Severe flooding recently swept through remote farming communities along the Rio Grande de Matagalpa in Nicaragua. Torrential rains destroyed crops, killed livestock, and left families facing immediate food shortages and long-term economic hardship.For families who already work tirelessly just to provide the basics, these floods are devastating. Homes and fields that once sustained families now lie in ruin, and the challenge of rebuilding can feel overwhelming.

Across the hills and valleys of rural Guatemala, you’ll find classrooms filled with potential. Children eager to learn. Teachers devoted to their calling. Communities that believe in the power of education to transform lives.But too often, what you won’t find are the basic materials needed to make education truly effective.

In the vibrant, close-knit community of Rancho Viejo, Guatemala, joy was overflowing as students, teachers, parents, and community leaders came together to celebrate a moment they had long prayed for—the inauguration of new bathrooms at La Cabaña School.This wasn’t just about new facilities. It was a celebration of dignity restored, learning uninterrupted, and a future filled with possibility.

If we’ve spent any time together, you’ve probably heard me this before: pay attention to who walks through the front door. That was some early advice from my friend, Lanny, and it held the test of time. It’s important to keep a lookout for people suddenly crossing your path – God just might be introducing you to someone special. So, when Chris Joiner walked through our front door, I paid attention.  In 2021, Chris reached out just to have a conversation. Over a few breakfasts, Chris and I discussed our shared passion for changing the way the West church engages the poor. At the time, Chris was working for another non-profit organization, but it quickly became clear that we both sought to create a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of the poor.

We are pleased to announce Chris Joiner as the new CEO of The 410 Bridge! Chris has served our organization for more than two years, initially as Director of International Programs and most recently as President. In both roles, Chris has demonstrated a commitment to servant-leadership and a deep passion for Christ-centered community development.  As President, Chris pioneered our expansion into three new countries this year: Indonesia, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

In Guatemala, Christmas is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, with the birth of the Baby Jesus at the heart of the celebration. Guatemalan homes display handcrafted nacimientos (nativity scenes), often with intricate details of local daily life, such as figures of farmers, vendors, and scenes from nature. The festivities begin with the setting up of the nacimiento. 

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic addition to our 410 Bridge team - John Fosdick as our new Senior Relationship Officer! With a wealth of experience in fundraising and a passion for making a difference, John is set to bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to our mission.John Fosdick is a seasoned development professional with extensive experience in cause-marketing and advocating for Christian organizations.

You may be curious and want to know, "When is a good age to start going on mission trips?" Well, I am glad you asked! Based on my experience, I think the best age to sign up for a mission trip is while you are in high school.