Family shot in Guatelmala today. There has been an escalation of gang violence recently in the country. According to the Herald Sun:

Five members of the Aifan Apen family died late Monday inside their home in San Miguel Petapa, a municipality about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of the capital, while the other died at a medical centre, said fire department spokesman Mario Cruz.

The children were aged 6, 7 and 16. Police said the suspects arrived for the overnight attack on bicycles, but gave no indication of the motive. Guatemala is one of Latin America’s most violent countries, with an average of 18 murders each day, and a murder rate of 52 per 100,000 population according to police statistics. 

We support six orphanages in Guatemala and love the orphans and vulnerable children in this country. A HopeChest team leaves on February 13th. Please pray for peace and an end to the violence.