06/16/2026
Dear Church Family,
We made it! All 47 of us arrived safely in Guatemala! Praise God for His protection over every traveler and every mile. We are so grateful, and we can already feel the weight of your prayers.
After landing in Guatemala City, the Next Step Ministries staff met us and drove us to Buscar a Dios, a local church in Sumpango, where we were welcomed warmly by the congregation. We worshiped together, shared a message, and heard from their lead pastor. It was a beautiful glimpse of the global church — the people there were overjoyed that we will be spending the week not only serving across the community but also running a VBS children's program right in their church. From there, we traveled to Breaking Cycles, the local ministry we partner with, to settle in, share dinner, worship, and receive our introduction to the week ahead.
Monday brought our first full day on the worksites. We have organized into six crews: four building homes, one serving the broader community, and one leading VBS and home ministry. Across all six, we saw the Lord move — opening doors, stretching us, and giving us countless chances to grow and to love the people of Sumpango well. We closed the day the way we hope to close each one: dinner together, worship, small groups, and sweet time simply enjoying one another — worship circles, card games, and meaningful conversations late into the evening.
How You Can Pray This Week
• Health and stamina — that everyone stays well, rested, and strong for the physical work ahead.
• Safety — protection on the worksites and in our travel around the community each day.
• The families we are serving — that the homes we build and the help we offer would be a tangible picture of God's love.
• Our VBS program — for the children of Buscar a Dios, that they would encounter Jesus and have a joyful, memorable week.
• Open and humble hearts — that each of our 47 would serve like Christ, stay teachable, and grow in faith.
• Our partners — for the Next Step staff, Breaking Cycles, and the local pastors and church as we labor alongside them.
• Unity — that our team would stay encouraged, united, and full of joy all week.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer. We truly could not do this without you, and we cannot wait to share more of what God does.
