Sister Act—Guatemala Women loving and serving women in need

What if 100 women each gave $1000 a year, and pooled this money to help women and children? That’s exactly what The Sister Project in San Antonio, Texas does. In the last two years, their donations designated to Filter of Hope have funded 450 water filters. These filters will provide clean water to 3150 women and children for the next 10 years. Soon after her first presentation to these women in 2021, Filter of Hope staff member Lisa Santee suggested they experience first hand the impact they were making. On July 23, some of the leaders and their daughters landed in Antigua, Guatemala eager to see what the Lord was going to do during their time there. They were in a place where many women and children needed much help.

A woman in desperate need of forgiveness

But while considering all of the possible problems Guatemalan women might face, gang membership probably wasn’t on their list. Although the team wasn’t in any danger, gang members were closer than they knew.

Although the team wasn't in any danger, gang members were closer than they knew.

Carmen made tortillas to sell as she tried to support her family. The team installed a water filter and started sharing the gospel, but Lisa said Carmen thought it wasn't for her. “She just kept saying she wasn’t good enough to receive God’s grace.”  Finally, Carmen explained that when she was younger, she had been a gang member and done all the things gang members do. So the women shared more about God’s forgiveness. Carmen started to understand and, at last, received Christ while sobbing.

Unfortunately, Carmen’s past was still following her. “Because I left the gang, some of the gang members are trying to extort money from me. If I don’t give them what they want, they say they’ll hurt me and my children.”

“Because I left the gang, some of the gang members are trying to extort money from me. If I don’t give them what they want, they say they’ll hurt me and my children.”

Lisa said the team not only prayed for Carmen, but offered some direct help. “The translator’s father was pastor at a nearby church and he thought they would be able to help her.”

An illustration too close to home

At another house the team met Maria and her daughter. In addition to Maria placing her faith in Christ, the local pastor’s wife took the young daughter aside to explain the gospel and she also received Christ.

Then Lisa talked about how they could grow spiritually. “I often talk about the four ways to grow in Christ, but this time I chose to use the example of a marriage relationship. This caused Maria to break out sobbing. We found out her husband had cheated on her.”  The team talked with Maria and prayed for her and her daughter. “We were so glad we were there to comfort her.”

The Sister Project women and their daughters prayed and acted in faith. The moms said they relished sharing Christ alongside their daughters for the first time. As a group, they distributed 44 filters and saw 35 people trust Jesus as their Savior.

Several moms said they relished sharing Christ alongside their daughters for the first time. As a group, they distributed 44 filters and saw 35 people trust Jesus as their Savior

Reaching Guatemala ... and beyond

Lisa was so excited these women could experience the ministry of Filter of Hope.

“Not only did The Sister Project see the impact of their faithful giving up close in Guatemala, but also better understand how they are helping women and children in countries around the world where Filter of Hope is delivering their filters and the gospel.”

Would you like to help families get clean water? When you join the Community of Hope and donate $50 each month, every thirty days a new family will be given clean water for the next ten years. In the next year, twelve families will receive a water filter! Or give $100 monthly and give 24 families clean water. It's that simple. We'll send you photos of families who are receiving filters. You'll be helping share clean water and "Living Water" with people who need both.

Perhaps your business would like to be involved. Our partners are excited about the gift they're giving to families. Partner with us today by joining the Community of Hope!