But as 2016 draws to a close, looking at the year in review presents us with a bigger picture. We may feel painfully aware that the problems our children are inheriting are possibly too great for them to bear.

Our children hold such amazing potential. How have they been hampered by problems not of their own making? Do we realize how indispensable they are? How can we encourage them and guide them?

We draw together locally in the communities of our schools, churches, and neighborhoods to do what we can for each other and for our children. And we pray for God’s blessing on each new day.

We at World Renew often see our program work from the perspective of the children in the communities where we, together with you, serve.

For instance, in Concepción Actelá, an indigenous village in Guatemala, we are beginning to work with 30 families through our partner Association for the Integral Development (ADIP). The road ahead looks extremely challenging.

There is no healthcare for the children and their parents. Water is only available from the creek and sanitation is poor. Many fathers leave the community to work in the sugar plantations, or as security guards in Guatemala city. The women are left behind to farm and to raise the children. Once the kids become teens, they have to leave the village if they want to go to highschool.

Through ADIP, World Renew will be implementing programs to bring about enough food, good health, and fruitful work.

Throughout 2017, you can follow the progress of Concepción Actelá and of two other communities at www.worldrenew.net/seethechange.

Join us!