Guatemala Mission Trip

October 15 - 25, 2027

Application Deadline: August 11, 2027

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Partner in Vocational Ministry to Share Christ

This trip to Guatemala is about joining God’s work by building meaningful connections and serving through vocational ministry. Partnering with Students International, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work alongside missionaries in mountain villages, learning from their example and encouraging them in their ongoing ministry.

Through hands-on experiences in areas like education, physical therapy, microfinance, and more, participants will see how vocational skills can be a powerful way to share the Gospel and help meet practical needs. Beyond the work itself, this trip is a chance to engage with indigenous communities, witness God at work in everyday life, and grow in understanding of His global church.

The Missions Experience

Each mission trip includes a blend of ministry, cultural experiences, and learning from local missionaries. Below is a sample schedule to help you picture what the experience will look like.

  • Arrival & Orientation

    Day 1

    We arrive in Guatemala City and travel to Magdalena, where we settle into our accommodations at the Students International (SI) base. Upon arrival, we will have an orientation with the staff to get acquainted with the ministry, review the schedule, and prepare for the week ahead.

  • Church & Culture in Antigua

    Day 2

    On Sunday, our team attends a local church service together before enjoying free time to explore the city. In the afternoon, we’ll experience Guatemala’s rich traditions through activities like coffee and chocolate tours.

  • Ministry Site Work

    Day 3-7

    Over the next several days, we serve at our ministry sites, working alongside missionaries. (Explore ministry sites.) Each morning begins with devotionals and worship, grounding our work in prayer and reflection. We also participate in special activities such as cultural night‍ and a chance to purchase local coffee and crafted goods at the SI store.

  • Celebration & Banquet

    Day 8

    As our week of ministry comes to a close, we take time to reflect on all that God has done during our time together. The day includes final visits to ministry sites and opportunities to connect with those we’ve been serving alongside. In the evening, we gather for a celebration banquet, sharing a meal with the community and celebrating the relationships and experiences from the week.

  • Lake Atitlán & Time with Missionaries

    Day 9-11

    We travel to Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala’s most breathtaking locations, and stay at a nearby hotel. After settling in, we’ll spend time exploring the town, relaxing by the lake, and connecting with the Hollingers, a COTW-supported missionary family. We’llalso take a boat tour and enjoy space for rest, journaling, and team reflection before heading home the morning of the 26th.

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Ministry Sites

You will be placed at one of the following ministry sites. You’ll learn from missionaries how they use practical skills to serve the community and share the Gospel.

  • Education & Child Sponsorship

    Support local teachers and mentor students through tutoring, classroom activities, and encouragement that helps children grow academically and personally.

  • Men's Social Work

    Visit families in the community, listening to their stories and offering encouragement while supporting the ongoing work of local ministry leaders.

  • Women's Social Work

    Invest in the lives of women through relationship-building, skill development, and conversations that encourage confidence, faith, and community support.

  • Special Education

    Serve children with disabilities by assisting with therapy activities, educational exercises, and individualized care that supports their development and dignity.

  • Trade School

    Help equip men with practical trade skills such as carpentry, welding, or electricity, while building relationships and sharing the Gospel.

  • Physical Therapy

    Learn from and assist therapists as they provide exercises, care, and education that improve overall well-being while also providing spiritual support.

  • Microfinance

    Encourage local entrepreneurs by helping with small business projects and learning how microfinance can empower families toward financial stability.

  • Sports

    Build relationships with children and teens through sports like soccer while creating opportunities to encourage them and share the hope of the Gospel.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The trip costs $2,650 per person.
    Please note: This price covers airfare, all meals, lodging, in-country travel in Guatemala, and the program fee. It does not include personal expenses such as transportation to and from your U.S. departure airport or personal spending money.

    After being accepted to the team, you’ll be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit of $500 to secure your spot within one week of acceptance.

  • Participants must be able to hike short distances, navigate uneven terrain, and perform basic manual labor. Age restrictions may also apply to ensure safety and readiness for the trip.

  • Prior to the trip, the team is expected to participate in 6 pre-trip Zoom meetings designed to prepare you spiritually and practically for the experience ahead. These sessions include team-building, Bible study, and selected book readings to help focus hearts and minds. Your team leader will also cover important logistics such as visa requirements, any medical preparation, and travel planning.

  • No, you don’t need to know Spanish to join the trip. However, you will be immersed in a Spanish-speaking culture. Translators will be available at times, but not always, so learning as much Spanish as possible beforehand is highly recommended. The team will also receive some basic Spanish instruction during the pre-trip meetings to help you prepare.

  • We partner with Students International (SI) Guatemala.SI is focused on meeting the holistic needs of people in vulnerable communities in Latin America. They invite short-term missions teams to come alongside SI missionaries in their vocational work sites.

    COTW has a longstanding partnership with SI and currently supports it as one of our mission projects. The LIFT Program has traveled there for its mission trip for over 10 years, and this will be COTW’s second member mission trip.

  • We’ll stay at the Students International base in Magdalena. For the last two nights in Lake Atitlán, we’ll stay at a hotel.

  • Most meals will be at the Students International base or your ministry site, with some meals at local restaurants. Safe drinking water will be available throughout the trip.

Participant Testimonies

  • "This was my first COTW mission trip to Guatemala. Tim and Kate Trezise prepared us with Zoom meetings as a team. We were also introduced to some Students International (SI) staff to enlighten us about the ministry. SI in Guatemala is a wonderful, God-serving family that prepared us every step of the way to build relationships in the community for Christ. This was a very impactful experience for me, and I will never be the same. God was near every step of the way."

    —Betty K.

  • “The entire program and process of the COTW mission trip was 100% positive and very successful for spiritual growth, team building, and individual development. It also enhanced my understanding of where and how God can use me best."

    —Jim R.

  • "Going on short-term mission trips with COTW has been great. Each trip has been different but equally rewarding in spiritual growth and new experiences. Working with Students International has been a new experience, and they do mission trips so well. For anyone who wants to go, COTW and Students International make it so easy to plug in and go experience life on mission."

    —Bill M.

  • "I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this COTW mission trip. COTW did a fantastic job of planning the trip and thinking through details that made it smooth and impactful. I also appreciated the emphasis on debriefing, which helped us reflect on what the Lord taught us throughout the week. Overall, the trip was phenomenal. It was led, executed, and finished with intentionality and care."

    —Elizabeth N.

Step Into God’s Story in Guatemala!

Serve local communities, grow in your faith, and see God at work firsthand.

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