It hardly seems possible that a week of cultural studies is drawing to a close. I have a growing appreciation of the unique challenges faced by Guatemalans, especially those in the rural areas.
For one week, I have had the opportunity to spend extended time every day with a Guatemalan, a nurse who serves as a liaison for several Canadian medical mission groups. We have discussed culture, religion (she is Catholic), and the needs of the society. A part of our time each day was spent discussing articles from the newspaper. I have had the opportunity to read the daily newspaper through the eyes of a Guatemalan. I have been amazed at how many of the articles touch the economy and economic challenges.
Allow me to share some of what I have learned. Consider what it would be like to live in a country where….
- 1% of the population is very rich
- 99% are very poor [you are in the poor category, due only to the overwhelming percentages, and you have no way of escaping]
- The middle class has slowly disappeared over the last 25-30 years in the difficult economic environment
- Workers in the fields and rural areas [campesinos] make $10Q per day (less than $1.50), and have a very hard life
- The minimum wage is $1300Q per month, about $175
- The unemployment rate is about 70%. If you are over 40, your chances of being hired diminish significantly because there are few legal protections against discrimination.
- Even for the youth, there are few jobs, little hope, and no reason to go to school.
- For many in the society, the only way to get money is to resort to robbery.
Such is Guatemala I have come to know in these few days.
In the midst of such challenges I asked about where God fits into the society and how God is perceived in the society. My teacher responded that serious doubts exist about where God is in the midst of such difficulties, and that religion is generally for the older, but not for the younger. Then I asked myself, “How does one take the hopeful message of Jesus to such a country?”