Teams come down to Guatemala not just to serve, but to learn, build relationships, and witness the Kingdom work being done in and by these rural communities.

This mostly teenaged mission team was visiting our country for the first time, so as a staff we were very excited to introduce them to World Renews’ work in Guatemala. During the week our visitors had the opportunity to hear about the community’s changes and challenges as we spent time with men, women, children, and community leaders.

The team spent full days in the communities, including home visits, and they shared that this time with families was truly life-changing. They had also the chance to do activities with children in schools and were excited to see how the language barrier could be broken with just facial expressions. They were thrilled when, during a bracelet-making activity planned for the children, women of the community joined in too. Listening and letting the community’s stories shape us and our visitors changes our lives for the better.

In addition to this relationship building, teams also helped to build part of a clinic and support a water project. World Renew counts hosting short-term teams as an important part of our work here. The life-changing that happened for our visitors happens for staff and community members as well, as we are empowered to be ambassadors of God’s work here in the community of San Martin. Choosing to let our lives be part of God’s plans is the best way to share His love with others.

“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalms 33:22