Guatemala - Nueva Conception Teaching Orthodox Mission Team

“The Orthodox mission experience cannot be described in words, but one has to ‘come and see’ the work of God to fully understand it. One could sense the holiness and reverence.” – Christopher, Guatemala Mission Team member

Nueva Conception, GUATEMALA – Offer youth and adult catechism, experience worship services, and encourage the faithful in Guatemala where people desire to learn and deepen their faith. Share the Orthodox Faith in Guatemala by being a part of a teaching team that will offer religious education and encouragement to church leaders, seminarians and young adults, while working with OCMC missionaries to Guatemala.

The 2021 Guatemala Mission Team will lead a teaching program at parishes on the coast of Guatemala. The program will focus all ages (children to adults); the local catechists and parish leaders will interact with the Team. Offer catechism retreats to help strengthen faith and offer deepen understanding of the Church. Teach about the Christian life in a manner that will empower individuals to live as Orthodox Christians. Topics focus on introductions to church services (liturgy, baptism, etc), church history, biblical themes and stories, lives of saints, icons, etc. Another important area of teaching is on the sacramental life of the church, especially baptism, chrismation and marriage.

These efforts will assist the catechists who have been engaged in planting Orthodoxy among the indigenous people of Guatemala. Clergy, catechists, seminarians, young adults, church school teachers and other leaders from different communities of the Mayan Orthodox Church will be invited. The participants will then teach others when they return to their community. The Team will celebrate the daily liturgical life with the participants, offer instructional sessions, have time for fellowship and evening activities, and visit other Orthodox communities within Guatemala.

The Church in Guatemala is in a period of growth. Over the last two decades, a large number of communities, made up of native Mayans began a spiritual journey that has brought them to Orthodoxy. Catechists travel every two months to attend a catechist seminar to learn more about the Faith. Work with the indigenous Mayan people and OCMC missionaries to Guatemala to establish the Orthodox Church and strengthening Eucharistic communities while supporting social projects that promote self-sufficiency.

Team members will also offer great hope and encouragement to the Church in Guatemala. Orthodox seminary students are invited to apply (contact OCMC for seminarian grant opportunities). Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply, but not required.

Dates:  June 16 – June 29, 2021

Cost:  $1,365.00 (+airfare)

Travel – Team Members must fly on the international travel itinerary OCMC will provide to and from the project destination. Team Members are responsible for all air travel: one-way domestic flight to Jacksonville, FL (JAX) Wednesday June 16 (by 4 pm for orientation) and an international segment from JAX to Guatemala City, Guatemala on Friday June 18, returning home on Tuesday June 29. Airfares are not included in participant cost.

Fund raising – Each Team Member is responsible for the participant cost and airfares associated with this Team. Team Members are encouraged to invite others to participate in this effort through prayer and tax-deductible donations. Participant cost includes room and board, local transportation, orientation costs, ministry expenses, excursion and materials.

If you would like to contribute to this Mission Team project - the teaching outreaches in Guatemala - we are grateful for your support.  This is optional and it is not included in the participant cost. 

Share in a journey of faith… Orthodox Mission Team members are challenged to view the world with God's eyes and seek how He wants to use them to fulfill His plans. This cross-cultural experience, combined with outreach, offers participants a life-changing learning experience. This experience is about people, culture and missions. It is also about prayer, for you and others; it is about God, those you serve, and about yourself, as you serve Him.