Despite being the first Latin American country to recognise it as a specific issue, reports of violence against women in Guatemala are very high, with an average of around 180 reports each day. Pray for Tearfund and our partners’ work supporting women and promoting Jesus as a model of gentle, respectful behaviour to help men and women live in harmony.
Sunday 27 August
Sadly, Guatemala still ranks high on the list of countries where women face violent deaths. This is because of male violence. Pray for greater gender equality in Guatemala and ask that Tearfund’s advocacy programmes will help indigenous women gain access to justice, as well as more services and opportunities.
Monday 28 August
Pastor Armando was beaten by his father as a child. When he became a Christian, he realised he was treating his wife and children abusively because of his traumatic childhood. Through prayer and workshops from Tearfund’s local church partner, he began to change – treating his family with love and care. Give thanks that he now teaches others in his community to do the same.
Tuesday 29 August
Transforming Masculinities is a Tearfund programme that encourages positive, healthy behaviour in men and promotes gender equality, addressing sexual and gender-based violence in communities around the world, including in Guatemala. Pray for this life-transforming work and that local church pastors will be trained and go on to transform the lives of families in their congregations.
Wednesday 30 August
Pastor Armando’s wife, Concepción, is delighted with how her husband has changed. ‘I am very happy because I have a cheerful and active husband,’ she says. ‘But there are other couples here who still have problems.’ Pray for Concepción and Armando as they minister to these families. ‘It’s important that they get to know God and worship him.’
Thursday 31 August
Poverty and lack of opportunities can lead to disputes between couples. Pastor Edgar’s church and community in San Pedro, Guatemala, is supported by Tearfund’s partner through a chicken rearing project. People needing support are given chickens to breed, enabling them to grow their income. Edgar says, ‘Ask the Lord to give us strength so that the church can support more families.’
Friday 1 September
Olga was abandoned by her husband, leaving her to care for their two children, who he has disowned. She says, ‘Pray for me and for women who suffer from violence. God sees everything and one day they will have the opportunity to prosper. That’s what I ask for with all my heart.’
Saturday 2 September
After her husband disowned the family, Olga learnt about her rights from Tearfund’s local church partner, Acción Médica Integral (AMI). She paid for a DNA test, forcing him to contribute to their children’s care. Praise God that Olga is doing well and encourages other women to stand up for their rights.
