Guatemalan Mission Project

Guatemala Mission Project (Champion: Debra White). First United is very active in the encouragement and support of our Companion Synod, la Igelsia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala, ILAG). Our congregation provides encouragement and support in primarily two ways:

1. First United is one of the primary financial supporters of Pastor Amanda Olson de Castillo, Missionary to ILAG. Annually, Pastor Amanda spends several days with our congregation and provides us with updates of her ministry and the work of ILAG among our fellow Lutherans in Guatemala. She meets with the youth and adults; a special banquet is held each year in her honor; and she preaches and presides at the Service of Holy Communion.
2. First United provides opportunities for short-term mission trips to Guatemala for both youth and adults. The trips generally last from five to ten days and involve a total immersion into the lives and culture of the people of Guatemala.

As opportunities avail themselves, First United hosts visitors from ILAG and other churches throughout the world. Additionally, several members of First United serve on the Global Mission Committee of the Southeastern Synod whose task is to promote relationships with the five companion synods with whom we relate. These include: Guatemala, Singapore, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the Augsburg Synod of Bavaria.