Update: January and April trips

In early January a team of 13 volunteers, twelve from North Alabama and one from Honduras, ministered in Jalapa and its surrounds. Medical and dental clinics were offered, worship services conducted, and food bags distributed. Another trip in April was primarily for organizational and administrative purposes. Due to Guatemala governmental regulations, it was necessary to form Four Friends of Guatemala, a subsidiary of Four Friends International. This will enable the nursing and office staff to receive government-mandated wage and retirement benefits. Completing the transition was the reason for April's visit. There was enough time, fortunately, for some ministry as well. The photos below come from the January and April trips. 

Our Pastors 

From left: Associate Pastor Luis, Pastor Danny and wife Adela, Pastor Filiberto,

and Associate Pastor Mynor

Home Visits

Pastor Filberto led members of our team on home visits in Los Laureles, Los Pinos, and the three mountain communities. In this photo, he presents a bag of food to a young mother.

Pastor Danny gave a food bag to this widow in the mountain community of El Divisidero.

This lady suffered a severe burn to her hand during a seizure. She had been without her medication for several days. We treated her infected wounds, resupplied her with seizure medication, presented her a food bag, and offered a prayer in her behalf.

During this visit, there was an opportunity to share the gospel with this gentleman who had recently suffered a leg injury in a motorcycle accident. 

The City Dump

We visited the city garbage dump and gave food bags and vitamins to the people who work and live there.

Children's Bible Study 

Over 50 children came to Los Laureles on a Thursday afternoon to hear a Bible study, participate in recreational activities, and enjoy refreshments.

A Dental Clinic

Reyna Craft became the first dentist to accompany us on a Four Friends mission trip. She examined patients to determine if any extractions were needed. About 45 teeth were pulled, and many others received instruction about dental hygiene.

Jalapa, Guatemala 

This is a westward view of Jalapa while standing under the mountainside JALAPA sign.

a view of Jalapa from the nearby mountains

A Meager Dwelling

A recently baptized mother and her seven children live in this 4 meter x 6 meter sheet metal structure in the El Terrero subdivision of Jalapa. During the summer rainy season the house is flooded, and in the winter the family is cold. Preliminary planning is underway to replace the sheet metal with concrete walls.

Our Clinic Staff

The staff of our three clinics includes four nurses, five office workers, and a housekeeper. This is nurse Vanessa with her young daughter. She is married to Associate Pastor Luis. They reside in the rear apartment at the Los Pinos clinic.

Planning for August 2025 trip

Amalia and Ismael, our mission trip coordinators, met with me at a local restaurant to make preparations for mission trips to Jalapa in May and August of this year.

Coming Events

May 28-31    mission trip

August 4-8    mission trip

October (date TBD)    charity golf classic

November (date TBD)    mission trip

February 2026 (date TBD)    mission trip

May 2026 (date TBD)    mission trip

August 2026 (date TBD)    mission trip

November 2026 (date TBD)    mission trip

Thank You!

Your generous gifts to Four Friends International make this ministry possible. Thank you for sharing the love of Christ to the people of Jalapa, Guatemala.