John 4:4, New Living Translation

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

From June 27th to July 4th, 2026, I had the profound blessing of participating in a short-term mission trip to Monjas, Guatemala, serving alongside The James Project. This was a milestone for me as it was the first mission trip I attended with one of my children. I cannot fully express how rewarding it was to share this experience with my daughter, Jenna; it had a deep impact on both of us, both leading up to and during the trip. I am already witnessing the fruit of this journey through Jenna’s own testimony and her reflections on our time there.

Our team of twenty-four members represented two different churches, with ages ranging from middle school students to those nearing retirement. It always amazes me to see the support of various congregations uniting to assist God’s church in Guatemala, and this trip was certainly no exception. It served as a powerful example for my daughter to see how we can ask for help, wait on the Lord, and watch His great provision pour in. I want to extend a sincere thank you from both of us for your support through prayer, encouragement, materials, and financial contributions.

This trip was as challenging as it was rewarding. We witnessed firsthand how the dedicated staff of The James Project serves children, young women, and their broader community in remarkable ways. Children are provided with a stable home environment led by married couples who manage households of up to twelve children, raising them with Christ-centered values. One house parent told me, “Thank you for supporting our tired arms.” There are nine houses on-site—predominantly for girls, with a few for boys—and the joy of these children was truly contagious. Getting to know them and playing with them was an absolute blessing. While on-site, we facilitated three VBS sessions, completed service projects, and spent quality time with the kids. In the community, we served meals at a nursing home and delivered food and household essentials to families in need and single mothers.

The experience was also difficult as we confronted the reality of spiritual darkness. Beyond the pervasive poverty, we met many downtrodden individuals at the nursing home. One man shared that his family dropped him off five years ago for a "week-long vacation" and never returned. On the day we arrived, an 11-year-old girl was brought to the project, pregnant by her stepfather. Tragically, such stories are prevalent, and we learned the sobering statistic that 88% of crimes against children go unpunished. While the enemy thrives on broken family systems and the absence of Christ, I am reminded that “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”

The darkness cannot stand against the great light shining from The James Project. We did not just hear about the impact; we met graduates who have since started their own families and successful businesses. Miracles are happening because of the faith of the staff. They truly trust in God’s provision while giving their "first fruits" to the community. We saw property that was paid for in the exact amount needed, lime trees producing fruit at altitudes not suited for limes, and a fish farm producing four times the expected yield!

My personal takeaway from our visit to The James Project is a persistent sense that I can do more. I have never experienced such a lasting burden from a mission trip. While I am still discerning what that specifically looks like beyond sharing my testimony, I know God has placed a special calling on my heart for this ministry in Guatemala.

Again, I want to thank you for helping that light shine in the darkness. Whether through financial support, prayer, or donations, you are helping to defeat the enemy in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.