Park marches forward despite the challenges!

The Galilea Church in San Lucas, a Kids Alive partner, continues to deliver essential food supplies every two weeks to the families of the local church and Source of Hope School in Zapote. As travel restrictions between Guatemalan states have ended, there is a greater potential for travel.

The federal government has also recently allowed public transportation to resume in the country with restrictions; however, many city mayors and managers are limiting the use of public transportation in and through their towns. This not only continues to affect local families, but the confusion surrounding these conflicting rules can have a compounded effect adding to an already difficult situation. Schools will continue through October, but there is no indication of whether students will be physically attending classes in the next few months.

Interview with Source of Hope student, Alejandro, 14, studying in grade 8

What have you been doing in your free time?

‍Homework, and sometimes I work by carrying firewood.‍

What are classes like?‍

It's really hard because we have to do exercises and homework without really knowing how to do it, but we have to do it anyway (Teachers provide homework guides to students once a month through text message or sometimes in person)

Are your parents able to work?‍

My dad works but not my mom.

‍How can you see God working and being glorified?‍

Sometimes in the afternoons, I see a rainbow and it reminds me of God’s presence and power.

‍Prayer requests: ‍

That we all stay healthy

Directors Jan Burkey and Miriam Hernandez are approaching their 20th year of ministry serving in the impoverished and sometimes violent Palo Blanco barrio, on the outskirts of Jarabacoa city.

Protection and provision have been constant themes in this program since its inception. This is even more defined during the pandemic as the school became a "relief organization" which provided food for hungry families and educational material for kids during school closures.

We are grateful to all those who've partnered with us in prayer and financial support for many years but especially during this crisis. God’s love continues to be on display in this community and many lives are being positively impacted.

Sometimes we think of Ark Jarabacoa's beautiful campus as holy ground, with structures built by God’s people to transform lives for His glory. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it certainly has served as a place to experience God’s protection and provision, while seeing His love in action.Our kids have grown closer to each other and to God.

Many of our older youth have been stretched to use their talents during these months – developing new skills and taking on additional responsibilities to help meet needs on the quarantined campus. Support teams outside the campus work together to plan activities for kids and staff so all remain busy, healthy, and thriving.

Toward the end of June, a "relief" staff team entered the campus for six weeks to support a special summer program. They were also able to relieve house parents who had been in lockdown on the campus since March, allowing them to go on a much needed two-week vacation.