Sponsoring a child isn’t just about giving money—it’s about changing lives, shaping futures, and creating opportunities.
What is the best way to support the work of PLM – a short-term mission trip or a long-term commitment to PLM’s on-going work in Guatemala? Our best answer is BOTH! There has been much debate in the church and among mission agencies regarding the effectiveness of short-term mission trips. Should people go for a week or so or should money be sent to support the ministry of indigenous workers? Yes!
A mission trip with PLM can be seen as a short term investment that pays long term dividends in the life of a church or sending group and in the work of PLM with the people of Guatemala. A short-term trip can bring life into a sending church or organization — global purpose across borders and connections with other cultures.
Those in Guatemala who welcome the short-term teams find their own lives, their churches, and their communities being helped to accomplish their goals, thus transforming individual lives and entire towns and villages.
We have worked with hundreds of teams from churches, universities, hospitals and community groups. PLM embraces the Body of Christ in its different expressions. As we work with congregations from several denominations – and no denomination, we focus on the main principles of the Christian faith and of service in Christ’s name.
If you would like to bring a team, please contact us: missions@plm.gt
Some of what we do:
We are committed to serving local Guatemalan communities is as many ways as possible. Each short-term team can contribute to making a meaningful impact through an array of programs and possibilities: medical clinics, home construction, children’s ministry, women’s ministry, evangelism, and sports clinics. A team can choose to bring members who can serve in one particular area or in several different areas.
Doctors and nurses who are part of the short-term team provide medical care, typically in rural and under-served communities. Clinics are held in a church building or community center. Local pastors announce the clinic dates and times to the community and invite all those with a need to come. Translators are provided for each physician, nurse, or other medical worker. The team brings medicines typically purchased through Blessings International at a discount price. Prior to the trip, applications and forms are completed and sent to PLM in order to obtain the health permits the Guatemalan government requires to bring the medicine into the country. Team members bring the meds as part of their checked luggage and are allowed through customs with the permits they have obtained prior to the trip.
This creative housing program provides safe and durable shelter and living space for families in need, empowering them to build a better future on a stable foundation. The houses vary in size from 1 bedroom and a kitchen to 5 bedrooms and a kitchen, depending on the size of the family and available land.
Each house is equipped with a high efficiency wood-burning stove, a box of food supplies and a new set of pots and pans. Beyond providing basic shelter, the program fosters a sense of dignity, security, and hope for families who have experienced housing insecurity or homelessness.
Team members need not to be experienced brick layers to build the house. Local brick layers and a translator will work along with team members. Tools and equipments is provided.
Since 2012, over 650 families have benefited from the Mi Casa program.
PLM’s Children’s Ministry is a vibrant and dynamic program dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with children in the communities we serve. Through a variety of engaging activities, bible lessons, and creative experiences, we nurture spiritual growth, encourage meaningful relationships, and cultivate a lifelong love for Jesus.
A typical Children’s Ministry format includes songs, Bible lessons, crafts and active games. However, some teams have created a program with their own style such as a carnival with a variety of games and competitions with prizes and awards for all participants.
A Children’s Ministry program may involve as few as 15 to as many as 60 kids. The program is offered 2-4 times during the week, two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The Women’s Ministry program provides a structured yet flexible framework for women to be empowered by gathering, learning, creating, and connecting in meaningful ways.
By combining spiritual enrichment with practical activities and genuine fellowship, the program aims to encourage women to grow in their faith, develop new skills, and cultivate supportive relationships within a nurturing community.
Women’s Ministry programs often occur while new houses are being built for the women and their families by Mi Casa team members.
Youth athletes from short-term teams serve as positive role models for the local kids as they coach and teach basketball, volleyball and soccer skills. As leaders of a Sports Clinic, these team members demonstrate the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance both on and off the field.
The interactions between the team athletes and the local kids create an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment where learning and laughter go hand in hand. Through friendly competitions, drills, and games, both groups share moments of joy and excitement, making memories that will last a lifetime.
For the local kids, the opportunity to learn from older peers from far away who excel in sports can be empowering and inspiring. They see firsthand that with dedication, hard work, and determination, they, too, can achieve their goals and dreams.
Teams interested in evangelism are offered different formats for sharing the gospel. Team members may have access to local schools or may just walk the streets of a town or village finding ways to share the gospel through conversations, skits, or acts of kindness.