StpGU0713

Name

Construction of Habitat Homes in Guatemala & Community Outreach-Santiago Zamora

Status

Assigned

Location

Guatemala

Type

Cost

Approximately $1,000 per person covers transportation from Dallas/Ft. Worth and hotel accommodations and meals in Guatemala. Cost may be more or less depending on your location in the USA and your building location in Guatemala. You will be advised of needed equipment per instructions of foreman. Thrivent for Lutherans will donate $6,000 toward construction costs per team which allows for the construction of two homes. Materials for Habitat houses in Guatemala cost $3,000 per home. In addition, Thrivent members may qualify for travel subsidies of up to $800. (Application Fee: $150)

Dates

April 2007 -September 2007

Assigned to

Trinity Richmond

Description

Working with a trained, on-site Guatemalan foreman supplied by Habitat, each team of 10-12 people will construct one or two homes (four days for each home( depending on the amount of time they are able to give. Team members will continue to work for two additional days with the local Lutheran congregation doing an outreach event to help reach their community with God’s Good News. Team leaders will receive orientation from Habitat regarding construction methods, materials and equipment needed for construction and from CALMS regarding cultural and evangelistic components.

NOTE: CALMS has developed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity-Guatemala and the Lutheran Church in Guatemala to build homes for needy families including Lutheran families, and participate in a one or two-day education or evangelistic outreach with a congregation of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala.

Desired Results

As a result of these construction teams, a needy family will receive a new home and the Lutheran congregation will become known as a church that cares about people in their community. During rest times and down times, team members are encouraged to play with local children and to build relationships with youth and adults that can help the congregation demonstrate care and love for their community. As a result of the educational and evangelistic outreach efforts, more people will know about the Christian faith, what Lutherans believe and be open to a relationship with a local Lutheran congregation.

Skills Needed

Some experience with construction helpful but not necessary. Note: The project foreman and an assigned translator will help guide the construction work. A Lutheran pastor or worker will guide the educational or evangelistic project. CALMS and our partners in the Lutheran Church of Guatemala will provide necessary orientation about cultural and practical issues related to the project. Teams can include eight to 10 people.