Time Saved for Women & Girls

Many Guatemalans face health risks every day, in their own homes and schools. The open fires traditionally used for cooking inside homes lead to devastating respiratory problems and severe burns. At especially high risk are children under age 5, for whom acute respiratory infection is the leading cause of death.

The ONIL cook stove is a safe alternative to open fires, removing smoke from the home and reducing firewood usage by 70%. Community development program participants are dramatically reducing their incidence of respiratory illness and other health problems and cutting the time they spend collecting firewood. That means more time in school, church and home achieving a better earning income, especially for women and girls.

Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala has delivered a total of 339 ONIL cook stoves to the different communities in the rural area, leaving pending for purchase and delivery of 85 ONIL cook stoves for four more communities.

The cost for each stove is $150, which includes delivery of the materials to the rural villages. The stoves are easily put together, as the cement blocks and cooking plates are not held together with mortar or any other material. The blocks are simply placed in such a way that the weight of the heavy top is balanced evenly. If a family has to move, the stove is disassembled in a few minutes.

The design of the stove is ingenious. It will save firewood, prevent injuries, and will literally save lives.

The ONIL Stove Project is a part of the ILAG's Health Ministry and is being supported by companion synods. If you would like to contribute, you can give now online or send a check to Saint Paul Area Synod, attn: Greg Triplett, 105 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55103. In both cases, include a designation for "ILAG Stoves".

Together, we are improving the lives of many, but especially for women and girls. Thanks be to God for this, and much more!

Diego Gil Castillo

Travel Coordinator

Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala