Juan Francisco's Family

Sponsor:  Sigma Phi Lambda - University of Florida Sorority, Gainesville FL

Juan Francisco and his family lived in a tin shack along the main entrance into Magdalena.  With 5 kids, they work hard to make ends meet.

Juan has a horse, their most valuable asset, that he takes up into the mountains every day to load up with firewood.  Then he comes down the mountain and into the village to sell firewood door-to-door.

Recently we found out that Juan's horse had died.  When we visited the family, they were all crushed by this tragedy.  Not only was the horse their livelihood and transportation, but it was also part of their family.

We shared the news with a youth group (c02, lake city FL) who was planning a trip to Guatemala, and they raised enough money to buy Juan a new horse.  While the students were in Guatemala, we went on a journey to a local cattle market and purchased the horse.  We had arranged a "visit" with Juan's family later that day, but they had no idea what was about to happen.

Honestly, we didn't either.  We knew we were going to surprise them with a new horse, but we were not prepared for the emotion that ensued.  Looking back on it, I guess for us, it was giving a horse to a family.  But for them, it was so much more.  Not only did this horse represent their ability to earn a living and provide for them, but it also represented hope...  and a reminder that God had not let them go.

watch a video from c02's trip with footage from the horse give-away!

Together with the horse and the initial blessing of a new home for this family, they have truly been loved on in Jesus name!  We look forward to continued friendship with Juan Francisco, his wife Maria, and their kids.

Thank you to Sigma Phi Lambda sorority at UF for sponsoring this home!!