On our most recent trip to Guatemala we had the opportunity to put solar lighting systems in not only the 3 houses we built but also in 15 other homes in the Santa Lucia area. These lighting systems are very simple to install and are comprised of a solar panel, 2 LED lights (usually one for the living area and one for the cooking area) a battery and some switches. We also add in a 12 volt charger outlet for cell phone chargers or table lamps for doing homework or other chores in the evening.
The comments we have received from Chris & Donna Mooney (the missionaries who we have worked with in Guatemala) are as follows:
- “The panels are working well, and have been a big blessing to those who had no lights in their homes.”
- “Not only is it providing light, it is keeping families and children safe; children can do homework because there is light to see by.”
It’s amazing to see what the impact something as simple as lighting has on the security and wellbeing of the family. For instance, if they are even able to buy power from one of their neighbours, they are usually charged around the value of 2 to 3 days labour per month for the use of a 40 watt light bulb. Poverty in this country is grueling. It’s almost impossible to get ahead if you are this poor. Anything that can alleviate the cost of power can now go directly into more food or clothing for their families.
I’ve also appreciated that Chris never misses a chance when he explains to the families how the system works, that God provides for them faithfully every day by sending the sun to power their lights at night!
Many thanks to our Willoughby Church community that has so richly supported this ministry in the past. I hope we can work together in the future to keep supplying these solar lighting systems.
by Al Vandenberg