Cakchiquel, Guatemala

Dr. Oscar Paredes has seen the need for sex education from a Christian perspective in Cakchiquel schools and churches. The newest ministry of Asociacion VIDA, the Luke Society's work in Guatemala, is designed to provide sex education to three audiences in and around Patzun: the students of local schools, the pastors of resident churches, and the parents of the rural communities. Their commitment to act sprang from the data of a Wheaton college student whose survey reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), adolescent pregnancies, abused women and children, and promiscuity were prevalent in the area.

"Please come again next week," teachers tell him, but it's become apparent that they are wary of approaching the subject. Paredes has approached ten primary schools in Patzun; five have said no. He is waiting to hear from the rest.

Teachers are extremely reluctant to implement the program, fearing that talking openly about issues of sex will only encourage sexually active students. Similarly, Paredes has found that parents in the communities aren't broaching the subject with their children and are wary of organizations trying to distribute condoms or other forms of birth control.

"We want them to know we are different," Paredes said of the program. Implementing the teachings of the Bible will serve as their distinctive quality.

Paredes has also learned that sexual misconduct has been a problem among some pastors in the area. With this lack of leadership from the pulpit, he's looking to train others willing to promote a Biblical view of sex in the churches. He's even looked at the possibility of bringing on a counselor to help those who've been sexually abused or need other help.

Decreasing sexual abuse, promiscuity, and the spread of STDs will be a great challenge in Patzun, but by raising awareness of these issues and through the ethics of the Bible, Paredes feels this program is a step forward.