Last month, we sent a team of 10 to Guatemala with OC International. The team trained coaches on the methods of teaching soccer and hosted several soccer camps for underprivileged children in the greater Guatemala City area. We’ve posted several photos of their trip on our Facebook page (facebook.com/wvcglobalimpact) but here are just a few of them for you:
We experienced our second week of camps today as we partnered with Compassion International. With almost 75 boys and girls on hand we ran through soccer drills as well as Biblical lessons. The blessings we received far out-weighed the work as we got high-fives and hugs from all the children. Hear from some of our team members.
“The girls/ladies had such a great time this afternoon playing the various soccer games and testing their Biblical knowledge (at the end of the devotional times they competed for prizes). It was neat to stand on the soccer field, see the smiles on their faces and think to myself, “What a difference Compassion International is having on the quality of these people’s lives.” I felt priviledged to be the one who could show them love as a representation of the people who sponsor them.” -Sara
“Bob Barker could really help control the pet population in Guatemala…” -Fiona
“It’s truely amazing to bond and have such a great connection with all of these wonderful children. Even with a huge language barrier, through the Lord and the game of soccer we are able to understand each other in a greater light. Loving every moment in this amazing country.” -Chris
We traveled three hours to the northwest of Guatemala City to the beautiful setting of Atitlan. Atitlan is a lake front community surrounded by volcanos and is best known for its exceptional coffee growing capability. This destination was specificly designed for us to receive rest from our fast-paced week of soccer instruction.
During our time away we experienced the blessing of God’s presense. We saw the incredible beauty of His creation and creativity. We interacted with the local indigenous Indian people which He loves. We also received from our Heavenly Father as He personally ministered to each of our hearts.
One privilege we had in this experience of God was partaking in communion together. It was absolutely beautiful to witness each team-member and the work God was doing in their hearts. Another such privilege we had was to witness one of our team-members following through with Believer’s bapism. With tears flowing, we celebrated the transformational power of Jesus Christ.
God never ceases to amaze me! Through this weekend, we as a team not only grew in our understanding of Him but gained a new perspective of His enduring love for each of us. He truely gives us not necessarily what we think we need but what is best for us and our future. Every day we can experience His presence, His promptings and His leading…BUT are we willing?
We ended our third day of camp in an awards ceremomy. With Guatemalan district Mayor in hand, we were recognized and appreciated for making an impact on their community….a community that holds education, safety and prosperity as their key beliefs for the future. Here are some stories from of our team members about their take on the last three days.
“These children played with a passion over the last three days. Every child had a look of pure joy in their eyes. You never once heard them complain. When they wanted to speak to you it was to tell you how thankful they were to have you in their lives. For children who have so little, they surely acted like the richest, most happy people I have ever met.” -Chris
“I am amazed by the generosity of the girls at the camps. Building relationships with them, even for just three days, has been an incredible blessing. They have taught me about grace and acceptance as they express their love so beautifully. On the last day, three girls came up to me individually; one had made a beaded charm, another a bracelet and another a headband. Even though they came from one of the poorest neighborhoods in Guatemala City, they were so generous to share. Each token of kindness touched my heart and I never want to forget this amazement.” -Fiona
“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness.; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations ; to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” – Isaiah 42:6-7
(Wednesday) Campa 3D was in full swing today. Three locations – 470 kids with smiles and warm hearts. As a Woodmen team, we couldn’t be more pleased with the organization of our camps. The challenge was sent out from our team this past year to invest into the next generation of Guatemalan children. We have been in constant contact with these local leaders to provide ample coaching staffs, equipment and snacks for each of the camp locations.
I am overjoyed to relay to you that they have followed through with each of these challenges. This has already proven to be great steps in our overall success. In turn, this gives us more opportunities to not only love on these children as well as to share the hope of Jesus Christ.
Our team is working well together. More stories are yet to come as we celebrate God at work around the world. Blessings.
We awake to a beautiful day in Guatemala City. Weather is a perfect tropical feel which is a welcomed blessing from Colorado Springs recent cold front of single digits. Today we start fast with our designed purpose!
Team Guatemala has arrived safely in Guatemala City and with great anticipation. We couldn’t be more thankful for how smoothly our travels have gone today!
Prayer blessing: We have a team of 10 individuals and as you can imagine 14 bags to be checked. Unfortunately, we were going to have to pay extra money for the additional 4 bags. Because of some “preferred status” flyers and the ticket agent understanding our trip is for mission purposes, we didn’t have to pay anything extra!
Our team looks expectantly to what God has in store for us over the next 9 days. Examples like – unique conservations we have already had with flight attendants regarding the where, why and who we are doing this trip for. Thank you for your prayers and support and may the love of Jesus Christ be evident to all we come in contact with.
Blessings – Rich
January 14-23, 2013
Cost: $1,800
Application Deadline: August 27, 2012 
Our partnership trip with OC International uses soccer to equip and teach local pastors and coaches how to administer faith-based youth camps to spread the Gospel and raise income to further their ministry in Guatemala City.
For 36 years, Guatemala was consumed by guerrilla warfare. Over 200,000 people had died and over 1 million became refugees. Although the 1996 peace treaty brought some stability to this country, life in Guatemala is still very bleak. 51.0% of the population is currently living at or below the poverty line. Corruption is widespread. Drug trafficking is rampant and with drugs come violence, abuse, and more corruption.
By reaching out to children through the sport of soccer, Campa 3D hopes to break this cycle. Campa 3D is a faith-based camp that focuses on developing young soccer players based on the three dimensions of body, mind, and spirit. Campa 3D provides an opportunity for underprivileged and vulnerable youth to learn about soccer but also about the love of Jesus.
Through Campa 3D, the team will learn more about how soccer can be a part of ministry to impoverished children through real and engaging experiences and how God can use them to impact the world.
Visit woodmenvalley.org/guatemala to apply today!
We have just launched our upcoming trips! Look for our Trip Guides in both Welcome Centers and in the Impact Center at the Rockrimmon campus. Or visit us online: woodmenvalley.org/go.
Woodmen Global Impact 