Who can minister with Mission Impact in Guatemala?
Mission Impact accepts teams of various ages and giftings. While serving on a short term team, Mission Impact believes that children, students of all levels, career folks, and retirees can greatly impact the people and church of Guatemala as well as grow in their personal relationship with Christ.
What will an outreach to Guatemala cost?
Please contact us and together we will price out an outreach for your specific team.
Do Servant Team Leaders pay fees?
Yes, Servant Team leaders pay the same as other team participants.
Are there any "out of pocket" expenses during an outreach in Guatemala?
Out of pocket expenses include an airport security departure tax of $3.00, two meals in Antiguan restaurants totaling approximately $15.00 and spending money (depending on the individual) of $50.00 - $75.00
If I travel to Guatemala what travel documents do I need?
To enter the country of Guatemala one needs a valid passport. Please see the Servant Teams Manual for information on obtaining a passport.
Are travel arrangements to Guatemala made through the Mission Impact office?
Each Servant Team is responsible for booking and payment of their team's airline tickets, travel insurance, and obtaining travel documents (passport).
Do I need special immunizations to minister in Guatemala?
Mission Impact requires all Servant Team participants to have an updated tetanus shot (DPT). Other recommended immunizations include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. To obtain these immunizations please contact your local Health Department as early as possible to acquire the complete series.
What kind of medical care is available in Guatemala?
There are two small private hospitals in Antigua that can adequately cover most situations that arise. Mission Impact has long standing relationships with several Guatemalan physicians in the Antigua area. If a team member is in need of trauma care or specialized emergency care they would be transported by ambulance to Guatemala City, a 50 minute trip. Guatemala City has several very good hospitals and many well trained physicians.
What is the weather like in Guatemala?
Guatemala has two seasons: dry and rainy. Dry season is from November through April. Rainy season is from May through October. Temperatures are cool at night and warm during the day, depending on the altitude of your ministry site. Temperatures range from 45F to 80F from November through February and 60F to 90F March through October. There is a description of appropriate clothing to bring in the Servant Teams Manual.
Who will I be working with and what will I be doing?
Servant Team participants will work with at least one of the Mission Impact full-time missionaries who have a long-term commitment to the communities in which they work. Servant Teams, depending on their gifts and ministry goals, will work in one of the following areas: Christian education, community health and nutrition, youth ministry and evangelism, construction, service projects, or medical/dental clinics.
What will a daily schedule look like?
An average day begins with worship and devotions at 7am followed by a hearty breakfast. Teams depart the mission house by 8:30a.am., spend approximately six hours at the ministry site, and arrive back to the mission house by 4:00 p.m. A Guatemalan dinner is served at 6pm. Evening programs include local speakers discussing current issues and needs in Guatemala, lively dialogue, team sharing and debriefing, and free time for relaxation and reflection. One morning is spent visiting other ministries in the Antigua area to impart vision for what God is doing in Guatemala. Weekends include some sight seeing and shopping in the Antigua area as well as worshipping in a local church.
Do I need to speak Spanish if I am going to minister in Guatemala?
A Servant Team participant does not need to speak Spanish to minister the love of Christ in Guatemala! Team members will work alongside bi-lingual staff where translation is available. Mission Impact does encourage pre-field language practice simply to make the experience in Guatemala more enjoyable.
Where will Servant Teams be housed?
Servant Teams have the option to stay the entire outreach in a mission house. The mission house is located in San Pedro El Alto, a quiet residential area 10 minutes from the center of Antigua, Guatemala. Large dorm rooms with modern baths, common eating areas, and an upstairs patio are a few of the pleasant features of the San Pedro house.
How and where are meals prepared for Servant Teams?
Servant Teams eat all meals at the San Pedro mission house. Breakfast and dinner are hot meals prepared in a clean kitchen by an experienced Guatemalan cook. Every precaution is taken to insure that fresh fruits and vegetables are washed appropriately and prepared with the health of our North American team members in mind. A sack lunch is prepared each day in the mission house kitchen by the cook.
Is Guatemala a safe place to travel to and minister in?
Guatemala, like all Central American countries, is plagued by varying degrees of crime. Depending on location and circumstance, tourists can be targeted for robbery and assault. However, Servant Teams with Mission Impact are at a very low risk for these types of crimes. Teams minister in communities with Mission Impact missionaries who are respected and welcomed in their communities. Team members enjoy building relationship with nationals in a non-threatening environment. All transportation is either provided by or contracted by Mission Impact. Mission Impact does not engage in any tourist travel outside of the Antigua area unless specifically requested by team leaders. Team housing is located in a quiet residential area with full time caretakers present on the property. During field orientation Servant Teams are briefed as to common sense practices regarding safety issues.
How do I travel to Guatemala?
Each team makes their own travel arrangements. Mission Impact will provide a list of travel agencies and airline group reservation desks to assist you with your purchasing of tickets. Many Internet based companies also are a easy way to purchase your tickets. American, Continental, Delta, Spirit and several Central American airlines all have flights that serve Guatemala City from many US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Servant Teams
