Wow, what a year. Every time I think we're reaching a saturation point in Guatemala, God just seems to laugh & say, "Okay...watch this!" Given that Guatemala is the size of Tennessee, it's amazing that Vine supports over 100 projects at various levels. This year, that number has grown, but it's only the tip of the iceberg. Through this decade, we've averaged about 8 containers - & $3 million in value-of-aid per year. Well...in 2009 - we've shipped 18 containers & quadrupled the values. A friend asked a logical question - "So...your financial donations have increased?" Well, not really. My only answer is it's God's economy. A key to the number of containers is an increase in wheelchairs in partnership with Joni & Friends (US) & Bethel Ministries (Guatemala). A key in the value-of-aid is a new level of partnership with MAP Int'l - providing a greater volume of medicines. Obviously, a box of antibiotics carries a greater value than a box of bandages. Both are needed, but one simply has greater dollar value. Translate that into multiple 40-foot containers & it becomes significant. But that's only part of the picture.
Along with MAP & JAF, much thanks to other resource partners - Samaritan's Purse, Crosslink Int'l, IFAME, Equipping the Saints, CHOSEN, Refuge Int'l, Hope Haven-Canada, Wheels of Hope, & an array of medical-related entities. Many containers are shipped directly from other facilities & neverpass through Knoxville. Smaller loads are brought to our warehouse here, where our Collection Center Manager & road-warrior, Bruce White, sorts & preps them into quarterly container loads. Did I mention efficient? Did I mention God's economy? I still stand amazed. I hope you are, too.
Woody Woodson
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