Mark your calendars! CFC is headed back to Guatemala!
Are you interested in coming with us? Join our team in August as we embark on a journey to strengthen our relationships with the staff and students at the Centro de Alcance Carepoint, and learn more about the ways God is working in Guatemala!
Who is going? This trip is open to 20 attendees of Agape Christian Church, Centerpoint Church, and Kalamazoo Community Church. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, with preference given to first time travelers and sponsors of children at the Centro de Alcance Carepoint.
When is the trip? The trip is being planned for the first week of August, 2020. Dates will be finalized after purchasing airfare.
What’s the purpose of the trip? This will be the fifth trip the churches of CFC have made to visit our partners in Guatemala. The goal is to deepen relationships between our organizations, learn more about the Carepoint, and encourage the men and women who serve the students of the Carepoint and their local community.
How can I learn more? Read on to learn more about the trip, and use the links above to learn more about Children’s Hopechest, get your questions answered, and contact the trip leaders. More information to follow - see updates in your church’s announcements and electronic literature.
Sign me up! How do I join the group? Applications will be available beginning January 12. Fill out an application and deliver it, along with a $100 deposit, to your church office by January 26th. The team leaders will contact all applicants once the team is formed.
Applications available beginning January 12.
Are you interested in coming with us? Join our team in August as we embark on a journey to strengthen our relationships with the staff and students at the Centro de Alcance Carepoint, and learn more about the ways God is working in Guatemala!
Who is going? This trip is open to 20 attendees of Agape Christian Church, Centerpoint Church, and Kalamazoo Community Church. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, with preference given to first time travelers and sponsors of children at the Centro de Alcance Carepoint.
When is the trip? The trip is being planned for the first week of August, 2020. Dates will be finalized after purchasing airfare.
What’s the purpose of the trip? This will be the fifth trip the churches of CFC have made to visit our partners in Guatemala. The goal is to deepen relationships between our organizations, learn more about the Carepoint, and encourage the men and women who serve the students of the Carepoint and their local community.
How can I learn more? Read on to learn more about the trip, and use the links above to learn more about Children’s Hopechest, get your questions answered, and contact the trip leaders. More information to follow - see updates in your church’s announcements and electronic literature.
Sign me up! How do I join the group? Applications will be available beginning January 12. Fill out an application and deliver it, along with a $100 deposit, to your church office by January 26th. The team leaders will contact all applicants once the team is formed.
Applications available beginning January 12.
April Sparks
Trip Role: Fearless Navigator & Hype Woman Real Job: Youth Leader at Westwood Church Secret Talent: Salsa Dancing Runs On: Hot Chocolate & Hallmark Movies April was a member of the second CFC trip to Guatemala. She quickly fell in love with the people and the vibrant Guatemala culture, and is excited to be facilitating an opportunity for others to do the same. “The members of the Carepoint are like family, caring for each other and looking out for one another, and we have the opportunity to take part in this family even beyond our week trips!” |
Kaitlin Feddema
Trip Role: Travel Wizard & Comedic Relief Real Job: Marketing Associate at Stryker Secret Talent: Juggling Runs On: A treadmill every once in a while. Kaitlin was a member of the inaugural relationship-building team in 2016, and has visited Centro de Alcance three times since her initial visit. She is most looking forward to CFC members meeting the staff at the Carepoint. “The men and women who serve the Carepoint are transforming their community, and it’s inspiring to say the least. God is at work here, and I’m honored to be a part of this life-giving partnership.” |
Stacey Venema
Trip Role: Exploration Expert & Social Influencer Real Job: Christian Counselor Secret Talent: Shopping for Deals Runs On: Coffee & podcasts Stacey made her Guatemalan debut in 2019 during the summer youth trip, and quickly knew she would be back. Her developing relationships with the kids at the Carepoint made a lasting impact on her and inspired her to lead a trip for others to do the same. “I realized that this trip wasn’t about serving at all. It was about connecting - having my eyes opened to what was happening in the rest of the world.” |
So wait…..what’s happening in Guatemala?
Since 2016, Christ Followers for Change has partnered with an organization by the name of Children’s Hopechest. Children’s Hopechest connects Christian communities in the U.S. and Canada with communities of orphaned and vulnerable children overseas. Our churches were connected with Centro de Alcance Carepoint in Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala. This Carepoint acts as a safe space where children from the local community can play, eat a nutritious meal, receive academic assistance, and be mentored by Christian men and women in their local community. In a district otherwise plagued by violence and poverty, the Carepoint offers safety, community, and resources for vulnerable kids. Our congregations have the opportunity to sponsor kids at this Carepoint (learn how here!) to help offset the costs of staff and meal preparation for the kids. Through trips such as this one, we also have the opportunity to visit this Carepoint and help grow the relationships between our organizations. |
April Sparks
april.k.sparks@gmail.com |
Kaitlin Feddema
kaitlin.feddema@gmail.com |
Stacey Venema
stacey.a.venema@gmail.com |