PRUMC partnered with Fontaine and Paula Greene of Catalyst Resources International (CRI) in an effort to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people of Guatemala. Over the past two years, 16 PRUMC families have built 13 houses with bathrooms for families in need while also building relationships and friendships.
Join fellow PRUMC families in faith and fellowship, as we work side by side with local families who have vested in this life changing project, to build their home from start to finish. This intimate experience will allow your family to build connections with a local family and share Christian love through labor of our hands. No construction experience required – only a service heart and willingness to sling a hammer or play a game of ball. There will also be an opportunity to share our love and time with the children of Mimi’s House Orphanages. Additional activities may include a community festival and tourist excursions to learn more about area.
FAQs
Where will we stay?
Our group will stay at the team house located at the ministry center which is a gated property with room for multiple teams and activities. Accommodations will be dormitory style. They are clean but they are rustic. There are no private baths or A/C. Wi-fi is accessible at the ministry center, but is not entirely reliable. This is a week to unplug and enjoy spiritual fellowship.
What about food and accommodating dietary needs?
Breakfast and dinner are served Buffet style for the teams at the ministry center. Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich lunches are packed for job sites. It is not possible for CRI to accommodate special dietary needs so please plan to bring in food with you if necessary. Families often bring food to supplement offering for hungry or picky teenagers.
What do I need to wear?
Please bring conservative, modest clothing to wear while in Guatemala. Sleeveless shirts/tanks, running shorts will not be appropriate outside the ministry center. Pants are best on construction sites as well as shirts that will protect from the sun. Days are warm, but evenings are cooler and breezier so bring layers.
Is Guatemala Safe?
CRI is experienced at hosting mission groups and they do their best to make wise choices for your in-country travel. We will travel in groups and stay away from areas of known dangers. No travel is totally risk-free, though, even in the US. You may check the US State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) for any current travel advisories. There is generally a warning from the US government to use caution during travel to Guatemala.
What shots do I need before we leave?
Please refer to the CDC website for recommendations regarding vaccines.
What is the current COVID travel situation?
As of July 21st, Guatemala remains under complete lockdown with orders to shelter in place. Travel is not open domestically or internationally. Because medical resources and general healthcare is limited, the mortality rate due to COVID is much higher than in the US. For this reason, Guatemala may be very slow to reopen to high risk countries such as the US. We will continue to monitor the situation. Once the borders do open, we will begin to explore how to safely travel to Guatemala with special consideration to keeping our team and the local community as safe as practical. We will refer to CDC and UMCOR guidelines as we make decisions for Global Missions.
Will we have time to explore the area?
Yes, we usually take one day to explore and learn about Guatemala. Activities range from tours in Antigua to visiting ruins or zip-lining. The team will decide how to spend this day.
Additional Detailed Trip information and Team Handbook will be provided at the first trip meeting.