This program is designed for young adults ages 18–25 who desire to grow in their relationship with God and discover what it means to follow Him wholeheartedly. If you have a teachable spirit, a desire to learn, and a willingness to serve, this program may be for you. Whether you are considering missions, seeking direction for the future, or simply longing to know God more deeply, this experience is designed to help you grow spiritually, personally, and practically.

Spend three months in Guatemala (flexible length available) immersing yourself in a life of learning, serving, and growing. During your time here, you will: Learn Spanish through personalized classes. Serve God in meaningful ways through ministry and community outreach. Study God's Word and deepen your relationship with Him. Develop daily habits of prayer, Bible reading, and seeking God. Experience life and ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Build friendships and memories that can impact the rest of your life.

$3,000 USD (approximately Q22,000) for three months We also ask that you come with something even more important: A heart that is willing to learn, grow, and go wherever God leads. The program fee includes: Airport pickup and drop-off. All in-country transportation related to the program. Three meals a day. Spanish classes. Lodging. Internet access. Planned sightseeing opportunities. Not included: Additional personal travel or sightseeing. Snacks and personal purchases. Cell phone plan. Airfare to Guatemala.

Jesus called disciples, trained disciples, and sent disciples. Before we can make disciples, we must first be disciples of Christ ourselves. Following Jesus is not simply about gaining knowledge, it is about learning to walk with Him every day and allowing Him to transform every area of our lives. Our desire is to help young adults grow in their knowledge of God, develop a deeper love for Him, and learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ wherever He leads. Jesus' command was clear: to go and make disciples. We believe that calling is just as important today as it was when He first spoke those words.

You will stay in the home of Walter and Ruth, long-term missionaries serving in Guatemala. Their home is located in a safe neighborhood on the edge of the mountains, within walking distance of town while surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful scenery. Features include: Private bathrooms for each room. Shared accommodations when multiple participants are present. Reliable internet access. A large yard and outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy. A ping pong table and other recreational areas. Beautiful mountain views, sunrises from the second floor, and sunsets from the garden. More than just a place to stay, this will be your home while you learn, serve, and grow alongside a missionary family.

No two days are exactly the same, but your time here will be centered around three key areas: serving, learning, and growing. Serving in the Community During the week, you will have opportunities to serve in local public schools and other ministry settings. Our goal is to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways and build meaningful relationships with the people around us. Alta Verapaz faces many challenges, particularly among children and young people. By investing your time, energy, and compassion, you can be part of sharing hope and encouragement with those who need it most. You do not need special skills or ministry experience. Simply come with a willing heart and a desire to serve. Studying God's Word One of the most important parts of this program is spending time in God's Word. Depending on the length of your stay, you will work through several Bible courses, including Christ Throughout the Bible, an Overview of the Old Testament, and an Overview of the New Testament. We will also encourage and help you develop the habit of reading through the Bible for yourself. If you have never done that before, it may seem overwhelming at first, but we believe God's Word is living and active and has the power to transform your life. More than anything else we can teach you, our desire is that you learn how to spend time with God on your own, read His Word faithfully, pray regularly, and continue growing in your relationship with Him long after you leave Guatemala. Learning Spanish One of the best ways to learn a language is to use it every day. As you serve, shop, explore town, and interact with local people, you will be immersed in Spanish. Don't worry if you know little or no Spanish when you arrive, we'll help you every step of the way. Children are often some of the best language teachers! They are patient, enthusiastic, and usually happy to repeat themselves until you understand. You will probably make mistakes, laugh at yourself, and occasionally communicate something completely different than what you intended. That's all part of the adventure. Along with daily immersion, you will receive personalized Spanish tutoring to help answer questions, build vocabulary, and give you practical tools for everyday communication. No prior Spanish experience is required. Meals and Everyday Life Most meals will be shared in our home, where you'll experience both Guatemalan culture and a variety of familiar favorites. Our menu often includes tacos, butter chicken, spaghetti, sausage and rice, churrascos, and many other homemade meals. While some foods may be different from what you're used to, we encourage you to come with an adventurous attitude and a willingness to try new things. You'll also discover an abundance of fresh tropical fruit, including mangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas, oranges, and many varieties you've probably never seen before. Living in another culture is part of the experience, and some of the best memories are made around the dinner table. Exploring Guatemala You're coming to another country, so of course there will be opportunities to explore! Tactic is a typical rural Guatemalan town filled with small shops, local markets, cafés, and friendly people. One favorite pastime is exploring the local "pacas" (thrift stores), where new merchandise arrives regularly and treasures can often be found for under a dollars. You'll have opportunities to experience everyday life in Guatemala while enjoying the unique sights, sounds, and culture that make this country so special. Staying Connected Our home has reliable high-speed internet, allowing you to stay connected with family and friends back home throughout your stay.

Guatemala is a beautiful country filled with incredible people, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Yet behind the beauty, many families face significant challenges. In rural areas, opportunities that many people take for granted are often difficult to access. Education is a privilege, not a guarantee. Many children help support their families through work from a young age, and some come to school hungry or uncertain about where their next meal will come from. Many children also face difficult home situations, instability, neglect, or a lack of positive role models. For some, life can feel limited to the circumstances they see around them every day. We believe every child is created in the image of God and has immense value. They deserve to know that they are loved, that they have purpose, and that there is hope beyond the challenges they face.

Many ministries focus on children who already attend Christian schools or regularly attend church. While those ministries are important, our heart is to reach children who may have little or no Christian influence in their lives. Through public school outreach and community ministry, we have the opportunity to meet children where they are and build genuine relationships with them. We may only spend a short amount of time with a child, but God often uses simple acts of kindness, encouragement, and genuine care in powerful ways. A listening ear, a word of encouragement, a smile, or simply showing up consistently can communicate something many children desperately need to hear: "You matter." Our goal is not simply to run programs. Our goal is to reflect the love of Christ. We want children to know that God sees them, God loves them, and God has not forgotten them. We want them to understand that their circumstances do not define their value and that there is hope found in Jesus Christ. You may never know this side of heaven how God uses your presence, your service, or a conversation with a child. But we believe that being one person who chooses to love, encourage, and point a child toward Christ can make an eternal difference.

This is one of the most common questions we receive, and it's a good one. Guatemala is a developing nation with many of the same challenges found throughout the developing world. Poverty exists, resources can be limited, and the justice system does not always function as efficiently as people may be accustomed to in North America. At the same time, most Guatemalans are kind, generous, hardworking people who are simply trying to provide for their families and help their communities thrive. In our experience, people are often welcoming and willing to assist foreigners who are learning the language and culture. Our program is based in Tactic, a small rural town in the mountains of Alta Verapaz. It is a close-knit community where people know one another, and most places in town can be reached on foot in less than an hour. Walter and Ruth have lived and served in Guatemala for more than two decades and are very familiar with the local culture, customs, and practical safety considerations. Participants are not left to figure things out on their own. We help you learn how to navigate life here safely and wisely. As in any country, we practice common-sense precautions. We encourage participants not to display large amounts of cash or expensive items, both out of wisdom and out of respect for the economic realities many local families face. To help ensure everyone's safety, participants are expected to: Remain on the property after dark unless accompanied by approved leaders. Let us know where they are going and when they expect to return when exploring town. Follow safety guidelines and local customs. Communicate openly if they have concerns or questions. Our goal is not to create fear, but to help participants live wisely while enjoying all that Guatemala has to offer. Thousands of missionaries, volunteers, and visitors come to Guatemala each year and have meaningful, life-changing experiences. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on learning, serving, growing, and experiencing the culture with confidence.

Moving to another country, even for a few months, can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. That's why we are committed to walking alongside you throughout your time in Guatemala. Spiritual Mentorship Our greatest desire is to help you grow in your relationship with God. You will receive regular discipleship and mentorship as we study God's Word together, discuss what God is teaching you, answer questions, and help you process both the joys and challenges of ministry and daily life. We want to help you develop habits of spending time with God, understanding His Word, and learning to follow Him faithfully long after the program ends. Guidance in Ministry You will not be expected to figure out ministry on your own. We will help you understand the communities we serve, explain the purpose behind what we do, and walk alongside you as you learn how to serve effectively in a cross-cultural setting. Whether you are naturally outgoing or feel completely out of your comfort zone, we will help you find ways to serve and connect with others. Cultural and Language Support Adjusting to a new culture can take time. Everything from food and transportation to language and social customs may feel unfamiliar at first. We will help you navigate these differences, answer your questions, and provide practical guidance as you adapt to life in Guatemala. You do not need to know Spanish before arriving. We will provide Spanish tutoring and help you build confidence as you learn and practice the language in everyday situations. A Home Away From Home You will live with Walter and Ruth in a family environment, not a dormitory or hostel. We'll share meals together, spend time talking, laughing, serving, and doing everyday life together. We want you to feel welcomed, cared for, and supported throughout your stay. Living in our home also means there is always someone available to answer questions, offer advice, or simply listen when you need encouragement. Personal Attention Unlike larger programs, we intentionally keep the number of participants small. This allows us to invest personally in each individual rather than simply managing a large group. You'll have regular access to Walter and Ruth for mentoring, discipleship, questions, encouragement, and practical support. Our goal is not just to provide an experience, but to walk alongside you as you grow spiritually, personally, and in your understanding of God's calling on your life. Practical Support We will assist you with: Airport pickup and drop-off. Transportation related to ministry and program activities. Navigating town and local transportation. Learning how to communicate in everyday situations. Adjusting to cultural differences. Problem-solving when unexpected challenges arise. You are stepping into something new, but you won't be doing it alone. We are committed to walking with you as you learn, serve, and grow.

Walter and Ruth Dubón Walter was born and raised in Guatemala and has spent his life serving God among his own people. Ruth moved to Guatemala in 2001 and has been serving here ever since. Together, we have spent decades investing in discipleship, pastoral training, teaching, mentoring, and serving alongside local churches and communities. Our greatest passion is helping people know God more deeply and equipping them to follow Him faithfully wherever He leads. We believe discipleship happens best through everyday life. That's why Learn.Serve.Grow is more than a program, it's an opportunity to live alongside experienced ministry leaders, participate in ministry firsthand, and learn what it looks like to follow Christ in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. As hosts, our desire is to create a safe, welcoming environment where you can ask questions, grow in your faith, develop new skills, and discover how God may be leading you in the future. You won't simply be staying at our house, you'll be joining us in ministry, sharing meals around the table, exploring Guatemala, and becoming part of our daily lives for the time you are here. We look forward to getting to know you and walking alongside you as you learn, serve, and grow.

Our goal is not simply for you to spend a few months in Guatemala. Our goal is to help you develop habits and convictions that will shape the rest of your life. At the end of the program, you will return home, but we hope you will leave with a deeper relationship with God, a greater understanding of His Word, and a clearer sense of how He is calling you to serve Him. You will have gained experience living in another culture, serving people from different backgrounds, and stepping outside your comfort zone. More importantly, you will have spent intentional time seeking God, studying His Word, and learning to depend on Him in new ways. Whether God leads you into missions, ministry, your local church, your workplace, university, or your community, our desire is that you leave better equipped to follow Christ faithfully and make disciples wherever He places you. We believe that following Jesus is a lifelong journey. The three months you spend in Guatemala are not the destination, they are simply one step along the way. Our prayer is that you return home with a stronger faith, a servant's heart, a deeper love for God's Word, and a greater confidence in His ability to use your life for His purposes. The program may come to an end, but the habits, relationships, lessons, and spiritual growth you develop here can continue to bear fruit for years to come.