Deepening Roots: Nurturing a Love for God’s Word, His Mission, and His People
Arborbrook's Guatemala 2025 trip was a powerful, life-changing experience, offering our high school students a unique opportunity to serve in foreign missions. Mark 16:15 calls us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” a mission our team of 27—19 students and 8 adult chaperones—embraced wholeheartedly, sharing the gospel through love, service, and connection.
Our travels led us to Guatemala City and the remote village of Santa María de Jesús, near Antigua. For three days, we built wood-frame houses and stoves for two families, providing them with safer, more stable homes. As we worked, we formed meaningful bonds through laughter, prayer, and fellowship. Our students then led a VBS for local children, stepping out of their comfort zones to share testimonies and perform skits in Spanish!! Whether crafting, playing sports, or engaging in conversation, we were reminded of the boundless nature of Christ’s love. Our commitment to this community continues, as ACA Guatemala teams have now built 12 homes in the area!
A particularly moving experience was our visit to Mimi’s House, an orphanage for infants and toddlers run by CRI’s partner organization. There, we poured love into vulnerable children, feeding, playing, and caring for them. Mimi’s House operates as a home rather than an institution, fostering deep connections with each child. Hearing their unique and often heartbreaking stories deepened our awareness of their struggles and strengthened our commitment to serving with compassion. These moments affirmed that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
Later in the week, our team gathered at the CRI center for a large-scale food preparation effort. With a shared sense of purpose, we measured, bagged, sealed, and packed over 2,000 meals, knowing each one would provide nourishment and hope for families in need. This humbling experience reinforced the power of service and unity in addressing both physical and spiritual needs.
None of this would have been possible without the prayers, financial support, and encouragement from those who made this mission a reality. The impact of this journey will stay with us for years, reminding us of the love we witnessed and shared. As we return home, Mark 16:15 continues to resonate—not just as a call to serve, but as a testament to the transformative power of faith, love, and selfless giving.
Special thanks to our incredible team who traveled to Guatemala and served:
Students: Will Alderman, Dominic De Andrade, Elliot Drobnick, Durant Elms, Tyson Hall, Gabi Hart, Anders Hedenborg, Ruth Hilton, Sara Hockey, Katie Moore, Simone Quaranta, Chase Preston, Emmanuel Riad, Elsie Roberts, AT Simon, Asher Stockstill, Hannah Surprenant, Cairo Tineo and Diego Tineo.
Chaperones: Claudia Andrade, Carina Brossy, Stacie McIntosh, Joe Poats, Chris Simon, Rebekah Stockstill, Marc Surprenant, and Danny Tineo.
With gratitude,
Stacie McIntosh, on behalf of the 2025 Guatemala Team
