Town disturbed as mayor's father kidnapped

SOLOLÁ — We just received a phone call that may portend change ahead for the area. It appears the mayor’s father has been kidnapped, and people are milling around beginning a protest.

We are saddened to hear this news, if it proves true, and we hope and pray for his safe release. But as a friend pointed out, perhaps this will move the authorities to act more decisively against kidnappings that have continued quietly in the background. Until it happens to somebody “important” the authorities don’t pay much attention, he said.

In recent weeks, we have continued to hear reports of kidnappings or threatening phone calls to extort money — at least one or two a week — in the Sololá and Panajachel area. This doesn’t usually affect very many people beyond the immediate family. The crimes continue quietly, flaring into the open occasionally as they did last month.

As I prepare to leave Guatemala tomorrow, I’m saddened to see this kind of news continuing — very similar to the town’s story when I arrived here in February.

We would appreciate your prayers for God’s grace and peace on Sololá, on Guatemala City — where violence is more common — and the country in general. Please also pray for Viña Studios and other ministries serving the Guatemalan church. May God redeem and transform this land for His glory.