2014, Buckner Guatemala provided a stove for the family. As Maria Elena and her four daughters developed relationships with Buckner Guatemala staff members and established trust, they began seeing the Hope Center’s psychologist. In time, Maria Elena was able to process some of the hardships she’s experienced and develop self-confidence. “Before Buckner, it was a sad life,” Maria Elena said. “But I had dreams. I dreamed of one day having a stove, and now I do. I know that all these gifts come from God. Nothing is impossible with God. I feel more safe and confident, because I know God will never leave me and I have the support of people I can talk to, like Perla and [Buckner Counselor] Ligia [Lopez].” Maria Elena’s faith in God flourished through the emotional and spiritual support she’s found through Buckner Guatemala, and she now trusts him to provide for her family’s needs. Oscar has reduced his drinking enough to hold down a full-time construction job, and his
temperament and relationship with his family have improved. “I have seen a positive change in Maria Elena through her time at the Family Hope Center,” Maldonado said. “Now she has a life plan and knows where she wants to go. She wants to buy a piece of land to buy a proper, established house for her kids. The children seem happier. They have better hygiene. They shower more often, have learned to trust God and have been strengthened spiritually.” Reyes reflected upon the family’s transformation, noting that they represent all that Buckner seeks to accomplish through its ministry and Shoes for Orphan Souls. “In my time with Buckner, I have seen children celebrate their new shoes. I’ve seen them cherish their new footwear. I’ve seen them cry when they wear them. I can’t help but be moved when I think of all the lives who have been touched by this ministry, helping children and families in their times of need.” n
LEFT: Maria Elena Raymundo and her four daughters sought out the Family Hope Center when they were unable to afford food. The Hope Center gave them food assistance and invited them to educational classes and devotionals. In time, each member of the family improved in health and spirit as they developed self-confidence and a hope in God. RIGHT: Dulce, the recipient of the 3 millionth pair of shoes, brightly smiles as a shoe is placed on her foot.
SPRING 2015 ISSUE • Buckner Today 15
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