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Short Term Missions Teams
in Guatemala
Do short term missions teams serve at Homes of Life in Guatemala like they do in Costa Rica?
 | | Lifegate Team |
Yes indeed! Mission teams play a significant role in supporting Hogar de Vida Guatemala, some serving like the Costa Rica teams, and some serving in very different ways. Every year approximately 7 teams come to serve. We have built relationships with several churches and colleges who send teams on a regular basis. Most teams serve in three different areas: ministering in schools in the surrounding mountains, ministering to the children and staff in the home, and ministering through work projects.
We also welcome new churches. Recently a team of Home School families started coming in January at the start of the new school year. This team of families comes to give the staff a break. They assume all the responsibilities and send the staff away for a two day vacation. The staff return refreshed and renewed, ready once again to pour themselves into the children they serve.
Home of Life Guatemala is located in the central highlands of
 | | Aldea Presentation |
Guatemala in the town of San Andres, Sajcabaja, the county seat. There are many schools in the aldeas (villages) situated in the mountains, and God has opened the doors for teams to go in and share the gospel. Teachers are very open to teams coming in, and for many of the kids, it is the first time they have seen a North American. Many aldeas are very poor, even lacking running water or electricity. One way teams minister is by washing, cutting and styling the kids' hair. The boys enjoy their fresh haircuts and the girls admire each other's beautiful hairstyles and enjoy the lovely smell of shampoo, a luxury for many. The team also ministers to the kids by playing soccer, Frisbees, and bubbles, as most of these kids are busy with
 | | The Hair Salon |
school or helping with chores at home, and have little free time to just play. After meeting physical needs and building camaraderie, the team shares a hygiene presentation and then they have the privilege to share the gospel. For many children, it's the first time they've heard what Jesus did for them.
Other teams serve by loving on the children of the home and giving one-on-one attention. The kids love the extra attention that may come through a structured Bible School activity, an outing to the pool, a walk, or climbing a mountain. The older kids enjoy renting out the local artificial turf soccer field to take on the Norte Americanos in a game of soccer. They also enjoy getting to know the team members around an evening snack or sharing testimonies. These interactions allow the team members to share their walk with the Lord, encourage the kids in their walk, and show the unconditional love of Jesus.
Of course, teams help with work projects, giving of their physical labor to improve and spruce up the facilities. Whether applying a fresh coat of paint, digging a drainage ditch or pouring a concrete sidewalk, the team works side-by-side with the staff and older kids to accomplish a lot of work in a short amount of time.
Each team has something unique to offer and it is always exciting to see what the Lord has in store. A typical team consists of 8 to 20 people aged 10 to over 60. Some are students, teachers, parents, single adults, and come from all walks of life, some having known the Lord most of their lives and some are new believers. But all come with one purpose, to lavish the love of Jesus on whoever He brings in their path: children in the aldeas, the children of the home, the Staff, or a member of the community. When they leave, they leave a part of their heart behind ("Amen!" The Editor.)
If your church or group would like to bring a team to serve at Home of Life Guatemala, please contact us and we'll get you started on the application process.
Vickie Sutton, Faith Missionary
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