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Guatemala, Central America Mission Trip
August 1 to August 10, 2009
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
The projects will be held in several different locations, including Guatemala City and Lake Atitlan, where you will have the opportunity to minister among the Mayan indegenous groups that surround the beautiful lake.
Ministries include working with children, small groups, church planting and community service. Light construction might be done in some areas.
Ministry Description:
A discipleship-focused ministry would greatly benefit the area. Ministry opportunities may include door-to-door evangelism, children's ministry, sports evangelism (soccer), leadership training, medical/dental services, and presentations in the parks or public schools.
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| Trip Requirements |
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Level 2 participants must:
1. have accepted Jesus as Savior and have a living, personal relationship with Him.
2. be willing, experienced, and comfortable with sharing their testimonies and a Gospel message.
3. be willing to submit to authority.
4. demonstrate a servant's heart.
5. acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
6. have prior ministry experience.
7. accept more difficult ministry and living conditions.
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| Food & Lodging |
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Check with your Church Mobilization Representative for the most current information.
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| Dress Code & What to Bring
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Dress Code:
FEMALES
• Ministry Dress (evangelism, church services, school devotions or assemblies)- Wear skirts that reach below the bottom of the knee or longer, or khaki slacks, and shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders. You can wear short sleeves, but they must cover the shoulders and upper arms. No cap sleeves or sleeveless shirts of any kind. Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks.
• Construction/Sports Dress/VBS-Jeans, capris or knee length shorts. Work shirt or t-shirt, (no tank tops, cap or sleeveless tops). Shirts should not have scoop necks or low v-necks. Boots, strong shoes or tennis shoes.
MALES
• Ministry Dress (evangelism, church services, school devotions or assemblies) -Nice pants (slacks, khaki slacks), nice shirt with a collar, nice shoes or tennis shoes.
• Construction/Sports Dress/VBS-Jeans, pants or shorts to the knee. Work shirt (no tank tops or sleeveless), boots, strong shoes or tennis shoes
No flashy clothes or jewelry. Do not bring clothes with American logos and advertisements. Something simple like Old Navy is ok, but remember what you wear is a physical representation of who you are. Both guys and girls do not bring clothing that is tight, too small, or form-fitting in any way. Do not bring pants that are low-cut. If you can bend over and touch your toes without showing any skin in the back, then your shirt and pants are ok. If you can raise your hands all the way above your head and not show your stomach, then your shirt is ok. For either men or women, no open-toed shoes or sandals of any kind in the colonias.
What to Bring:
Bring light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Sports equipment such as basketballs, volleyballs, and soccer balls would be a plus, as well as a hand pump and inflator needles.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
You'll fly into Guatemala City, and be bused to your lodging. Ground transportation is included in the project price.
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Visa & Passport:
According to the latest information found in website of the bureau of consular affairs from the United states, a valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens to enter Guatemala. American citizens returning to the United States from Guatemala are not allowed to board their flights without a valid U.S. passport.
Certificates of Naturalization, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and photocopies are NOT acceptable alternative travel documents. While in Guatemala, U.S. citizens should carry their passports, or a photocopy of their passports, with them at all times.
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Tolls & Exit Tax:
An exit tax must be paid when departing Guatemala. The exit tax (currently $30) is generally included in an airline ticket price, but may be charged separately. There is an additional airport security fee of about $3 that all travelers must pay at the airport.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommend for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is also strongly recommended for this trip.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
Guatemala is the third-largest nation in Central America, a rugged land of mountains, beautiful lakes, and lush vegetation. Guatemala City is the capital and largest city.
Guatemala’s geography has frequently influenced its history. About two-thirds of the country’s total land area is mountainous. The rugged terrain provided refuge that allowed the indigenous peoples to survive the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, while the fertile valleys eventually produced fine coffees and other crops that dominated the nation’s economy.
Weather:
The weather in June and July is rainy, warm, and humid. Guatemala City, in the southern highlands, receives 52 inches of rain annually.
Area Attractions:
Guatemala's many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural attributes.
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| People, Culture and Religion
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Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of native Indian customs and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala’s population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban areas and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends.
But unlike many Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, that has retained a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. The two cultures have made Guatemala a complex society that is deeply divided between rich and poor.
One of the most intriguing cultural aspects is the infinite and exotic variety of traditional clothing handmade by Guatemala's Mayan population. The design of women's colorfully embroidered tunics, capes, and skirts dates back to pre-colonial days. Certain garment and design details will identify the maker's group and village, and can also have multiple religious or magical meanings. Music and traditional dance enliven many Mayan religious festivals.
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala and the primary language of 60% of the population. For the rest, the primary language is one of the more than 20 Mayan languages. Many Mayan speakers also know Spanish. English is widely understood among the upper class and business people.
Roman Catholicism is the principal religion. Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian denominations have gained wide followings, while the Maya have preserved aspects of their traditional religions, often blended with Catholicism.
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| Government and Economy
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The Republic of Guatemala has a representative democratic government headed by a president.
Guatemala’s economy traditionally has been based on exports of coffee, bananas, sugar, and other tropical crops. This focus on export agriculture has enriched the country’s small wealthy class, but a large segment of the population remains very poor, especially the native people who supply much of the agricultural labor. Major industries include textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, natural rubber, flowers, and tourism. (www.encarta.msn.com)
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| Statistics
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Population:
13,909,384 (2003 est.)
1,015,303 - Guatemala City (2000 est.) |
Poverty Rate:
More than 70% of rural residents are classified as living in extreme poverty, compared to 36% of urban inhabitants. |
Literacy Rate:
71% ages 15 and over can read and write (2003).
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Average Annual Income:
$3,900 U.S. |
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