Our Core Values:

Our values are the standard that we use to help us know right and wrong. They are necessary in our decision making process and they help us to make godly decision.

• Love: We seek to extend unconditional love to our families and the world.
• Honor: We seek to see everyone through God’s eyes and worthy of value and respect.
• Unity: We seek to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• Integrity: We seek to adhere to moral, ethical, and honest principles even if it costs us.
• Spirit-Led: We seek to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things and wait for His guidance.
• Stewardship: We are thankful for all gifts and contributions and strive to use them wisely.

Funding your trip to Guatemala doesn’t have to be a roadblock. There are many benefits to raising funds for your trip; it can be a way that God challenges you to be held accountable in your ministry. Raising funds can be a humbling experience, a sacrifice on your part; it can be a great way that you witness to the people in your life. And raising funds allows your friends and family to partner with you.

Tips for Raising Funds:

• Contact friends and family thru e-mail, phone calls or send them a letter (Fundraiser Sample Letter link) asking for prayer and financial support.
• Contact the Pastor of your church and/or the church you attended while growing up.
• Make announcements at your church seeking prayer support and making them aware of what God is doing.
• Bake sales, Yard sales, car washes, etc. Click the Fundraiser Insight link for more fun and unique ways to raise funds for your trip.

While visiting another country you will want to respect that country's culture and way of life. Our missionaries living among the Guatemalan people have learned many of their customs and would like to share them with you so that you too can merge into the culture of Guatemala.

• Most Guatemalan’s you will meet are friendly and inviting and want to get to know you. Feel free to spend time with them learning their language and sharing your testimony.
• The Guatemala people greet each other with a kiss on the cheek; with the exception of men greeting men, they will shake hands.
• As an American woman you should wait for the Guatemalan man to extend a greeting to you, if he extends a greeting, by all means smile, say “Ola” and return the greeting.
• As an American man you should wait for the Guatemalan woman to extend a greeting to you, if she extends a greeting, by all means smile, say “Ola” and return the greeting.
• Don’t bring attention to yourself with loud outburst or radical behavior.
• Leave your diamond jewelry and expensive watches at home.
• Don’t compare the Guatemala people and their way of life to the way you live in the United States. Even though the people of Guatemala live with a minimal amount of resources and material items, they are a happy and content people and have lived with the traditions of their ancestors. Embrace their way of life.
• Be flexible with regards to time. Being on time for Guatemala is rare. Be ready to be in a hurry to wait. Use the time to practice your Spanish, pray for your ministry or get to know each other.
• Have a “Missionary Mindset”, some of the ministries you planned for your trip may look and be different once you’re here. Go with the flow and don’t worry about following a strict timeline or perfect plans, God works all things for His good and if the love of Jesus is there, ministry will find a way.
• Be cautious when taking pictures. Ask your team leader or the missionary for permission before taking any pictures of the Guatemalan people. When using video cameras, only record scenery, your teammates or during a ministry event. Always check with the missionary before using any photo or video device.
• When offered something to eat or drink from a local Guatemalan ALWAYS check with the missionary before accepting any food item. When visiting a Guatemalan friend of the missionary it will most likely be ok to eat any food offered. While visiting a remote mountain village, the missionary will determine whether it will be safe to eat any food offered.
• Upon finishing a meal that has been served by a local, be sure to thank each person at the table with Muchas gracias.
• Be aware that some of the Guatemalan people can understand a little bit of English, keep your conversations positive and up lifting, use words that bring joy and glory to God.
• No flirtatious behavior is appropriate between girls & guys on a team or between a team member and a local member of the opposite sex.
• While in Church, be ready to be asked to pray or give your testimony.

Spanish 101

Here we have added a few Spanish phrases that you will find helpful while visiting:

• Hello – Ola
• Good Bye – Adios
• Please – Por favor
• Sir – Señor
• Ma’am – Señora
• Good Morning – Buenos dias
• Good Afternoon – Buenas tardes
• Good Evening – Buenas noches
• Yes – Si
• No – No
• Bon appetit – Buen provecho
• How are you? – ¿Como estas?
• Fine thank you. Bien, gracias
• Pleased to meet you – Mucho gusto
• No thank you – No gracias
• Thank you- Gracias
• You’re welcome – De nada
• My name is _____ – Mi nombre es _______
• What is your name? – ¿Como se llama?
• Jesus loves you - Jesus te ama.

Required Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are required to visit Guatemala; however the CDC recommends that you be up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. More vaccinations are recommended for medical workers and for consumption of food and beverages from street vendors or in remote villages.

Please visit the CDC website for up to date information and page down to the section labeled Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Please consult with a physician before getting any vaccinations!

Traveling

Travelers Insurance: Our Team Coordinator will be purchasing your Traveler’s Insurance from Adams & Associates International which will include:

• Medical Reimbursement
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Permanent Total Disability
• Personal Property
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains
• Travel and Medical Assistant Services

Packing Ministry Item Tips: When packing trunk related items:

• Take “new” electronics out of the box, you do not want the item to look new.
• Label all electronics “For Personal Use”
• Pack less “desirable” items on the top of each trunk.
• If bringing BULK medical supplies; label them and register them at Guatemala Airport and inform the missionary.

Medications: The airlines will allow all prescription medications in your carry-on. If your medication is in liquid form, a doctor’s note or prescription is required.

• Stay with your team
• Never leave your luggage unattended
• Don’t flash money
• Don’t bring attention to yourself
• Going thru customs, to make things go faster, females go thru a male attended line and males go thru a female attended line.
• ATM: There is an ATM at the airport and this is a great opportunity for you to withdraw money in order to have Quetzales on hand. You can check the exchange rate here.

Border Crossing: A valid passport is required in order to enter into the Country of Guatemala. If you currently have a passport you can renew by mail. All passport information is located at the US Department of State’s Passport Home Page.

Departure Tax: A $3.00 (cash) tax will be required from each member at the Guatemala airport upon departure of the Country.The airline will require you to fill out official customs forms before entering into each country. Please refer to theUS Customs and Border Protection’s Home Page for more information on how to complete the required forms.

US Airline Requirements: As of 9/11 all airlines have enforced strict guidelines when traveling to and from other countries. You MUST visit the airlines website to familiarize yourself with the latest restrictions.

What do I need to Pack?

We recommend that you pack everything you need into one checked piece of luggage and one carry-on such as a backpack. The key is to not over pack, you will be responsible for carrying your luggage; make sure it is light enough for you to carry.

Cultural Sensitivity: We have set dress codes for both girls and guys. Please understand that we do not judge because of what you wear but we must be sensitive to the people of Guatemala as well as our ministry and the work the Lord is doing here.

Dress code for girls:

• Girls can wear jeans, slacks; Capri’s or long shorts on travel days, hanging around the hotel and on our sightseeing day.
• Girls must wear long skirts that cover at least half way down the shin while visiting with locals, visiting mountain villages and to church. Don’t forget your slip!
• Girls can wear T-shirts or any loose, comfortable top that is not revealing.
• For Extreme Sports skate missions - long comfortable shorts & T-shirts
• In the event that you plan on doing ministry in the city of Cobán, girls will be allowed to wear jeans or Khaki pants/Capri. Check with your team leader to verify that you will be doing this type of ministry.
• Sandals or flip-flops are fine and are required for church. Comfortable sneakers are your best bet for doing ministry!
• No halter-tops, spaghetti straps or mid-drifts.
• No shorty shorts. Think modesty!
• No articles of clothing that promote violence, obscenity or negative gestures.
• Keep jewelry to a minimum.

Dress code for guys:

• Guys can wear jeans or slacks and T-shirts every day.
• Guys can wear shorts on travel days, hanging around the hotel and on our sightseeing day.
• For Extreme Sports skate missions - long comfortable shorts & T-shirts
• No articles of clothing that promote violence, obscenity or negative gestures.
• No articles of clothing with chains, spikes, etc.
• Guys will need Khaki Pants and a nice shirt for church.
• Comfortable sneakers are your best bet for doing ministry! Flip-flops are ok.

General Packing List:

• Bible/Journal/Pen
• Extra set of clothes
• Munchies
• Extra Cash
• ATM Card in your room
• Passport
• Copy of Passport
• Camera & extra batteries
• Lip Balm
• Hand Sanitizer
• iPod or MP3 (for worship)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bug Spray
• A roll of Toilet Paper
• Personal Toiletries
• Washcloth
• Laundry detergent, hanger & clothespins (for emergency hand washings)
• Comfy sneakers or Boots (if doing construction)
• Church clothes
• Comfy clothes for lounging
• Poncho for rainy days
• Light jacket or Sweat shirt & sweat pants
• Flip Flops

Q. Is Guatemala safe?

A. Guatemala can be safe if you follow the instructions of the missionary. Our missionary will educate you on the do’s & don’ts of Guatemala while you are there. There is always a level of risk when visiting a foreign country.

Q. Is the water safe?

A. The drinking water in Guatemala is NOT safe to drink. Our missionary in Guatemala will provide for you plenty of bottled drinking water. You will also need to use this water when brushing your teeth. Also while in the shower, please refrain from allowing water from the shower to enter into your mouth.

Q. Is medical care available?

A. Yes, and it is safe. As a family the Rice’s visit with the Guatemala clinic for services and will lead you to the one that they use and they trust.

Q. What if a family member needs to contact me?

A. Your family members can contact you in the event of an emergency by calling our missionary, Steven Rice, Jr. directly. You will be given his home and cell phone numbers before your trip.

Q. Can I call home?

A. You will be able to make phone calls home thru out your stay. The purpose of your phone call should be limited to informing loved ones of what God has been doing, testimonies and short “up to date” information. Please be respectful of our missionary’s cell phone and limit your time spent on the phone to 5 – 10 minutes.

Q. Will I have access to the Internet?

A. There is limited Internet access during your free time. We ask that you use your time on the Internet wisely and please reframe from doing any work related to your job. We want you to be saturated in service for Jesus.

Q. How much spending money do I need?

A. One day during your time here in Guatemala will be set aside for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. $150.00 would be a sufficient amount for any extra snacks, sodas, batteries, and emergency purchases along with a few authentic Guatemalan items for yourself and someone special back home. For our Internship program you will want to bring around $350.00. Make sure you save $3.00, for your departure tax to be paid at the Guatemala City Airport on your day of departure.

Q. Will I be able to do laundry?

A. You will NOT be able to do laundry while on your mission trip (doing laundry is available in our Internship program), make sure you pack enough clothing to get you thru your entire time here in Guatemala. If you need to do laundry, you can do small hand washings in the sink of your hotel room. You will need to bring your own detergent, hanging line and clothes pins.

Q. Is there any free time?

A. Your team will have an opportunity each day during your trip to dedicate to team devotions. Also, you can use any down time for reflective prayer or use it to get some much needed rest. For our Internship Program, free time will be scheduled for you on a regular basis.

Q. Can I bring items to give away? (such as candy, toys, clothes, money)

A. From time to time our mission teams love to bring treats and much needed supplies to the people of Guatemala. And though we appreciate your generosity we have found in the past that when teams bring items from the States it actually can deter the purpose of our mission, which is to share Jesus Christ. If you would like to bring items to the people whether it’s candy or toys for the children or clothing or money needed by the church, IHSIM would joyfully accept your donation and see that a local Guatemalan church finds the greatest need and distributes the items when the need arises.

Q. Are there standard wall outlets at the hotel?

A. Yes, at the Hotel where you will be staying as well as at Steven’s home.

Transportation:

Once in Guatemala, our missionary Steven Rice, Jr. will coordinate all your travel arrangements. Upon arrival in Guatemala City you will be met at the airport. Steven and In His Steps International Missions - IHSIM staff/volunteers will help you with your luggage and escort you to your final destination. On your departure date, Steven will also get you and your luggage to the airport in plenty of time to check your luggage and go thru customs. During your mission trip you will be transported to and from on a daily bases to the mission field and your sleeping accommodations.

Accommodations:

You will be staying in a comfortable hotel located close to the’ home of the missionary. There is running water for showers and comfortable beds. You will have bottled water to use for brushing your teeth and drinking. ATTENTION! Do not put toilet paper or any other products in the toilets at the hotel, Missionary house or at any restroom; there will be a trash bin located next to the toilet for you to dispose of all paper products.

Meals:

You will be served three meals a day. Our missionary Steven Rice, Jr. will coordinate all your meals. One meal you may eat at a local (safe) restaurant and on another, the Rice’s could be preparing you a meal in their home. Your lunch may be a packed meal made by the missionaries to be eaten during your visit in a mountain village. You will want to pack some snacks for traveling to various locations during your time or to meet your personal preferences.

Illegal Activities:

No smoking, alcohol, drug use or weapons are allowed at any time during your mission trip here in Guatemala.

Music & Movies:

No secular music or movies are allowed during your mission trip, we want your focus to be totally on God. Praise & Worship, Gospel, Hymnals, etc…. any type of worship that lifts up the name of our Lord is permitted. Please be mindful of others around you and activities in which you are engaged in and do not allow your IPod or MP3 player to become a distraction to yourself, others on your team or the people of Guatemala.

10 Tips to Stay Healthy:

1. Wash your hands frequently and dry completely.
2. Avoid putting your fingers in your mouth, on your food or on the mouth of your water bottle.
3. Shield yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen.
4. Keep your feet protected. Wear shoes.
5. Drink only bottled water.
6. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid dehydration. Carry bottled water with you at all times.
7. Use only ice that you know has been made from purified water.
8. Eat only food that has been offered to you thru our missionary.
9. Avoid eating any fish or raw shell fish
10. Know your limits and do not push yourself beyond them.

Summer 2011 Skate Ministry Internship to Guatemala

Start Time: Wednesday, July 1, 2011 at 8:00am

End Time: Friday, August 1, 2011 at 8:00am

Location: Coban, Guatemala

Status: Accepting applications until May 1, 2010 

Description: Calling all Christian skaters! Come to Guatemala for a month to serve as a skate intern. You would skate with the locals, help teach at our weekly cell group meetings and help us set up for the 2011 Skate Missions Trip to Guatemala. Contact Us, to find out more info.

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2011 Skate Missions Trip to Guatemala

Start Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2011 at 8:00am

End Time: Friday, August 1, 2011 at 8:00am

Location: Coban, Guatemala

Status: Accepting applications until May 1, 2011

Description: Come help us use skateboarding to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the youth of Guatemala! We'll also strengthen our witness to the local skate culture. The details of the trip are being hashed out, but we do know that our main event will be a Regional Best Trick Contest. We also hope to take portable ramps to local schools to do demos and witnessing. Please join in the fun! We need skaters for demos and judging the contest and we also need non-skaters to help with the event. If you're passionate about Jesus and would like to be a part of this exciting trip then click here to find out more.

Our skate ministry is taking off in a big way here in Coban, Guatemala! We now have six pro-style ramps that we use for outreach and evangelism; thanks to a group of amazing young people who came to Guatemala in August 2009 to help kick-off this ministry. It's a great tool to reach out and build relationships with the local skaters. Our outreach took place at a local school gym and has since then grown and we now rent out our own building. We now hold several skate sessions and one Bible Study each week. We also sponsor a "Best Trick Contest" every summer and a mission team from the states will join in our efforts. If you would like to join our next Skate / Evangelism team, send us an email.

Video description by Steven Rice Jr:

Since our skateboard ramps are still fairly new and they are no skate parks around, a lot of the local skaters are still learning how to skate the ramps. This clip shows that in a rather humorous way. The term “drop in” means that they start at the top of the quarter pipe and drop off the top. The majority of them did get the hang of it off camera, but I thought you all might like to see this part of the learning process.

Welcome to our Internship program. We are excited about how God will use you and your interest in Guatemala to increase His Kingdom. Our program is set-up to be flexible and work with your availability. We allow you to determine your length of stay. The cost for the program will be dependent on your duration here in Guatemala. Send us an email to make your arrangements and determine the cost.

Training

Once you get settled in, your first week includes a 5 day training program. This program includes Spanish lessons, culture etc.

Meet & Greet

You will be introduced to several people that have been a part of In His Steps, pastors, Guatemalan volunteers, the Rice family and Rodrigo who is Steven’s right hand man.

One-on-One Ministry

You will work one-on-one with our missionary. You will visit mountain villages, meet with pastors, visit with the youth of Guatemala and help with the Extreme Sports Ministry, meet the Guatemalan people, help with cell groups, be the photographer during ministries & outreach programs, be emerged in Spanish speaking conversations, prepare for short-term mission teams to arrive by assisting with team schedules, setting up accommodations, helping with meals, help Steven serve the short-term mission teams, set-up equipment & work with sound equipment and many more exciting adventures. Be flexible and ready to do a variety of work for the Lord.

Office Assistant

Depending on your skill base, you would basically help with minor clerical duties.

God has blessed our ministry with several teams from different States and different denominational backgrounds who have come to Guatemala to be an example of Jesus to the people!

Extreme Sports / Evangelism Ministry:

We're using skateboarding to reach out to the youth of Guatemala. Every summer we host a skate mission team that allows visiting skateboarders to use their God-given talents as a platform to reach more Guatemalan skaters for God's kingdom.

Street Ministry – “The Week of Impact:”

For 4 days a group from Boise, Idaho along with our missionary, Steven Rice, Jr. and the local Nazarene church shared Jesus in local schools and invited the students to a big event called “The Healing Night”. Each afternoon the group presented open-air concerts and evangelism at strategic locations around the city. The Healing Night included praise & worship, an evangelistic message and a call to prayer for healing. God responded in a big way! During the concert an entire family gave their heart to Jesus. God performed miracles in many lives, and by the end of the event, Central Park was filled with people raising their hands and praising the Lord.

Mountain Village VBS:

A group from Richmond, Virginia hosted a Vacation Bible School in two remote mountain villages. They came with all the supplies needed to have music, crafts, games, and a skit; all geared towards sharing the Love of Jesus with kids living in the village. Working alongside with our missionary and a Pastor at each village hundreds of little children were able to hear the sweet name of Jesus for the first time. The kids responded with smiles, laughter, hugs and changed hearts! In addition the team also helped with light construction on the church in the mountain village of Caclaib.

Evangelism – “The Jesus Film:”

A generator and equipment was purchased thru the generosity of our supporters; because of their support and love we are able to show “The Jesus Film” to people living in mountain villages who speak their native language of Q’eqchi’. A team of local Christian leaders assisted in an effort to take the movie to these villages. This team was made up of several members who are fluent in Q’eqchi’ and were able to reach out to new converts for Jesus as well as follow up with believers.

Discipleship - Young Adults Revival:

The theme of the revival was “Activate Your Faith”. Richard Overbey from Amelia, Virginia was a guest speaker and played praise & worship. Many people came to the various events. Richard challenged the locals to activate their faith.

Medical Missions:

A husband and wife team was used to perform surgeries on children with birth impairments. We were able to connect them with the local church. We put the word out all over the Alta Verapaz area. God blessed us with a huge turnout; there were many people lined up at the door. Surgeries were performed for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, club feet and spinal bifida. Hallelujah!

Humanitarian Outreach – Special Needs Children:

We were privileged to join with “Kaitlin’s Mobility Foundation” to bless many special needs children from Alta Verapaz with donated custom made wheelchairs. The directors of the team from Seattle, Washington helped distribute the wheelchairs and teach rehabilitation practices to the families. Due to an unexpected airline embargo, the team was unable to bring all the wheelchair parts and other donated items. A decision was made that the team would return and distribute the wheelchairs to the remaining families that have been waiting patiently. The sacrifice of this team will be remembered by many people for years to come.

Jesus gave us a mandate in Mark 16:15 when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." But sometimes we as Christians get so involved with our own agendas in our own little world and leave little time for the spreading of the gospel to every creature. This is also very true in Guatemala and all of Latin America, where many churches have a service or church activity planned for every night of the week. One of the major parts of our ministry is to get involved with these churches, teach them tangible ways to minister outside of the four walls of the church building and partner with them in evangelistic activities in the community. Then the other side of this is taking new believers deeper in their Christian walk by getting them dependent upon the Word of God and its promises.

Construction: God's love can also be demonstrated to others through physical labor and building projects. By joining with a local community or rural church and assisting them with a construction need, it gives us the opportunity to encourage local workers and allows us to be a good witness to the entire area.

Relational Evangelism: Relationships are the key to a successful evangelism program in Guatemala. We use this technique to teach Guatemalans how to use their friendships with co-workers, classmates, acquaintances etc. in a concentrated effort to lead them to a personal relationship with Jesus. 

School Assemblies & Drama: It's very exciting when a local school allows us to go into the classrooms and share the Gospel. We sing songs, play games, color and do crafts. The kids love it and we walk away very blessed.

Street Ministry: Taking the Gospel to the streets of Guatemala. This could be door-to-door evangelism and prayer or live worship in the town center drawing the crowds sharing a message and praying for salvations. Either way the people of Guatemala receive our message and lives are changed forever.

Vacation Bible Schools: The adventure of exploring new remote mountain villages is enhanced by the joy that is received from the kids of these villages as they learn about Jesus thru vacation bible school. Teams come with pre-planned lessons, games, crafts and skits. Fun is had by everyone! Even the older kids and adults will watch from afar.

Village Outreach: From medical missions to construction projects to passing out bags of food. The indigenous people of Guatemala are open to our message and are in great need of food, clothing, medicine and mostly Jesus.

Skateboard Ministry: We're reaching out to the young people of Guatemala using extreme sports. Our skateboard ministry is a huge success. The young people are coming to know Jesus as their saviour and sharing Him with friends and family.

Jesus’ words in the Mathew 25 were very clear when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me.” The message rings as true today as it did back then. With that in mind, our Humanitarian Outreach always looks for opportunities to reach out to the less fortunate people in society. This type of project often causes much excitement and anticipation in the local populace, where long lines will form hours before an event begins. This gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel message with them, and to connect them with a local church for ongoing love and support. Below you will find information, including photos and a video, of this unique style of ministry.   

Feed the Hungry: Hunger is still a real problem and a major cause of death in many rural regions of Guatemala. Our short-term mission teams pack up food items such as black beans, corn and sugar in small bags to make them easier to give out in villages. If the village has a local church, we will join with a team of church members, and attempt to reach the most underprivileged families in the community. We give out the food, share personal testimonies, and pray for each family.

 Medical Missions: We have been blessed to host and facilitate short-term medical mission teams in Guatemala. The Guatemalans receive a free consult with a physician and much-needed medication. A prayer team from a local church prays with the families, and a station is set up for the visiting medical personnel to share their testimony with the patients who are waiting to be seen. We are currently searching for Christian doctors, nurses, and dentists who are led to serve alongside us in Guatemala. The next short-term mission is slated for fall 2010. Your help is needed – please join us!

 Special Needs Children: Over the years, we have had the privilege of partnering with several excellent humanitarian organizations that understand our desire to utilize their specialty as a platform for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. We are especially blessed when the specialty’s focus is on children with some form of physical impairment. We are thankful for each little life that has been touched, but there is still a huge need for more help in this area. Please Contact Us, if you are interested in helping us provide a humanitarian service.

Re-constructive Surgery for Children: A re-constructive surgery team was brought to the regional hospital in Coban, Guatemala by Judy Schwank, from Children’s Aid Missions. They operated on children born with cleft lip or palate, club feet, spinal bifida, and many other debilitating health concerns. They also performed surgery on children with burn scars, and some that have been tongue-tied since birth. Our ministry was able to invite families from the entire region to participate, and missionary Steven Rice, Jr. translated conversations between the visiting English-speaking doctors and the Spanish-speaking hospital staff. It was a hope-inspiring event, and one we would like to host again!

Custom Wheelchair Donation: We were privileged to join with “Kaitlin’s Mobility Foundation” to bless many special needs children from the region of Alta Verapaz with donated, custom wheelchairs. The organization’s directors, Doug and Carol Whitfield, brought a team from Seattle, WA, to help distribute the wheelchairs. The following video clip will help give you a close-up of the week’s activities.

• Population: 14.3 million (Est. 2004)
• Size: Slightly smaller than Tennessee
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Major Languages: Spanish and more than 20 indigenous languages. Kekchi is widely spoken in Alta Verapaz.
• Major Religions: Catholicism, indigenous Mayan beliefs, evangelical Christian (significant syncretism has taken place, blending Mayan religious belief with traditional Catholic images)
• Evangelical Christians: Estimated at 25% of the population
• Life Expectancy: 64 years (men), 66 years (women)
• Population Under the Age of 15: 43%
• Main Exports: Coffee, sugar, bananas, fruits and vegetables, meat, petroleum, cardamom
• Population: 14.3 million (Est. 2004)
• Size: Slightly smaller than Tennessee
• Capital: Guatemala City

A Brief History

More than half of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Mayan people who were defeated by Pedro de Alvarado in 1524 when Spanish colonial rule began. “Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821; it briefly became part of the Mexican Empire, and then for a period belonged to a federation called the United Provinces of Central America. From the mid-19th century until the mid-1980s, the country passed through a series of dictatorships, insurgencies (particularly beginning in the 1960s), coups, and stretches of military rule with only occasional periods of representative government.” Guatemala is still influenced by 36 years of civil war that lasted until 1996. A high crime rate, corruption and a highly skewed distribution of wealth are issues that continue to plague the country.

Religious freedom was established in Guatemala by law in 1873 and in 1882 a Presbyterian missionary was the first evangelical missionary to arrive. By 1950 Evangelicals still represented less than 3% of the population. The current estimate of the evangelical population is 25% of the general population. There is no question that Evangelicals are now a component of society. The harvest has been influenced by the devastating 1976 earthquake and the civil war, but the society in general still struggles with corruption, racism and violence. Many Catholics are nominal in their faith or even animist at heart.

There is no indication that the harvest time in Guatemala is slowing. The need still exists for new churches where there are none, and training and discipleship where there are already churches established. Many local and foreign Evangelical groups have targeted the larger cities, particularly the capital Guatemala City, where there are thriving churches. Some of the rural areas, however, have not received as much attention.

Founder - Steven Rice Jr.

In November 2001, I was commissioned and sent out from my home church in Amelia, VA to Zacapa, Guatemala. It was a great privilege to serve on a mountain ministry team where God made the way for us to build churches and pastor’s homes, work with teams in medical clinics, construction projects, Bible schools, door-to-door visits and revival services. I saw many lives changed.

In 2004 I truly did not know what I was getting into when God asked us to start In His Steps International Missions. All I knew is that it would require an even greater dependence on Him. Spiritually, we have been plowing up old ground, cultivating it and sowing seed. It was recently revealed to us that He has been using the last five years to help us grow roots and we are beginning to see a great harvest. It is amazing to invest time in young people’s lives and watch Him mold and shape them.

We are seeing doors open daily that will allow us to go deeper into this ministry and call, but we can’t do it alone! I would like to invite you to seek God and ask Him how He would have you be a part of this exciting organization.

Our ministry is independent and designed to join with other Christians and churches of all denominations to serve, as God directs.

We understand that there are many different doctrines and interpretations of the scriptures among “the body of Christ.” Our desire is to edify God by being the catalyst to bring God’s children to a spiritual maturity that allows us to be able to serve alongside others that have different ideas or have a different form of worship. The Bible states that Jesus is coming back for “His bride”, the church. The church is everyone who believes and confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior and has a personal relationship with him.

We need your help to accomplish this tremendous task. Please, prayerfully consider the part that God would have you do, to help us answer His call.

Ephesians 5:26-27 (NKJ)

that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Mission: 

To make an eternal difference in people’s lives; to raise up a generation of believers committed to follow Jesus daily.

Vision:

To pioneer a work that brings believers of different denominational and cultural backgrounds together to advance the Kingdom of God through evangelism and discipleship.

In His Steps International Missions, Inc.  (IHSIM) was birthed out of a desire to share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Guatemala. Some of them are very confused about what they have heard about Jesus and are unaware that they can have a personal relationship with Him. Many of the youth have been born into a life of poverty and darkness with very little hope for a better future. A lot of the adults are of an indigenous heritage and they are skeptical of strangers that they do not know. We have learned that we are more successful if we take the time to build relationships with them and let them get to know us. We believe that God has commissioned us to Guatemala to reach and teach them how to have a strong relationship with Him and train them to reach and disciple others. God is using them to change their nation, one step at a time.

We Believe That:

• The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
• There is only one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, where, at the right hand of God, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
  Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, where, at the right hand of God, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
• The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
• Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost. Only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
• The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for the justification and salvation for all who believe. Only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.