Guatemala Mission Trip

-2023-

June 3 – June 10, 2023

It gives us great joy to offer our Guatemala mission trip once again this year: an intergenerational trip where we get to work with some of the most marginalized families in Guatemala on (June 3 - June 10). This will be a mission trip that is accessible and meaningful for intergenerational participants. Adults, children, seniors, married couples and singles are all welcome and needed!

POTTER’S HOUSE

Guatemala is a beautiful country with a rich cultural history. Our team will be working with Potter’s House (www.pottershouse.org.gt), Christ Church’s first Global Partner. Potter’s House began their work in Guatemala City serving a population of 11,000 people, 6,500 of whom are children, who live in and off the city dump, scavenging for food and goods that can be sold. Potter’s House has been serving the poorest of the poor and marginalized of Guatemala for 30 years. They are now identifying other parts of the country with great need, and expanding their programs to these areas. We will serve alongside them and strengthen their ministries.

CHIQUIMULA

Our teams will spend most of the week in Chiquimula. Chiquimula is a town in southeast Guatemala. It is seated in the center of a large and impoverished agricultural area. Here Potter’s House is in the process of developing strong community partners, implementing programs, and is planning to build a community center in the next few years. Our team will be vital in supporting their long-term work and making relational connections.

guatemala mission trip 2023 - christ church of austin - amy kenyon photography

Cost Sample Schedule Dates and Deadlines FAQ

Cost

We have been able to keep this trip at $1,600 per person, which includes airfare, room and board, transportation, and project costs. Children 10 and under will be charged $1,400 per person. Applications are due by March 5th, along with a $200 deposit per person (family max of $500). The deposit is fully refundable assuming you do withdraw before we have purchased airfare. Participants are responsible for the initial out-of-pocket deposit and the full amount will be due by Monday May 1st. Participants are encouraged to prayerfully consider raising support and/or sending out letters to family & friends about the trip to request prayer. The team may also work together to creatively fundraise as a group.

Sample Schedule

Saturday Arrive in Guatemala City, bus takes us to Chiquimula; settle in, Compline

Sunday Attend local church, lunch, prayer visits

Mon-Wed Serve with Potter’s House-- (sample activities below) Morning construction, afternoon VBS, evening activities with families, conclude with Compline

Thursday Bus to Guatemala City, lunch with PH children, prayer visits

Friday Bus to Antigua, debrief as a team, lunch, shopping/sightseeing

Saturday To airport to return home

Dates and Deadlines

FAQ

How much does it cost? How much is the deposit?

We’re asking each participant to provide $1,600 per person, including a $200 deposit due with your application. The family maximum for a deposit is $500.

How do we finance the trip?

The posted cost of the program is subsidized by Christ Church. Participants cover their share of the cost with a blend of paying out-of-pocket and raising support. Each family's capacity to raise support or pay out-of-pocket is different. The cost per person of the trip covers airfare, room and board, transportation and project costs.

We believe that putting together a support team is about broadening partnership and celebration for God’s work in Guatemala, not just funding the program. Even when you don’t personally need financial help to go, there is value in inviting others to contribute alongside you for the needs in Guatemala and to help send your teammates who might need the help. Therefore, we ask that every family participating reach out to at least 10 others to invite their support in prayer and finances.

When a person or family raises more support than they need, those funds will be designated for a person or family who is coming up short so that we can all participate.

What if I’ve never raised support before? How do I do that?

Raising support can be a faith-building and encouraging endeavor. We want to help equip you. There will be a fundraising training session in Mid March. We encourage everyone to join us for this practical and informative workshop. The team may also work together to creatively fundraise as a group (e.g. -- bake sale or selling t-shirts).

When are the training dates? Do I need to be there? What if I need to miss?

The required training dates are at 11:00 am on Apr 16, Apr 23, and Apr 30 in the offices near church, with a final team meet-up on May 7 (rice and bean lunch provided). Each time we gather is significant. We find that those who are able to attend every training get the most out of the experience and are best equipped to serve. These times together are crucial for team-building and preparation! Please contact us at guatemala@christchurchofaustin.org as soon as you know of a date you need to miss.

Can people who do not attend Christ Church come with us?

We deeply value this program as an opportunity for Christ Church to serve and grow on mission together. We’ve found it difficult to preserve that value while also accommodating participants who are not regulars at Christ Church. The only exception we make is for church leaders who are considering a similar partnership with Potter’s House for their church.

Can I bring my kids?

The trip (June 3 - June 10th) is very family friendly. In fact, children can serve uniquely in connecting with Guatemalan kids and building relationships with families. All participants must be at least 6 years old.

Can I use airline miles to book my flights? Can I make alternative travel arrangements to arrive early/depart late or leave to a different destination?

We encourage the team to travel together, however we understand there are sometimes special circumstances. You are responsible for contacting guatemala@christchurchofaustin.org as soon as possible if you have special circumstances or any questions.

I have health limitations, who can I talk to about how suitable I am for this trip?

Contact us at guatemala@christchurchofaustin.org and we can work with you on this. We’ve seen people with a wide range of capacities come on this trip and flourish.

What are the current Covid restrictions?

At the moment there are no covid related entry requirements to enter Guatemala. While we are working with Potter’s House, we will defer to their safety preferences with masking in the spirit of Christian brotherhood.

If you are interested in applying please complete the general application and questionnaire below. Please contact guatemala@christchurchofaustin.org with any questions.

Guatemala Trip Application

Additional Questionnaire