Working with Prison Guards in Guatemala

The familiar expression “When God closes a door, he opens a window” has resonated deeply with Crossroad Bible Institute (CBI) Guatemala this year.

After discontinuing part of the CBI program due to security concerns, CBI Guatemala is now focusing on discipling prison guards from the national police department.

Recommended for support by the Christian Reformed Church, CBI, which is based in Grand Rapids, Mich., works in prisons all over the world, bringing Bible study and other materials to prisoners and their families.

But now there is also the work in Guatemala with the guards.

Currently, 10 CBI instructors correct lessons from 32 two police officers, and 20 of these have finished the Spanish translation of Great Truths of the Bible.

“It’s a huge accomplishment. The program has opened doors to working with the policemen stationed across the entire country in all different ranks and authorities,” said Kim Hekman de Morán, director of CBI Guatemala.

“The fact that we work with a group of chaplains to bring the lessons to the police is what really makes this a reality.”

At the moment, CBI is working with prison guards in four different facilities.

Hekman de Morán said “the reality is that there is a lot of corruption, such as bribery and fraud, and many policemen and women struggle with alcoholism, domestic violence” or other problems.

CBI Guatemala is committed to the work, despite the challenges, hoping to continue making a difference in the lives of police officers and prison officials—one Bible study at a time.