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Guatemala: From Hardship to Hope: Regina’s Story

Young girl holding fresh herbs in a lush garden setting.

Regina Xol Ba and her family live in northern Guatemala and belong to the Q’eqchi’, an Indigenous Mayan people group. When Regina was just 16 years old, her father—the primary breadwinner for their family—passed away. In the wake of that loss, Regina stepped into a new role, working to help support her mother and siblings during a time of deep uncertainty and financial strain.

What followed was not easy. The family struggled to make ends meet, and opportunities felt limited. Yet, even in hardship, seeds of hope were being planted.

A New Opportunity

That hope began to grow when Regina’s mother joined a food security project facilitated by World Renew’s local partner, the Association of the Integral Program for Christian Development—also known as the Presbyterian Service Committee of Peten (APIDEC). At first, Regina was hesitant to get involved. But as she watched her mother gain confidence, knowledge, and practical skills, she began to see new possibilities for herself and her family.

Inspired by her mother’s progress, Regina decided to participate in the training sessions. Through the programme, she learned skills in vegetable farming, creating family gardens, food processing, and raising poultry. These practical tools not only improved her family’s access to nutritious food but also created opportunities to generate income.

A Future Reimagined

Over time, Regina’s journey shifted from survival to stability—and from uncertainty to confidence.
Now 22 years old, Regina has a home and a family of her own. She is a proud mother and a role model for her siblings, demonstrating what is possible when resilience is paired with opportunity. The skills she gained have helped her build a more secure future, and she continues to grow in independence and economic stability.

Regina gives thanks for the support she received and for the knowledge that has changed the direction of her life. Her story reflects a broader truth: when individuals are equipped with skills and encouragement, they can create lasting change—not only for themselves, but for their families and communities.

Join in Hope

Thank you for helping make stories like Regina’s possible. Your support helps people develop practical skills, build confidence, and move from hardship toward lasting hope.

We invite you to continue lifting communities like Regina’s in prayer—that families facing hunger and uncertainty would find strength, that local leaders and partners would be equipped to serve effectively, and that peace, stability, and opportunity would take root across the regions where this work continues.

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Seeds of Change Begin Here
Families like Regina’s are building stronger futures through practical skills, sustainable farming, and renewed hope. With the right support, communities can move from uncertainty to lasting food security.