Our trip to Guatemala is one I can’t stop thinking about.
From the moment we arrived until the day we left, God was with us every step of the way. Our team quickly became like family. We had four incredible PRiSM students and four adults from Pulpit Rock, along with our amazing HopeChest host and travel director Josué, two wonderful translators, Mindy and Gloria, and our incredible driver, Henry. They all took such great care of us, not only getting us safely everywhere we needed to go, but helping us connect with the beautiful people of Guatemala through translation and genuine friendship. We made lifelong friends while seeing firsthand the incredible ministry happening through Pulpit Rock with HopeChest in Santo Domingo.
Every day was filled with encouragement as we witnessed what God is doing through our church’s partnership with the CarePoint in Santo Domingo. Since Pulpit Rock began partnering with this community, the number of sponsored children has doubled. That support is changing lives, creating opportunities, helping children pursue their dreams, providing education, and giving families resources that help keep them healthy and safe.
On our very first day, our PRiSM students—Molly, Emery, Kyra, and Emily—led worship, taught a Bible lesson, and organized crafts for the children. More than 100 kids came that day. I remember looking around the room and seeing nothing but smiles. It was loud, chaotic, sweaty, and incredibly hot, but it was absolutely beautiful. The joy of the Lord filled the room. The language barrier never kept us from connecting. A smile, a helping hand, showing up, and simply being present was enough. I found myself in tears as I watched these girls (young women) leading with confidence, joy, and love for Jesus. They poured themselves into every child through worship, laughter, crafts, and play. Watching the kids light up because someone simply cared enough to be with them was something I’ll never forget.
We also experienced true Guatemalan soccer, and let’s just say we got absolutely crushed by a group of 7–10-year-olds! These kids were incredible. Their coach, Hosea, is doing so much more than teaching soccer. He’s giving these boys purpose, dignity, discipline, confidence, and hope. Playing together was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It brought our team even closer while allowing us to simply have fun with these amazing kids.
People have asked me what I learned, and honestly, I’m still processing it all.
But one thing I know is this: when people come together with one purpose to love God and love others, joy fills every corner of the room. I experienced what Scripture means when it talks about being one body in Christ. Different languages, different cultures, different backgrounds, yet serving the same God together.
I also got to see the direct impact of Pulpit Rock’s generosity. We stood inside the safe community space where children can play, worship, learn, and simply be kids because of the protective wall that was built. We celebrated the completion of a beautiful new computer lab and were surprised with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Seeing these projects in person made the impact so much more real.
One of my favorite moments happened after an especially sweaty soccer game. I finally got to meet my sponsored friend, Estiven. We talked, asked each other questions through our translators, and I had the opportunity to meet his abuela and little brother. Those are moments I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
I came home so grateful—not only for this experience, but to be part of a church that invests in ministries like HopeChest and builds lasting relationships with communities around the world.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should go on a future trip, my answer is simple: Go. It is worth every moment.
It’s good for us to step outside our comfort zones, experience another culture, build friendships across languages, and see how God is moving around the world. It stretches your faith, deepens your perspective, and reminds you that loving people often looks as simple as showing up.
There are still children in Santo Domingo waiting to be sponsored. For just $45 a month, you can help provide education, healthcare, spiritual care, and opportunities that will impact not only a child but an entire family and community.
Guatemala changed me, and I know it will continue to shape my heart for years to come.
Our next Guatemala trip is already being planned for 2027. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to have you join us. Reach out to our Mission Culture Pastor, Rowland Smith, for more information.
HopeChest Santo Domingo Carepoint
Tiah Ciganek
