CRM - Empowering Leaders

Xela, Guatemala Team

InnerCHANGE started in Xela, Guatemala with a 40-day exploration in the summer of 2005.  During this time, God revealed to us what he was doing among the poor and marginalized in Xela.  As a result, German and Karla Avila now minister among the city’s shoeshine boys, incarcerated women and immigrant youth.  In each of these areas of ministry, InnerCHANGE walks alongside local leaders offering spiritual, emotional and hands-on ministry support.  

Shoeshine Boys

InnerCHANGE is responding to the plight of street children in Xela.  We begin by forming friendships with children in the streets where they work, hang out and live.  As we listen to their stories, trust is built and eventually they are able to begin to receive love; both God’s love and our love.  We also regularly visit a dormitory, run by an elderly Guatemala couple, where some of the kids hang out and sleep after a long day on the streets.

Immigrant Youth

With the blessing of their families many young children and youth leave Guatemala to pursue a “better life” in the United States.  Along the way, many of them are caught by police officials and sent to deportation centers to await their parent’s arrival.  One of these centers is in the heart of Xela. Kids arrive by the busload disillusioned and scared.  InnerCHANGE visits this center several times a week to encourage, to listen to, and to share a biblical reflection with these youth. 

Womens Jail

Additionally, InnerCHANGE leads worship and a bible study weekly inside the womens jail.  The women come to praise the Lord, and to learn more about his word.  Afterwards, there is time to share and pray with one another.  The team also accompanies women to their court hearings, offering them companionship and counsel.