Guatemala

Since 2015, SMUMC and Blackburg (VA) UMC have been going together on Volunteer in Mission (VIM) trips to the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala where we teamed with Impacto Ministry (www.impactoministry.com). During these mission trips, we have done many things. Here are some highlights.

• Built homes of families, worked on the wall to protect San Juan Happy Tummies from flooding and intruders, and helped build the San Juan Library. Impacto Ministry has ongoing construction projects that teams can do.
• Lead Women’s Retreats. Check out How Great Thou Art video.
• Visited, played, and shared bible lessons and did crafts for Happy Tummies Children and Abuelitos (Little Grandparents). Also, Prayer Partners with the Happy Tummies children and the Little Grandparents. We pray for each other. Check out Prayer Partners video.
• Visited homes to encourage and pray with families and provide some food bags.
• Helped with Healing Hands & Pharmacy by providing over the counter medicines, vitamins and first aid supplies, walkers, and canes. Also inventoried and organized supplies on hand. See what difference a walker can make.

For more information, check out Guatemala Mission Trip Overview through Pictures.

Mission Trips for 2020 and 2021 are canceled due to Covid. SMUMC still continued to support Impacto Ministries Compassion Ministries.

(Guatemala 2023 Video)

San Juan Library

In 2014, a simple and small storeroom library opened with books donated by SMUMC. In 2015, SMUMC partnered with Impacto Ministry to build a library in San Juan, Guatemala. Impacto Ministry provided the land and onsite coordination of the building and found someone to help set up library operations. SMUMC was the main supporter of the construction, providing books and internet support, and assisting with the setup of library operations. Several other groups help provide some building support, books, computers & printers, furniture, and Internet support. In 2018, the library opened with 1700 + Spanish children’s books. SMUMC’s focus since 2018 is to continue to provide help with Internet support and expanding the library to resources for pastors, local churches from many denominations, and seminary students. Impacto Ministry hosts the Bible Institute taught by the Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala City.

During COVID-19, the library is being used to loan children books while they were out of school, and the Internet is helping reach remote pastors so they could continue with their studies and get needed emergency assistance. You can find more information about the San Juan library here.