Corruption and Arrest Warrants

When we moved to Guatemala to open this ministry and group home for children with special needs we knew we would face corruption in both the government agencies and courts. We thought we were prepared for it, but nothing could have prepared us for what we have faced in the last week.

Two weeks ago we received a call seeking to place a 10 year old boy with cognitive delays. When we questioned them further, we realized that the needs of this child were not severe, so we told them no. We have been trying to save space in our home for those who are hardest to place. Then, last week, we received another call for a 10 year old boy who had cerebral palsy and cognitive delays. We told them we would take him. About an hour later they called back and told us that he had three younger siblings without special needs and they wanted to keep them all together. While we did not want to see them split up, we told them that we could not accept them all because we could not fill up our home with children who do not have special needs. After a lot of back and forth, they told us they would just send the 10 year old.

Later that evening Brayan arrived in our home. The first thing I realized was that he did not have cerebral palsy. The second realization came when I discovered that he was the same child they had called us about the week before. The courts had lied to us, knowing that we would not accept him otherwise. Finally, I discovered that he had no little siblings. The court was just lying, trying to find a placement for three other children. Having said that, we have welcomed Brayan into our home and love him dearly. We believe that God uses even the wickedness of men to accomplish His purposes and has done so with Brayan.

The next day we went to the city with Alejandra for her first audience before the courts since her placement. We had gone last month, but had been turned away because the judge did not come in to work. Apparently it was her birthday. We had a wonderful meeting with the judge who raved about the care we were giving Alejandra. She told us, with tears in her eyes, that she had already progressed beyond what she believed was possible. The court psychologist also praised the care we are providing, telling us that she usually has a long list of recommendations to give, but we were doing everything we needed to do and more. We went away feeling really good about our home and the work we are doing.

Later that afternoon we received a call from another court in Guatemala City. They had three siblings (supposedly) that all had special needs, and they wanted to know if we would take them. All of the children were older than our profile, and we were concerned about bringing them into our home all at once. The court would not provide additional information on their needs, so we told them we could not accept them. (We have a couple of very fragile children in our home, and we were especially concerned about one of the children that we feared would endanger them.) A little while later the judge called Daniel and asked him if we would accept them for three or four days. I know how that works…they place the children in our home with no plans of moving them. Once that happens, they will be here long term, regardless of the promises made in advance. So, we told them no.

At this point, the judge became angry and began yelling at Daniel. I understand the pressure that they are under to place children, so I allow them understanding. But this judge cursed at Daniel, said bad things about us and our home, and threatened to issue an arrest warrant on me. Needless to say, by the time the conversation was over Daniel was stressed and frustrated.

This is the frustration we face in dealing with many of the judges. We moved here, opened this home at great expense, jumping through all of their hoops and meeting every requirement. We receive no government funds for our home, paying for every expense through the faithfulness of our supporters. Yet we are often treated like trash by those who depend on us.

I wish I could say that this is an isolated incident, but it is not. Just today we received calls seeking placement for four children, a brother and sister, a little girl, and a little boy. We received a call about three of the children and we agreed to take them all. (We hope to receive one of them this week and the other two in another two weeks.) It was right after that the call came from Guatemala City for the fourth child. Because we had just agreed to accept the other three, we originally told them no. But, after further consideration, we decided to call them back and tell them we would accept the child. The lady became angry at Daniel, yelling at him and saying horrible things about our home and hung up on him. This left us scratching our head. Why are we treated badly for deciding to stretch ourselves in order to assist them?

I have heard lots of stories of orphanages that just shut down. The directors closed the doors and walked away out of frustration with the system. Seeing the system from the inside, I understand why that happens. The carnal side of me wants to lash out and tell the system to take a long walk on a very short pier. But then God reminds me of three key points:

1. We do what we do for Him, not for the courts. He is who we really serve. So, even when we are treated badly we need to be humble servants, doing our best to bring glory to Him.
2. We are here for the children, not the judges. If we walk away in protest of the corrupt system the judges don’t suffer but the children do. So we take the arrows to spare them the pain, standing between them and the oppressors who seek to harm.
3. I really shouldn’t complain to Jesus about being hurt by those we seek to help. He really knows that story in a much deeper and profound way than I ever could. And, considering I am one of the ones who has caused Him pain…

So, we continue. But we need your prayers. Already we are making friends, but we are also making enemies who are in powerful positions. Many of these folks have no problem using their authority to do harm to others, and we may quickly find ourselves in their crosshairs. Please pray for God’s protection from those that seek to harm. Also pray that God will remove these oppressors and replace them with those who will do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with their God.

That’s all for now! Blessings from Guatemala!

Daryl, Wanda and the Crew