Ministry & Outreach: Guatemala is located just below Chiapas, Mexico in Central America. The beauty of the jungle, volcanoes, Rio Dulce river, and Lake Izabal will make you feel as though you are in a tropical paradise. Although the landscape is quite beautiful, some of the living conditions are not. On this trip you will be immersed in the culture of the people who live the Rio Dulce river and Lake Izabal. You will work with a local pastor who speaks the native dialect as well as Spanish. You will be involved with sports ministry, door-to-door evangelism, nightly church services,VBS and assiting the local church in spreading the gospel.

- Young adult between the ages of 15 – 18. - Have been a Christian for at least six months. - Have a vibrant faith and a desire to share your Christian testimony.

Most likely, you will be staying in housing provided by the pastor, possibly sleeping on floors or mattresses or possibly in a local Hostel. Hot showers are definitely a luxury so don’t expect one! Clothes washing be done by hand. Eating the local cuisine is always a fun part of the missions trip. Chicken, rice and beans are common at most meals. Safe drinking water will be provided.

Visa & Passport: You will need a passport to enter the country. Shots & Vaccinations:  An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommend for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is also strongly recommended for this trip. 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 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.

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.

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.

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)

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). Average Annual Income: $3,900 U.S.