together when we see Good News in hard places.


I am looking forward to heading to Michigan next week, in order to continue raising support for my work because I am only 70% funded. I will also be accepting donations of sweaters, mittens, coats and boots. Not quite sure I'm ready to return to snowy conditions.... :)  During my 2 week stay, I will be sharing on a few occasions about how we have been seeing and experiencing the Good News of the Gospel here in Guate. I would love to have you attend on one of these occasions - please contact me for more information! 


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While reading through the church's lectionary readings for this week, I was struck by the appropriateness of the reading from the Psalms:
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
72:1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
72:2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
72:3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
72:4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.
72:5 May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
72:6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
72:7 In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.
72:10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.
72:11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service.
72:12 For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.
72:13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
72:14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.


The manner in which this king rules is beautiful - It's the image of a true king.  He is upright and just, he rules for a long time because of such qualities (v5).  He has a productive and refreshing presence in the world, creating positive growth (v6).  Other nations come to learn from him and honor him (v10).  He acts as a rescuer from oppression and violence for his people, and understands the value of life (v14).


This struck me as appropriate because a new president will begin term here in Guatemala on January 14, 2012.  Otto Perez won during the 2011 elections by a small margin.  It was a relief to many because of the other candidate's lack of experience and the rumors of corruption. As we approach the 14th of January, we are praying strongly for Otto Perez... that he may be a ruler like that described in Psalm 72.  He has been characterized as a hard-handed leader, looking to lock down on crime and violence, and has a military background. 


Yet we can pray that he understands the reality of Guatemala; there are many wounds that Guatemala has let define and rule them.  The division has been blurred between the oppressed and the oppressor. Violence, in many cases, is a reaction to oppression and injustice - a sort of lashing back. Those in need, as a means of survival, have learned to manipulate and have created a dependence on others. There is a great amount of hostility and latent anger. The natural resources of the country are not being used productively or responsibly. The recent urban migration has resulted in overpopulated and underprepared cities. What is more, the majority of Guatemala has decided that the government is the root of the corruption. 


Thus, I pray that Pres. Perez would have the wisdom to know how to respond to the oppression and violence in his country.  I do not know if he is truly a man of God, but that God would give him the discernment necessary to be a ruler like that of Psalm 72. Without God's guidance, he is setting up to fail, as many of the presidents before him.
How incredible would it be to see other nations coming to Guatemala and honoring its leaders for the righteousness, peace and growth seen among its people!?


Kim <><