2024 SMLCA Guatemala Mission Journal

January 27 - February 3

28 January 2024 — Day 1

Following a fantastic breakfast in Guatemala City this morning, we loaded the bus en route to San Juan La Laguna. The bus ride took about four hours of bumping around curvy mountain roads, but we are counting our blessings as we were informed today that traffic can get so bad to the point that the drive could take as long as 9 hours! We made a couple of stops along the way; once for some snacks and a bathroom break and once more to fix some minor bus mechanics. We were thankful to have “the best bus driver in all of Guatemala, Manuel, behind the wheel today! He really made the tough roads look easy! Arriving in San Juan we had the privilege to be greeted by SMLCA alum, Jaxon Hill, who has served as an intern with Impacto following his first trip here with the school last year. At 5:00 pm we joined the Impacto church service with the community. As the preacher spoke God’s word in Spanish, Tony translated for our English ears to hear through a wireless headset system. Attending a church service in another language checked a box many of us had not yet experienced in our lives. It was amazing to see the passion with which the worship team and speakers spoke even in moments when we did not entirely comprehend the words being said. God moves in every nation and every tongue! At our evening devotions, Mr. Bryan led the team through Psalm 139. Reflecting on the work God has already completed thus far ended the night perfectly. We are getting some rest now as we prepare for a full day of serving tomorrow. Until then, alabado sea Dios!

27 January 2024 — Arrival

ROA > ORD > IAH > GUA

The 2024 Guatemala team landed safely in Guatemala City via United Airlines flight UA1902! Greeted at the airport with familiar faces for the nine of our returning Guatemala missionaries. Impacto’s Tony Mendez led our team in prayer on the bus to take a moment and thank God for safe travels and that we could have an impact throughout the rest of our time here. We drove about 30 minutes to a nearby seminary where we would stay for the night. We ended the long traveling day with some pizza and a brief agenda for tomorrow. We are thankful to be here and we are excited to see God move as we know He will!

29 January 2024 — Day 2

Our Monday began with breakfast and devotions, by Pastor Luis of Impacto, this morning at Xejuyú (the Impacto compound at which we are staying) and then we split into groups for our various daily ministries. One group made our first house visits today. They took groceries and gifts to a couple of local families. They had the opportunity to talk and pray with each family at their house. Once this group returned, we split again into two more groups. A morning construction team assisted in various ongoing projects here at Impacto and a morning sports camp team traveled to a local school, shared a gospel message, and played games with the pre-k and elementary kids. After lunch altogether our team mixed up yet again for the afternoon where we had an evening construction team and an evening sports camp team that traveled to the same local school, but this time with middle and high school students. Most of our local transportation takes place on foot which means that we get to see and experience a lot of new things! On our walk back from the evening trip some of the students bought coconuts from a vendor who cut them open with a machete and served them with a straw! Our SMLCA missionaries served diligently all day! Their work ethic and willingness to serve continues to impress. God is moving through each of them to continue building His kingdom. We praise God for the safety and fruitfulness of the trip thus far and we ask that you continue to lift each of them in prayer as we close another day here in Guatemala.

30 January 2024 — Day 3

Is it still January 30? With the number of ministries and activities we packed into one day, breakfast felt like it was about three days ago! No complaints though! It has been amazing seeing God at work in our team and also in the beautiful smiles and open hearts of the Guatemalan people. Some of our team worked construction in the morning while the rest walked to the San Juan Happy Tummies location for our first Abuelitos ministry. An extra sweet moment for our returning missionaries as they recognized some of the abuelitos from last year. We presented a gospel message from John 8, explaining that Jesus is the light of the world. Following the gospel message, we made crafts and played games with all of the abuelitos. After lunch we split into our afternoon groups with one construction team and the other leaving for the same Happy Tummies location, however, this time around we would be embracing the other end of the age range. Both of our teams had some extra time following our daily ministries to meet at a local coffee shop (La Voz) for some coffee and birthday cake! Two of Impacto’s staff have birthdays today and we got to celebrate with them. This evening, with the help of Impacto’s advertising, we hosted a community basketball event at a local public court. A group of teenage friends from San Pedro heard of the event and wanted to play against some of our missionaries. The night had a great turnout from the community and Pastor Tony gave a gospel message to the crowd after the third quarter. Many raised their hands to accept Jesus as their Savior! It was an awesome moment for all of us to experience! Oh and for the record… our team from Virginia beat the home team with a score of 40-34. In team devotions this evening we closed the day discussing the powerful love of God as described in 1 John 4. God’s love exceeds our own capacity to love. We love because He first loved us. This is the very love that we get to share with our team, the Guatemalan people, and every human with whom we come in contact. This is not a love of our own, but a love through us from the Father. It really is good to be in the family of Christ!

31 January 2024 — Day 4

Wednesday morning devotions with Pastor Luis came from John 15. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” This important reminder kickstarted another full day of ministry. As we continue to pour out all that we can into all the ministries with which God has allowed us to partner, we must remember to stay focused on Him. When He brings us to a task He is faithful to equip us for that task, but it will require some hard work on our part. We have had so many awesome God-moving moments, yet we are also human and ultimately we get tired and become forgetful. A reminder to stay focused on God, dwelling in Him for our strength each day is a great message for the halfway point of our trip. Construction continued this morning and afternoon. Some of our students were complimented on their work ethic during the construction projects. The home visit team had the opportunity to meet and pray for a young girl at her house while the rest of her family was out working. The team returned with stories of feeling God at work in that moment. Amazing for them to be a part of God’s work in that little girl’s life. Both Abuelitos and Happy Tummies were phenomenal today! The theme in our message today came from Ephesians 2. “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” For one of our activities today, the Abuelitos and Happy Tummies kids built all sorts of creative shapes and structures with the large lego blocks we brought. The lego building competition was a fun way to help us illustrate the theme of our message; Just as you need a strong foundation to build a house (even one made of legos!), so also do you need a strong foundation for your life. There is no other foundation that could withstand the pressures and trials of this life other than a life built on faith in Christ. Our team had a few extra minutes before dinner this evening which we used to take a quick hike where we saw an amazing view of the beautiful Lake Atitlán! Our night ended with Wednesday night church with Impacto and our nightly team devotions. Another amazing day that we are so very thankful for here in San Juan La Laguna!

1 February 2024 — Day 5

A bittersweet feeling hung in the air today. Our last full day of ministry meant saying all the goodbyes. Our construction team took an hour bus ride into the mountains to pick up some building supplies from the Panyabar Happy Tummies location. The rest of the team walked to spend the last morning with the Abuelitos. In the afternoon our whole team met at the San Juan Happy Tummies to eat lunch with the kids. We spent the rest of the afternoon with the kids. Shared a gospel message, taught the kids some dances, and played soccer, and other games. We are heading back home soon by boat, then bus, and then plane. In our nightly team devotions, we were challenged to bring the missionary mindset back home with us. The people around us at home need Jesus just like they do in the villages of Guatemala. We would still love continued prayer that all of our travels would go smoothly. Enjoy this video that Impacto made for our team. We will see you soon!

  • Will Boyer | 10th

    This is my first-ever mission trip out of America, and I am super excited for this experience. I cannot wait to travel to Guatemala and spread God’s word to those who may not know anything about God.

  • Luke Burrows | 11th

    This will be my first mission trip, my first time on an airplane, and my first time out of the country. I could not be more nervous but more importantly more excited to share the word of God with people and try my best to bless them with his presence.

  • Maddox Conley | 10th

    I am looking forward to going back to Guatemala. It made a big impact on my life and I think it will again this year. It grew me closer to God and I am excited for it this year.

  • Noah Conley | Senior

  • Makayla Constant | Senior

    I am so blessed to be able to return to Guatemala. This will be my second time going. I love seeing God work in these incredible people's lives and our own as well. I hope to see God use us as vessels and as lights in this dark world. I am very excited to travel there and am so thankful for everyone who is supporting this.

  • Mason Fogarty | 10th

    This is my first time going on a mission trip out of the country and my second mission trip ever. I am super excited to be able to spread the Gospel to people who are less fortunate and less likely to be able to hear about God.

  • Jack Goad | Senior

    I am excited to travel to Guatemala because it will be my first mission trip outside of the country. I'm eager to see the impact that sharing the gospel with those who are less fortunate creates. 

  • Madison Hutchinson | Senior

    January can't come soon enough, I am extremely excited to see what God has in store for this outreach. The opportunity to work together to reach people with the Gospel is such a blessing. He is already working! I am also very grateful to visit this country and see its culture.

  • Braelyn Hoag | 10th

    I am so excited and blessed to be able to go to Guatemala. I am looking forward to being a part of doing God’s work! Especially being able to see and adapt to another culture.

  • Emma Irvin | 11th

    Hey! I'm Emma :) I am a Junior here at SMLCA, an avid coffee drinker and a follower of Christ. So, what better place to go than Guatemala? This will be my second time going to Guatemala with SMLCA as I got to go on this amazing journey last year. I loved every second of my time there and I was blessed with an impact that I carry with me even now. Thank you for your prayers and support through our getting prepared to depart on our trip for the LORD. I love you <3

  • Addy Janney | 11th

    The thing that I am most looking forward to on this trip is to grow closer to God through serving. I am so excited about this opportunity and the changes that come along with it.

  • Garrett Karnes | 10th

    I’m super excited about our Guatemala Missions Trip. I can’t wait to meet new people and experience an entirely new culture and life in Guatemala. I can’t wait to see all the things God has in store for us.

  • Ellie Keep | Senior

    Hi, I’m Ellie and I am so thrilled to be a part of this year’s trip to Guatemala! This is my first year to be attending. I am eager to see all the Lord has in store for us as we go and minister to the people of Guatemala, and I’m trusting for His presence evidently with us in every moment.

  • PJ Lignos | 10th

    I am looking forward to the Guatemala trip. I am excited to impact many people and to see how God works through everyone. This will be my second mission trip.

  • Parker Nichols | 11th

    I feel extremely blessed to be able to attend this mission trip for a second time. Last year was a life-changing experience for me and I felt God worked uniquely throughout the entire ministry. When the opportunity arose to go back to Guatemala there was no second thought and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me and the rest of the amazing team I will be a part of.

  • Quintana Peak | Senior

  • Karlee Smith | 11th

    I am looking forward to serving in Guatemala this winter! As I am growing my faith, I think going on this mission trip will help me appreciate and serve the people around me! I have always felt called to be a helper and a friend, and I cannot wait to see where God takes me on this journey!

  • Lily Terral | 9th

  • Alec Terry | Senior

    I am a senior at SMLCA this year and am excited to once again return to Guatemala to share God's word. I enjoy driving, swimming, and spending time with my family. I have been a Christian since I was 10 years old and I am passionate about sharing God's word.

  • Maya Werre | Senior

    This will be my first mission trip and I am looking forward to all aspects of the experience including meeting new people, spreading the gospel, seeing a new country, and pushing me out of my comfort zone. I can't wait to see where it leads me!

Partner with us in prayer!

We are praying…

That the hearts of those going would be changed; that they would be drawn closer to Jesus.

That those ministered to would be open to Jesus and that they would be saved.

That those ministering at Impacto would be encouraged and blessed by our team.

That God would be glorified and His Kingdom expanded.

Transformation

Salvation

Impact

Spiritual Growth

Safety

Let the team know you’re praying for them!

We partner with Impacto Ministries in Guatemala.

Use the drop-down menu to explore the outreach opportunities in which our team will participate.

  • A ministry for the elderly. A nutritious breakfast is provided, stretching exercises, weaving, gardening, and sharing the love and saving grace of Jesus with these wonderful people who are living the last part of their journey here on earth.

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  • Construction projects vary. Impactico’s main emphasis this year is to complete the new abuelitos building and a retaining wall around their garden plot.

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  • An after-school program for children in vulnerable situations providing a nutritious meal, a monthly doctor check-up, tutoring by licensed teachers, teaching good personal hygiene, and most of all, learning about the Gospel of Jesus and His saving grace.

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  • An opportunity to minister to grade school students through a sports ministry. We will bring and teach handball to the students. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to share the gospel throughout the day.