Redeemer

Another Summer Mission Trip to Guatemala

When [we heard] the team would be "building" windows for the ministry center, I assumed that...we would be "installing" windows in the ministry center. You know; go to Home Depot, buy the windows and put them in.  No problem!!! I could do that!  There is no Home Depot in Guatemala. We built windows from scratch, by hand and I learned a lot about the utter simplicity of living in the third world. I am too American.
- Mark K. on his construction team experience.

Sales Pitch (sort of)

If you are ready to take on one of the most challenging, exhausting weeks of your life, consider joining the 2008 Guatemala Mission Team. Not the greatest sales pitch? Did we mention that it will also be one of the most rewarding, life-changing weeks of your life? See, Redeemer supports a ministry called Hope for Guatemala that works to bring life and hope to one of Guatemala City's most dangerous neighborhoods. The ministry needs your help: your muscles, your hugs, your hands, your smiles, your legwork, your money, your prayers. As a 2008 Mission Team participant, here are some of the things you may help Hope for Guatemala accomplish:

• Preparing and serving daily meals for about 70 hungry children
• Teaching a "Vacation Bible School" type class to children ages 4-16
• Construction and beautification projects at the ministry center
• Visiting and encouraging the families of ministry participants
• Assembling big bags of food to be distributed to needy neighborhood families

What to Expect

As a 2008 Mission Team participant, here are some things you may expect to experience:

• Blisters
• Sore shoulders
• LOTS of laughter
• Heart-melting smiles from little ones
• Language-barrier frustration
• Realizing that you don't need to speak Spanish to show love
• Good food
• Tears
• Fear
• Meaningful relationships
• Singing Bohemian Rhapsody in it's entirety (including meticulous reproductions of all vocal and instrumental nuances) with 12 of your friends in a cramped van rumbling down a windy mountain road.

I was privileged to be a part of two separate missions teams from Redeemer. This past year when I returned I was so happy to see a one of the boys I had been praying for. When he walked in to the ministry center I felt so much joy seeing that God had been answering my prayers...he's still involved with the ministry, still in school, and most importantly still around people who will show him the love of Christ.
- Patty G.

Details

Dates: July 26 to August 2
Cost: Approximately $1600
Sign-up Deadline: March 23
Contact: Patty Gumbrill (ppgumbrill [at] yahoo [dot] com)