Commence Phase 3

Now that all the research in regards to forming a 501c3 has been completed (Phase 1) and having gone to Guatemala twice this year (Phase 2), I can now-finally- begin Phase 3. From now through November the plan is to research Guatemala. That sounds like a very daunting task, but having nearly completed a minor in Latin American Studies, I have a solid grasp on how to go about studying a country. Also, from conducting research on a separate project (Uncovering LUC's Solidarity with El Salvador- my other blog) I learned how to efficiently go about research engines and finding reliable information. In case you are curious about what all goes equates researching a country...

1. Basic Info.- (Demographics from 2013 Census, Hispanic Pew, World Bank; Geography, etc.)
2. History- (Precolonial Era, Colonial Era, Independence, Civil War, Cold War, etc.)
3. Religion- (Precolonial Mayan religious practices, Catholicism, shifts away from Catholicism, Lutheran dominance in Conevisa, Zacapa etc.)
4. Case Study of Zacapa- (more indepth analysis of the state and Conevisa if possible)
5. Current Status- (Guatemala today and what it means to do mission work)

The goal of researching Guatemala --> Zacapa --> Conevisa in my mind is logical and relates to the whole purpose of why I chose to do this Independent Study. In my opinion, if you truly want to "make a difference" by doing mission work in another country, the best way to do so is to know the area- understanding why the community is the way it is. By having basic background knowledge on the area in which you wish to serve will give you a much better understanding in how you can help make a difference. My hope is that if and when this nonprofit gets up and running, churches will take the time to learn about Zacapa before embarking to do God's work. I will help teach the churches that simply going on a trip to a Third World country building, teaching, etc. for a few days does not make a difference (I call these band-aid trips) and in fact, usually worsens the community because a dependent relationship is being formed. Wanting to make an impact is not enough, you have to understand the how and the why in order to build relationships- now THAT will make a difference.

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.