This fall we are excited to introduce a new missions field that we are planning on partnering with far into the future. This mission trip will give a great experience for people who are interested in doing their first-ever trip outside of the country. We look forward to how God will move in your life during this trip and how He can use you to make an impact on the local people of Guatemala.

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

 

Guatemala is a third-world country in Central America. For the most part, people in Guatemala are very receptive to outsiders and missionaries coming in and spending time with them. Most of the people we will be working with are very poor relative to how we are in the US. We will be spending time, meeting with local people, building relationships, working on building projects, and packing meals for the people in the mountain areas. The main ministry center where we will be staying is very well developed for the area. You can expect hot showers and awesome prepared hot meals during our time in the country. 

 

SERVICE PROJECTS

 

During our time in Guatemala, we will have several different options for service projects. We will help build a roof structure for a local house as well as some other building projects. We will assist with filling food bags. We will also visit some of the mountain schools to help with VBS-like programs.

 

ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Our time in Guatemala will not just be work projects, but we will also have some time to explore, and experience the culture and local destinations and even have some time to eat out and shop as well. We plan on going to some local markets, visiting some Mayan Ruins, and having dinner together at a restaurant with a view of a volcano.

 

COST

 

Estimated Cost Per Person - $2000 

Our goal is to provide as inexpensive an opportunity to do international missions for first-timers as possible. Please know that there are also opportunities through CW’s Andrew Project to help lower the cost further. We will also provide a template to send Prayer and Sponsor letters to family and close friends who would like to support you. For many, these kinds of letters help mostly or even completely offset the cost of a missions trip and cost you nothing out-of-pocket.

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LOGISTICS

 

Weather: Be prepared for hot weather, especially for what you’re used to in November. 

80 - 90 degrees and humid.  

 

Clothing: Please understand that we are going into a culture that is different from what you may be used to in the US. The idea of modesty and dress code is a bit more conservative than in Michigan and because of that, we need to be mindful of what we wear.

 

During Travel and at the Ministry Center: Shorts (Almost knee length), capris and pants are allowed.

 

Ministry Times: Men need to wear pants and shirts. Women will wear skirts and dresses. (Please, no short skirts)

 

Work Projects: Everyone must wear pants. No Shorts. Wear work shoes or tennis shoes. And please bring a hat just to protect yourself from the sun.

 

Swimwear: There is a pool available. Please just be aware to dress modestly when deciding on swimwear.

 

Housing: There are two dorm-style housing rooms for men and women that we will be staying in. Bedding and clean towels are provided. Showers are available.

 

Transportation: We will leave from the church for the airport in church vehicles. When we get to Guatemala City we will probably take a bus from the airport to the Ministry Center. While in the country most of our transportation will be via the back of pickup trucks. Please know that all the drivers are cautious and the back of the trucks are boxed in. 

 

First Aid/Medical: The only shot we require before going is updated tetanus shots. We ask that you provide proof of your most recent tetanus immunization. Outside of that the health department highly recommends Hepatitis A for traveling outside North America. Use your own discretion for that. Our team will be traveling with basic medication for normal medical concerns and the Ministry Center is well-stocked for similar situations. In the case of a Medical emergency, there is a hospital within 30 minutes of the Ministry Center.

 

Meals: Expect clean water to be provided regularly throughout the day as well as meals prepared specifically for people coming from the US with a good mixture of American food and local food. You will not stave. There are also snacks like soda available for a small charge for those who like to snack.

 

SCHEDULE

 

Day 1 (Thursday, November 20): Arrive in Guatemala and then travel to the ministry center.

 

Day 2 (Friday, November 21): Service projects and relationship building

 

Day 3 (Saturday, November 22): Service projects and Embrace meetings

 

Day 4 (Sunday, November 23): Visit the Jocatan market, attend a local church, and explore Mayan Ruins.

 

Day 5 (Monday, November 24): Visit a mountain school and do VBS-like activities with kids. Handing out food bags and work projects in the afternoon.

 

Day 6 (Tuesday, November 25): Adopt-a-Child activity. Visit a mountain village church service.

 

Day 7 (Wednesday, November 26): Visit a mountain school and do VBS like activities with kids. Handing out food bags and work projects in the afternoon.

 

Day 8 (Thursday November 27): Travel to Atigua. Go shopping, explore the area and have dinner together at the “volcano restaurant”. Early bedtime to head to the airport the next day.

 

Day 9 (Friday, November 28): Travel back to the US.

REQUIREMENTS

 

Missions trips, national or international, are very challenging and demand a great deal from anyone who goes. We know for many when much is expected, most of the time, we rise to the challenge and grow in the process. But for the person who is still forming his/her identity in Christ, they tend to have a much harder time rising to the same level of challenge. Understand that our goal is to challenge everyone who wants to grow in their faith and take their relationship with Jesus to a new “level”. Because of that, we do have some requirements for anyone going on this trip.

 

The following will be required for each person who would like to apply:

• Application

• Reference Form

• Required deposits and payments at set deadlines

• Attendance at the pre-trip training meetings

• Face-to-face short interview (for anyone below the age of 18)

• Notarized permission from Guardian(s) to leave the country (for anyone below the age of 18)

• Proof of up-to-date Tetanus vaccination

 

Some Basic Requirements:

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• A servant's heart first and foremost - We understand that you want to go to experience something, but if you’re hoping to stay very comfortable and to not get pushed outside your comfort zone, this isn’t the trip for you. We will be doing manual labor, we will probably be staying in some beds that aren’t the most comfortable. It’s going to be hot at times. We promise this can be a life-changing experience, but only if you go into it with the right attitude.

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• Some basic level of physical fitness -  We will probably be going into some places that require walking longer distances. The weather will be hot. We will be doing manual labor at times. If these things are normally obstacles in your everyday life, you might not be able to go on this trip.

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• Being willing to be outgoing - We understand that some people are a little more introverted. They need some time to themselves to recharge and don’t always enjoy constantly talking and interacting with people. However, this is going to be a short trip. We need you to be excited to share with people, to bring a level of excitement and energy that can brighten someone’s day. We need people who can step right up when they ask for help and jump right in when you have a chance to interact with local people.

 

COST BREAKDOWN

 

Tentative Total Cost: $2000 

 

Due When Submitting Application: $200

 

6 Meetings: $300 due at each meeting

 

TEAM MEETING SCHEDULE

 

June 8th  

July 13th 

August 17th

September 14th 

October 12th 

November 2nd

 

WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS

 

• Use the QR code below to register your student and be added to the pre-team information emails

• If you’re 17 or younger, you will schedule an interview time and receive confirmation within a week of your interview.

• PRAY, PRAY PRAY! Ask God if this is His Will for you and to provide the strength, financial support, and prayer team.​​

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Applications Are Due: May 1st

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For more Information, contact: Jayson@cwmc.church

 

Application Form​

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