(23 Sep 03) from Guatemala's JOEL Bulletin
Did you know that a man says 45,000 words on a normal day, and a woman says 80,000 words? Then, why is there so much miscommunicarion today? Why is it so difficult to comunicate with my parents? Or why does it seem that no one understands me or wants to understand? A Guatemala Lutheran Hour (CPTLN) ministry, Project JOEL has helped 10,000 youth cope with life's daily problems during its first five years. Project JOEL is an integrative, preventative education program based upon a solid Christian foundation. It promotes moral values and makes young people aware of the world's negative elements and how it can influence their lives. JOEL also trains young people in how to deal with social and group pressures, so they are able to make better decisions for healthy lifestyles.
Used in public elementary schools and high schools throughout Guatemala, topics include:
• The challange of being young
• The joy of being young
• How do I want to live my life?
• Sex, truth, and lies
• Overcoming addictions
• Overcoming drug abuse
A TESTIMONY TO JOEL In adolescence my problems began. [In my family you do not admit to having problems.] In the year 2000 I began to think about taking my life. Then I met the people of JOEL and their [appointed] counselor for my school. When they learned about my situation they began to pray for me and to counsel me. Today I am very grateful to God and my friends of JOEL and the counselor, because they showed me that to run away from problems does not solve anything. -Manuel Morales