This year Students International is celebrating 15 years of ministry. Guatemala has been one of the countries we’ve had the longest continuous presence. The photos below capture some of the work going on this summer at all the various ministry sites in Guatemala, including the rural villages of Magdalena and El Gorrión.

Video Courtesy of Derek Davis

Shelby Griffin, one student from the media site wrote:

“It’s been quite the journey here in Magdalena. From having to switch our schedules around because of the infamous pigs to walking uphill in the rain both ways…we know exactly what you were talking about Grandpa! It’s not easy but the journey to capture God’s beauty was well worth it. At times, our team may have been weak, sore, or just craving In-N-Out Burger but we always pushed through because we have the passion and the will to help God’s people wherever they may be. We had an awesome time taking these pictures.

God bless!”

At the park in Antigua with patients of Hermano Pedro

Art Site

View more photos

of SI’s recent activity in Guatemala, courtesy of the media site.

From New York to Nebraska to California, three excited teams came together from across the US for one purpose, to serve God in Guatemala from July 27th – August 8th. While speaking Spanish was a breeze for some and more difficult for others, the culture shock impacted everyone, but the people from the town of Magdalena greeted us constantly with friendly smiles and cheerful greetings. Having the opportunity to get to know the Guatemalans despite the language barrier was a blessing for us all. Learning to humble ourselves and focus on completing what God has appointed us to do was a main goal as we studied Ephesians throughout the two weeks. Whether we were out building the community center in El Gorrion or opening the new playground for the kids at the Monroy school God’s presence was apparent in every situation.

See the photos here

See the pictures here

June 8th- June 20th

It’s been quite the journey here in Magdalena.  From having to switch our schedules around because of the infamous pigs to walking uphill in the rain both ways…we know exactly what you were talking about Grandpa…it’s not easy but the journey to capture God’s beauty was well worth it.  At times, our team may have been weak, sore, or just craving In-N-Out Burger but we always pushed through because we have the passion and the will to help God’s people wherever they may be.  We had an awesome time taking these pictures. So enjoy and God bless!

-Media Site

Central Valley Christian School, Visalia, Ca

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Sonoma State University, Ca

See the photo gallery here

See the photo gallery here

We are excited to announce SI Guatemala’s new microfinance website. Site leader Aaron Kelly has been working closely with Pastor Mario Méndez over the past several months to select applicants to receive a loan. After an evaluation and education process, participants use their loan of $130-$300 to invest in their small business or to buy and raise animals such as chickens, pigs, or cows. Currently, all borrowers are selected from Mario’s Bible study groups that meet for a message and fellowship every two weeks. The money for the loans come from individual donations, and potential donors now have the chance to browse pictures and profiles of applicants awaiting funding for their loans. We are excited for this new tool to raise funds for this ministry. Find the website here:

Visit Microfinance site here

In March 2009 Students International welcomed back King’s West Secondary School from Washington state lead by Mike Mitchell with co-leaders Kathleen Mitchell, Sherri Miller and Grace Ellison. Joining this group in Guatemala was Randy Braun, Brian Duyst and Kali McCarley from California.  The week was spent together worshipping, praising God and doing His work in the many wonderful ministry opportunites in Magdalena, El Gorrion and Antigua.  Everyone in this group was welcomed with open arms and grand smiles into Magdalena familes for the duration of their stay.  The blessings poured over the Americans and Guatemalans as they spent time together sharing in personal conversation, testimony, prayer, food, laughter as well as working in the schools, medical clinics, hospital, homes…lives were changed forever during this week in His service.  God is good!  Christ is all and in all.  Many praised God for this opportunity and hope to return to Guatemala to serve.

See the photo gallery here

See photogallery here

For the past 7 years, Students International has been working alongside the poor of El Gorrión (a settlement of about 55 families displaced by landslides caused by Hurricane Mitch), responding to some of its most pressing needs. We’ve built water cisterns, taught in its local school, and developed relationships with its destitute but resilient residents. Recently, SI has undertaken building a community center that would help meet some other felt needs, such as: adequate nutrition, by providing children with one daily balanced meal; vocational training, by operating carpentry and sewing workshops; spiritual growth, by conducting youth & adult Bible studies; and health care, by running a small clinic in partnership with SI’s clinic in neighboring Magdalena. Additionally, the community center’s physical presence would speak to our commitment to partnership over the long term. SI broke ground last month, as God has placed several people in our path, both in the U.S. and locally, to help move this project along. We will be building in phases as the funds become available. We are so excited for this project’s potential! Please pray for the raising of the necessary funds and for God’s favor to proceed with the community center’s construction.