The Life and Times of Jose Pio

In 1988 as the civil war in Guatemala raged on, it was reported that 83% of the victims of the brutal war were Mayan Indians. But the war and the fear it caused didn’t stop 3 young men, on brand new bicycles, who were compelled by the good news of Jesus Christ and the hope of CHE from riding the back roads from village to village. They were spreading the message they knew would save the lost and help the poor. Jose Pio who (goes by Pio) and his friends Florentine and Santiagowere these young men.

Florentine, Pio and Santiago

It was in December 1979; Pio was brought to a hospital in the city suffering from a bacterial infection in the bone of his foot and was told it needed to be amputated. While in that hospital God arranged for him to meet a preacher who talked to him about Christ. Not only was he told of the redeeming work of the cross and that Christ could heal him spiritually and possibly physically. It was that day that Pio came to know the Lord!

On Saturdays Pio and his neighbor Santiago would listen to a radio program that Dr. Hugo Gomez had on Community Health. In 1987 Pio met Dr. Gomez and learned about improved cooking stoves, the health benefits of getting the smoke out of their houses, and the CHE training program. He then began working with Dr. Gomez and has been with the CHE program ever since – serving many people in many different villages.

Pio’s cousin Guiermo, who was working at a Presbyterian Church, stopped by his house to speak more with him about Christ. He then asked Pio if he would hold a service in his house and if Pio could speak to his group about the culture and health needs of his village. Pio’s life as an ambassador for Christ and a representative for CHE was off and running.

Pio, who is from the village of Las Barrancas, is the second longest serving CHE. Florentine, has served the longest. Pio’s first wife died from a cerebral aneurism. His second wife left him after bearing two sons and after his spiritual conversion. He has a total of two daughters and five sons, one of which passed away not long ago. He also has 12 grandchildren. He makes a living as a farmer where he grows potatoes and other vegetables. He also receives a small monthly stipend from Global CHE Enterprises.

Even though he seems to be quiet you can always tell that Pio is thinking through the problems that he faces overseeing the development of the CHE property that will one day be used as a training center for CHE in Meso America. His passion ultimately is working with impoverished villages of Guatemala and helping them improve their village lives while trusting in the cross of Christ.

Pio Today

Pio is a valuable servant of Jesus Christ and the CHE program. If you would like to help him and the other CHE’s your donations will be put to work spreading the same message that has changed Jose Poi’s life forever.