Today we spent the morning learning more about Guatemala - her heritage, her culture, her land. We traveled to "zone one" to see the presidential palace and the beautiful Catholic church in the square. It's great to build a frame of reference as we continue to grow closer to this amazing country and the people who live here.
We then continued to our next tourist spot to see an amazing work of art. We viewed a topographical map of the country laid out over about a 3,500 square foot area. I loved visualizing the country and seeing the locations of Buckner ministry.After our touristic adventures, we headed to Antigua. If you've never been to Guatemala, Antigua is a must see! It is a city nestled between volcanoes, where so
many come to visit. On the outskirts of Antigua is a place called Jocotenango. Buckner, in collaboration with Park Cities Baptist Church, is involved with a community center project here through the local Baptist church. There is a clinic inside the church grounds where local people from the community can receive medical care. A new educational program is under way in a section of the center. Girls from the local orphanage attend educational classes here during the morning, In the afternoon, the educational center is open for people from the community. Buckner is hoping this community center can serve as a model for meeting needs in other communities throughout Guatemala.
many come to visit. On the outskirts of Antigua is a place called Jocotenango. Buckner, in collaboration with Park Cities Baptist Church, is involved with a community center project here through the local Baptist church. There is a clinic inside the church grounds where local people from the community can receive medical care. A new educational program is under way in a section of the center. Girls from the local orphanage attend educational classes here during the morning, In the afternoon, the educational center is open for people from the community. Buckner is hoping this community center can serve as a model for meeting needs in other communities throughout Guatemala.
After visiting the clinic, we went to the girls' orphanage, Manchen. What a wonderful time we had there interacting with the girls. It is rare that they are able to spend time with Christian men who will
love them with the love of Christ. So many have horrible stories of abuse and injustice in their lives, sometimes even from family members who should be giving them love. Just to spend a short amount of time with them, showing them we care was such a blessing for all of us on the trip. Please pray for these girls! They are hungry for love and acceptance.
As we wrapped up our day, we decided to visit the Buckner baby 
home one more time. This time some of the older children were present. It's great to see familiar faces and these kids remember the men who have visited them on previous trips. The care the kids are receiving is amazing and you can see it in their smiles. They are healthy and happy, which makes all the difference in the world! Pray that somehow they will be given the opportunity 
Please continue to pray for us while we are here. This is a short trip and we hope God will use us in powerful ways even with the time constraint. Pray that there will be ongoing opportunities to share the love of Christ, as He continues to give us treasured memories with His children!
Jeff Jones
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