MISSION GUATEMALA INC
Invite reviews
Twenty of us served from Lafayette, Indiana for one week. The first day was a little slow as we tried to match our skills and abilities with the work that needed to be done. During the week we built tables and benches for a feeding center, cleaned and painted buildings for a medical and dental clinic, leveled and prepared a home site for construction.
I was impressed with how Mission Guatemala works in partnership with the local people. The most rewarding part of the experience was the contact we had with local people. Because our last two work days were school holidays school children helped with the benches and tables for their feeding center. Now whenever they eat there they will be able to say, "I helped build these tables and benches."
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...service to others. MG gave me the opportunity to use physical labor which I don't usually do, at least not to this extent. I discovered strength that I didn't know that I had. The surprise affirmation by our construction supervisers with coke and chips on the last day was very humbling.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...hire a volunteer co-ordinator. Starting was difficult as it took some time to match us and our abilities with the work at hand. In the end we all were able to contribute in some way.
Our group returned just over 24 hours ago and I could not wait to share what a wonderful mission this is. I am on fire about all of the service that Mission Guatemala is bringing to the communities of San Andres and Nueva Esperanza. I highly recommend this organization and encourage you to go and "do all the good you can". It makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people who really need help and are incredibly gracious and proud.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the joy of the children who are eating a good meal every day, the respect that Tom Heaton has in town as he is referred to as "Don Thomas" a huge sign of respect in that culture
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
absolutely none!
Everything we did there was wonderful. It was a great experience to do all the things we were able to do. Even though they said they didn't feel like they were not very organized I thought Tom did a great job in keeping us all informed on what was happening and what we were going to be doing for the day.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
When we were taking the pictures all the people looked really happy that they were able to have a portrait of their family. Also the little kids when we were building the play set before and after were sooo excited that they would have something to play on in their free time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I thought everything was good, I don't know if I would change anything the food was great, we had free time when we got back to relax. The place we stayed at was very nice and we had lots of work to do at the work sites.
Tom and Dave do a great job at providing work for volunteers, even as Mission Guatemala is a new organization. Their work there is also providing for the needs of so many people in San Andres, and now, Nueva Esperanza, a town across the street from San Andres. I had the awesome opportunity to watch and help the feeding of the students in that town. Too cool! Every weekday, Mission Guatemala's food clinic provides lunch for 100 kids right after school. It was such a blessing to be a part of that!
The clinic is led by some guys that are truly working out of their genuine love for the people of San Andres, and it's definitely made me rethink what it means to "give." It's been an awesome learning experience and I hope to come back soon.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Working at the food clinic was awesome. The mothers in the town volunteer with cooking and serving the students, and it was so cool to see how grateful these people were. The children, the mothers, the entire community, showed their gratitude in the way they interacted with Dave and Tom---even me!---and in their excitement about being fed a healthy meal every day.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The organization is doing so well. It's hard to say what I would change, because I see this place growing so fast and in such a great way. Keep up the great work!
Mission Guatemala is doing fantastic work in the area of San Andreas. In addition to providing medical assistance, physical care, and nutrition, Mission Guatemala is uniting and embracing many United Methodist congregations in Indiana, USA, which are sending vital medical supplies and volunteers. More recently, Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, IN packed over one ton of medical supplies for MG. Mission Guatemala is a great work of God that is providing hands-on help to those in need.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the integrity, dedication and spirit of the Mission Guatemala staff and outreach.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Enlist more volunteers and congregations to help.
The success of this organization beyond this first year will depend entirely on which Mission Statement Tom decides to follow. Outsiders coming in to start projects that someone else is expected to complete usually enjoy the time they are in Country but nothing ever gets completed. It ends up being a trip for the sake of taking a trip. If however Tom focuses on facilitating medical trips and is able to connect usable physicians with patients in need, then I would expect the efforts of Mission Guatemala to bear fruit. - jim r.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
and many others just like it
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try not to start projects without having the resources and labor committed to complete the work in a set period of time.
Our church congregation in Nashville, Indiana has been amazed by the transformation Mission Guatemala has made in the last year under the leadership of Rev. Tom Heaton. What began as prayer for a small Mayan village in San Andres has developed into a site with a medical clinic served by a multi-lingual doctor and a facility for preschool. Strong support is allowing a dental clinic and a nearby Feeding Center to take shape. Rev. Heaton has a gift for skillfully matching needs with resources. Dave Burns has the energy and know-how to get projects done.
Mission Guatemala provides realistic opportunities for churches and individuals to make a difference in this poor area. In a few short months, donations have helped to hire local workers, and volunteer mission teams have been inspired to work on projects that will improve health, nutrition, education, and housing. Mission Guatemala reminds us that all of us are empowered to make a difference though our gestures of love.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Rev. Heaton maintains a website at www.missionguatemala.com and makes posts on for Mission Guatemala on Facebook. Here he posts lots of pictures of the clinic and preschool site, and lots of pictures of workers and residents. He faithfully reports updates and news. Rev. Heaton visits many churches in the Indiana area to share the news of his ministry.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
This is a thriving ministry.
More feedback...
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Jeff and I had an incredible experience. The people of Guatemala are wonderful. We kept pinching ourselves "this is more like a vacation, than a mission trip!" Then it dawned on us.....We are the ones learning the lesson here!" The mission continues with us at home. "WE" are to spread the information! And we plan to do just that! Great time, great food, great leaders and great fellowship......who could ask for anything more?! First mission trip for us, will not be the last! Tom and Dave are on the "ball". They know what to do to get the most out of their volunteers! "Big Dave" and Tom are the best, between the both of them, you have your planner, your gatherer, your executer and all around good guys! A good time was had by all! I'll be back! Hasta la vesta.......Batman! The Boleys, Rhea Ellen and Jeff
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The best feature of Mission Guatemala is the fact that it is not a welfare state. Tom tries to employ as many Guatemalans as he can to make the mission run efficiently. This also helps as many families as possible. We can see the pride in the eyes ot the workers as they accomplish many things that were previously impossible.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase the communication to teams before they travel to Guatemala to inform them of any needed items that they could bring.
I spent a week in Panajachel, Guatemala, working with Tom Heaton and the Mission Guatemala staff. I found the work to be both challenging and rewarding, and left with a true sense of accomplishment. After working for, and with, the local residents, I was truly impressed with their pride, work ethic, and open acceptance of the volunteers and their efforts. Tom and his staff have built an amazing relationship with the local population, based on trust and mutual respect, in a very short time and their progress has exceeded all expectations.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Participating in the construction of a fence for a preschool in San Andreas, observing other team members participating in the construction of a feeding center in nearby Nueva Esperanza for low income children and the construction of simple furniture for a displaced village currently living in tents.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help increase the support for this organization, both financially and through increased volunteer support.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Improved support activities and scheduling of resources
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Definitely made new friends with the staff of Mission Guatemala and the various facilities and operations sponsored by them
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt blessed and humbled by the opportunity to work with and beside the people of Guatemala and to observe and learn from their work ethic and commitment to improving the lives of their families and friends.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
The local Mayan people were there working with us to improve their pre-school and Clinic. This was not a unique event. The same was happening with the building of a new school cafeteria at a different site up the road. There is huge potential for these people because of their desire to better themselves. There is no poverty of spirit, only a poverty of opportunity and basic living essentials. I look forward to watching the future progress of this Mission, still in it's infancy, and look forward to continuing to support it. My hope is that the many other missions currently in Guatemala will reach out to one another to synergize their efforts. My fear is that ego and self importance from well intentioned support groups may create unnecessary duplication, confusion, and ultimately cast a divisive atmosphere where so much good can be accomplished.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By seeing the children attending the medical clinic and pre-school of which we helped build, seeing the appreciation and desire to participate in the betterment of their community by the local people.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None at this time. My hope is that the many organizations learn to work together more effectively to create the greatest good.