We believe that if done well, a short-term trip can mutually benefit both the host culture and the visiting team or individual.
We believe that if done well, a short-term trip can mutually benefit both the host culture and the visiting team or individual.
Since 2004, Global Shore has worked in the same community in Guatemala, focusing our development and partnership efforts on one community. Since the beginning, short-term missions groups have come alongside our regular work to support our school, help build homes, train local businesspeople and learn more about the lived experience of Guatemalan community members.
Our goal is that visiting teams would encounter the Lord and His ministry here in Guatemala, and that they would return home with a greater appreciation for long-term development work. Teams can make a small, tangible difference in ten days, and we’re always looking for ways to align team skills with local need, but our greatest desire is that God would be working in the hearts of those who come.
Our school is the heart of our ministry—teams participate in school life through devotionals, recess and help in English classes.
Teams partner with the “La Gloria Que Impacta” church network, working to encourage congregations and expand reach in local communities.
Our staff work with teams to guide reflection, discipleship and debrief.
Specialization and team skills are put to good use, whether that be carpentry, teaching, landscaping, theatre, or something we haven’t heard of yet.
In partnership with local pastors, teams visit homes to listen, encourage and pray for families.
Each team provides funds towards projects that benefit the local community, joining in as appropriate.
El Tizate is 15 minutes away from the historic city of Antigua. Teams tour the city, shop in local markets, experience Guatemalan cuisine, drink good coffee, visit local ruins and may even hike a volcano.
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
Global Shore provided an opportunity that stretched each one of us. It was physical, cultural, adventurous, wondrous, emotional, educational and for me, most of all, it was spiritual. I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
Global Shore provided an opportunity that stretched each one of us. It was physical, cultural, adventurous, wondrous, emotional, educational and for me, most of all, it was spiritual. I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
MISSION, BC
MISSION, BC
MISSION, BC
Our trip with Global Shore has been a journey of discovering the power and depth of our God's love.
Our first missions trip to Guatemala with Global Shore has been a continuing journey of discovering the power and depth of the love our God has not only for us individually but around the world. God’s Spirit is alive in El Tizate, the school, students, staff and local church.
Our first missions trip to Guatemala with Global Shore has been a continuing journey of discovering the power and depth of the love our God has not only for us individually but around the world. God’s Spirit is alive in El Tizate, the school, students, staff and local church.
PAUL ROBINSON
PAUL ROBINSON
PAUL ROBINSON
PASTOR, TILLSONBURG, ON
PASTOR, TILLSONBURG, ON
PASTOR, TILLSONBURG, ON
Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
In the past few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of travelling on three separate occasions to El Tizate where I was privileged to witness and experience first-hand the amazing ministry of GSO in Guatemala. Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
In the past few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of travelling on three separate occasions to El Tizate where I was privileged to witness and experience first-hand the amazing ministry of GSO in Guatemala. Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
EMILY FRIESEN
EMILY FRIESEN
EMILY FRIESEN
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
I served with GSO in my Grade 12 year. If you have the chance to go serve in Guatemala, definitely do it!
I went to Guatemala and served with GSO in my Grade 12 year and I fell in love with the country and people and miss it so much. I sponsored a little girl at the school and am counting down the days until I return and see her again! If you have the chance to go serve in Guatemala, definitely do it!
I went to Guatemala and served with GSO in my Grade 12 year and I fell in love with the country and people and miss it so much. I sponsored a little girl at the school and am counting down the days until I return and see her again! If you have the chance to go serve in Guatemala, definitely do it! It's truly a life-changing experience!
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed plans throughout the world. While the global situation continues to change week by week, we are happy to answer any questions you might have about future visits or trips. Email us to start a conversation.
With school organizers, we work to create an integrated experience that includes educational elements for students visiting from Canada and the United States. With flexible dates for teams and a BC-certified teacher on our Short-Term Opportunities staff, we offer focused activities that meet learning objectives in a variety of courses, like Social Studies, English Language Arts, Bible Study & Religion, Spanish, Home Economics and Religion.
School groups are invited to integrate their educational efforts with the work that God is doing here in Guatemala: to allow students to make a difference, and to come away changed as well. Contact us to start dreaming about curriculum integration and strategies to take your students’ learning beyond the classroom.
Our ministry is located in a beautiful, mountainous region, and our school sits atop the hill in our town, El Tizate. The climate is comparable to a mild Canadian summer.
Teams are housed in our private compound in town, equipped with washrooms, warm showers, an eating area, a kitchen, nine dorm-style bedrooms, beautifully terraced gardens and a large meeting room. Bedrooms are outfitted with bunk beds, some of which can accommodate couples. The facility is securely locked at all times. Meals are catered or billeted out to local families in the community.
Our base cost for short-term opportunities is CAD $1400 + flights per person. Trips are usually ten days in length. Depending on the type of project or an extended stay, this cost may be adjusted. This cost covers a non-refundable $100 application fee, all accommodations, all in-country transportation, translators, tourist activities (ruins sites, a volcano or coffee tour) and funds for service projects.
This price does not cover: passport costs, travel/medical insurance, flight cancellation insurance, immunizations, travel and meals to and from the airport, personal spending money.
We host adult teams, youth groups, high schools, elderly couples, Bible study groups, campus groups, families and church groups.
Our preferred team size is 10-12 people; however, we can accommodate team sizes up to 25 people.