No matter where or how you live, life in the 21st Century is stranger and more unpredictable than it has ever been. Regardless of what you believe about the state of the world, this is the perfect time to ask yourself, "What matters most in my life?" "What should be my role today?"Hidden Finding God in Unexpected Places will take you on a journey that will help you answer those critical questions and many others, the answers to which will impact your life now and for eternity. Hidden Treasure tells God's story through the life of Gladys Acuña Güitz, who experienced His heart for the poor and discovered her calling in a garbage dump among the scavengers she would come to love as Treasures. Gladys opens her heart to share her struggles and misconceptions along with those of others, as she strives for a closer relationship with God. You will be inspired by lessons of faith, adversity and God’s timely provision. Whether you are mature in your faith, a brand-new Christ-follower or a seeker looking for answers, God will speak to you as Gladys tells His story, taking you along as she journeys from a dull religious life through challenges and uncertainty to a vibrant, exciting Christian life.At times it was like a roller coaster ride for Gladys, and you may feel the same way as you laugh, cry, ponder and pray along with her. You will come to appreciate the value of even the smallest events and actions in God's hands. If you are serving in ministry at any level, Hidden Treasure will help you realize that you are not alone as you learn from a seasoned ministry leader who earned her stripes the hard way.
As someone who has experience working with the Treasures in Guatemala City, I enjoyed hearing more of the story of how Potter's House Association came to be and the learning / growing process that took place. Some of the stories also helped me better understand the cultural differences between Guatemala and the USA. I also appreciated the history lesson of how some of these poverty issues arose.
I recommend this book for anyone contemplating, currently preparing, or already actively participating in the SERVE program. It could even be beneficial for those supporting others who are serving and would like to know more about the ministry. There are personal reflection questions for each topical chapter as well as a description of PHA philosophies and strategic plan.
“Sometimes the faith of those with nothing is stronger than those with much.”
I met Gladys in a writing mastermind group and was so captivated by the story she wanted to write. I was especially impressed by how she wanted to write it in English, even though this was not her first language! This book will get your eyes off your own troubles and focus, instead, on how God changed the heart of one woman to help create an organization that would forever change the lives of many of the marginalized and forgotten people who live in the trash dumps of Guatemala. It will cause you to become aware of and grateful for how God has provided for you in your own life as well as open you up to the ways He wants to use you to make a difference in the lives of others.
MEN, I URGE YOU TO READ THIS BOOK!! Expect the unexpected. Surely God will give you deep insights and life! This book is an exciting ride, you will laugh, cry and ponder. It is like a tour in different spots of life that will encourage you to check and calibrate those areas in your life too. May You, Gladys and me can be part of God’s story (His Glory) “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s Grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV. I have read this book many times, studied it, and live it with Gladys for 25 years. 😊