Jose Lombardi

Back on our missions trip to Guatemala this summer, I made a promise that I would tell the story of Jose Lombardi. Jose was one of our interpereters the past 2 years in Guatemala, and when I asked him how we could help make his dreams come true...he simply asked me to tell his story. Here it is.

Jose lives in Guatemala City and is in an accelerated learning private school on the edge of town. He speaks fluent Spanish, English and French and will graduate 2 years ahead of schedule. Once he graduates (next year) he wants to go to Paris to study Aeronatical Engineering and work for Boeing. After working there...his ultimate dream is to bring Boeing back to Guatemala and build planes in Guatemala City. His heart for the people of Central America shows through when he talks about how he could bring Guatemala out of poverty by providing jobs to thousands of people.

Some people talk about reaching their world for Jesus by evangelizing, street witnessing or working in the ministry. Jose wants to be the one who brings prosperity to his country first, and witness later. He feels that so many times, missionaries blow in and blow out of his country...and leave when the real work needs to take place. By providing a good source of income, it will open the door for him to tell them about Jesus.

I firmly believe in Jose's dream. His voice changes when he talks about it and his eyes have a look of determination. This has been his dream since he was a very young child...and he is working on his pilot's license right now. Jose inspired me to re-think what some of my long term goals are...and whether or not I truly beleive in them.