Mission Projects in Guatemala
Guatemala is known for its towering volcanoes, colorful woven textiles & close-knit communities. The average Guatemalan lives on less
than $200 per month & has grown accustomed to the effects of poverty. Many children are forced to skip out on an education to work to
provide for their families. Young people are also heavily influenced by gang violence, drugs, alcoholism & prostitution.
Make an impact in rural &/or urban areas by working alongside a local ministry to provide support to communities in Pacaya, San
Mateo, San Miguel, Sembradores, Bethania & Palin. Teams can choose to work with a variety of projects or dedicate your time to one in
particular. Translators, housing, meals & transportation will be provided by our partner ministry.
Student Ministry
In Guatemala education is free, but the dropout rate is high. Many students leave school to provide for their families & some fall under the influence of drugs. This ministry encourages students to stay in school through student centers, sponsorship programs & Vacation Bible School. Your team can share the love of Christ with these children & act as positive role models in their lives by:
- Helping kids with homework
- Preparing & serving meals to students
- Teaching children Scripture through crafts & stories
- Mentoring students through Bible studies, music, games & sports
Feeding & Clothing Ministry
The average Guatemalan family lives on about $200 per month. Many are unable to afford clothing, toiletries, or even food. Your team can help prepare & deliver food boxes to families in need. A single box feeds a family for about 10 days & opens the door to new relationships. Your group can also provide clothing & shoes for distribution.
- Fill baskets with cereal, rice, beans, oil, laundry supplies & more
- Deliver food packs to families
- Size & distribute clothes
- Wash villagers' feet before presenting a new pair of shoes
Construction Ministry
Many homes have been poorly constructed due to a lack of resources or destroyed by a natural disaster (mud slide or storm). Many families sleep on dirt floors & rely on makeshift roofs for protection. Your team can build new structures or add improvements that will greatly affect the owners' daily lives. Groups can:
- Install rocket stoves, which allow families to cook safely & efficiently
- Construct metal or block homes
- Install roofs, windows & doors
- Build bunk beds
Medical, Dental & Optometry Missions
Medical resources are scarce in rural parts of Guatemala & many doctors cannot treat the full range of illnesses troubling a village. Your team can partner with local medical clinics, which provide basic healthcare to the community.
- Administer basic physical examinations & checkups
- Provide preventative & restorative dental care
- Test patients' refraction, acuity, binocular vision & overall eye health
Clean Water Project
Communities across the country lack access to clean drinking water. Those who live in rural areas are forced to walk long distances, only to fetch bacteria-ridden water. The water systems found in the city are often contaminated with waste or chemicals. Teams can work with local volunteers to provide clean water to families through water purification projects.
- Install water filtration systems
- Build relationships with local community members
Chicken Coops
This ministry serves several purposes. The chickens provide a source of protein usually lacking in their daily diet. As the chickens mature, they can be bred to generate more income. This process teaches the family basic business practices & creates a microbusiness. Most importantly, as we build the coop, we are provided a great opportunity to connect with the families. The local ministry provides coop materials, baby chicks, feed & antibiotics. Mission teams:
- Build & assemble the coops
- Feed the chickens
- Build relationships with community members
