Guatemala Friends of the Saint Paul Area Synod

06/08/2026

CLAG News...

06/06/2026

Let us pray with our companions in the ILAG and the Southeastern Synod ELCA Friday at 8 p.m. wherever you are and when you are able. We pray especially for the young women who are at the MILAGRO Center.

News from the ILAG:
One of the highlights of a recent delegation visit (Atonement Lutheran Church) was a traditional dance performed by the young women. Dressed in their traditional costumes, they artistically portrayed aspects of daily life in the rural and indigenous communities from which they come. Through their dance, they demonstrated the hard work that many families do in the fields—especially in planting and harvesting—which form an important part of the economy and cultural identity of many regions in Guatemala. Each element presented aimed to share not only a tradition, but also a story of effort, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. It was a visual and emotional way to bring visitors closer to the context, values, and roots of the communities of the young women of MILAGRO.

05/26/2026

News from Pastor Karen

From May 13 to May 20, we conducted a pastoral visit to the regions of Ixcán, Alta Verapaz, and Petén, where we visited the communities of Aurora, Santa Elena, Cimiento, San Antonio, Nueva Guatemala, La Esmeralda, and Centro Dolores.

Visiting six communities and Centro Dolores in seven days was definitely a challenge, but it couldn't have been more rewarding, creating spaces for faith, service, and many conversations with the community—moments that were both concerning and emotional, yet definitely filled with celebration and joy.

Thank God for the opportunity to celebrate Nueva Guatemala's 24th anniversary with them, to witness for so many years the community's work of faith and perseverance, and what God has built in the heart of each person.

Similarly, in La Esmeralda, we had the opportunity to celebrate a young woman's 15th birthday; her family held a small celebration and, with great generosity, wanted us to attend and share with them this very special and emotional moment in her life.

05/23/2026

04/29/2026

The CLAG students experienced Farm Day!

04/29/2026

NEWS FROM THE ILAG

“Between flour, smiles and dedication... God is still working miracles.”

At the MILAGRO Program, we believe that skill development is key to achieving self-reliance. Every learning, every practice and every effort represent a step towards a more dignified, independent and opportunity-filled future. Today we're looking at more than a workshop... we see growth, commitment and dreams starting to take shape. Between laughter, teamwork, and dedication, not only abilities are being formed, but also confidence and hope. Because when you invest in preparing people's skills development, the results are not just learnings…lives are transformed.