The Woman Who Prayed Over Her Rabbits—And Watched Them Multiply
In the highlands of La Nueva Independencia, lives Doña Everarda Carrillo Velasquez, a 67-year-old woman whose life has been shaped by hard work, unshakable faith, and a deep love for the land. For thirty-five years, she stood faithfully by her husband, who lived with Alzheimer’s for fourteen of them. Today, with her feet rooted in the soil and her heart lifted to God, Everarda keeps moving forward. “God gives me strength,” she says with a conviction that comes from deep within. Last year, Doña Florinda Jimenez, a member of the Leadership Council, encouraged Everarda and her son to join a Foundations for Farming course. At first, she hesitated “Me? In an agriculture course?” but something stirred in her heart, and she decided to try. During the training, she visited a farm focused on animal husbandry, and something clicked. She was especially drawn to rabbit farming, and from that moment, she felt called to raise animals herself.
A Bright Future Begins Today
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.
Teaching Supplies Are Transforming Lives in El Pajal
In the rural community of El Pajal, Guatemala, education has long faced an uphill battle. For many teachers and students, the lack of basic classroom materials isn’t just a challenge—it’s a daily reality. Imagine trying to learn math without a notebook or teach a reading lesson without any books. For children in El Pajal, this is far too familiar.Teachers in this community are deeply committed to their students. Many have gone as far as spending their own limited income on supplies, determined to give their students the chance to learn and grow despite the odds. But the burden shouldn't fall on them alone.That’s where the 410 Bridge community—and your support—steps in.
La Cabaña School: A Celebration of Dignity
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.
El Mirador: More Than a Renovated School
In the heart of Vista Hermosa, Guatemala, something extraordinary is unfolding.Recently, the community of El Mirador gathered with joyful hearts to celebrate the inauguration of the newly renovated Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta El Mirador. But what we’re celebrating goes far beyond new walls or updated facilities—we’re witnessing a transformation that’s physical, spiritual, and deeply communal.
Ronaldo Solís: A Testimony of Hope
Ronaldo Solís Gómez, a 47-year-old man from Aldea El Triunfo, Guatemala, has faced many challenges in life that have tested his resilience and strength. From economic hardship to the heartbreaking loss of a child, Ronaldo's journey has been one of overcoming adversity with unwavering determination.
A Heartfelt Reflection on Our Trips Summit
This February, a team of staff members from Guatemala, the United States, and the Dominican Republic gathered for a memorable Trips Summit. Our mission? To prepare the Dominican Republic to host mission teams, grow stronger as a unified team, and brainstorm ways to make each mission trip a truly transformational experience—for both the communities we serve and the teams that visit.
Turning Dreams into Reality
In the quiet village of Las Lomas, Guatemala, a story of resilience, faith, and transformation unfolds. Enma Rosa Jiménez López, a 29-year-old mother, has turned her dreams into reality, not just for herself but for her entire family. Her journey is one of perseverance, love, and an unshakable hope that has carried her through every challenge.
Reflections and Hope for 2025 in Guatemala
Over the course of more than forty missionary trips in Guatemala, we shared God’s Word and experienced deeply emotional moments where His presence was undeniable. The hearts of missionary groups, community leaders, translators, and even our team were touched as we worked together to uplift these communities. It has truly been a year of transformation.
A Season of Expansion: Stretching Wide the Tent of Impact
This season, inspired by the words of Isaiah 54:2, we’re embracing what we’re calling our Season of Expansion."Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."This verse beautifully captures the vision before us—to broaden our impact, deepen our roots, and extend God’s Kingdom in new and meaningful ways.
How is Christmas in Guatemala Celebrated?
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.
Finding Hope in Las Lomas: Filogonio Figueroa’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal
In the heart of Las Lomas, Huehuetenango, Filogonio Figueroa, a devoted father of three, once found himself at a crossroads. Economic hardships and a lack of employment weighed heavily on his family, leading him to consider a difficult decision—migrating to the United States in search of a better life. But just as Filogonio began planning his journey, a new opportunity appeared in his community that would change the course of his life.
Back-to-School Support: Empowering Scholars Around the World
The start of a new school year is always a mix of excitement and challenge. For parents, it means getting everything ready—purchasing school supplies, organizing schedules, and ensuring their children are prepared to learn and grow. It's a hectic time, filled with trips to the store, labeling supplies, and making sure everything is just right.
410 Bridge Nominated for Prestigious 2025 True Inspiration Awards
The 410 Bridge is thrilled to announce its nomination for the 2025 True Inspiration Awards by Chick-fil-A. This esteemed recognition celebrates our commitment to serving the needs of communities around the world.
Mission Possible: Five Ways to Fundraise for Your Mission Trip
The most difficult part of preparing for a mission trip usually isn't learning a new language or adapting to a different culture. The hardest part is fundraising. This doesn't have to be a scary and unpleasant. Here are five ways to put the fun in fundraising.
Why Go On a Trip with 410 Bridge?
Do you want to be a part of what God is doing in a different country and culture?Do you want to help those living in extreme poverty?Are you highly relational and/or enjoy trying new things?If you answered yes to any of those questions, you should go on a trip with 410 Bridge!
From Trip Participants to Trip Advocates
Embarking on a mission trip with The 410 Bridge is an invitation to witness the transformative power of holistic community development—a paradigm shift in the way we approach poverty alleviation.As trip participants, you're not just joining a journey to serve communities in need; you're stepping into the role of advocates, and champions of sustainable change driven by partnership and empowerment.Here are 5 things to consider with this shift:
5 Reasons To Send A Missions Team
Sending trips with 410 Bridge serves a crucial purpose in aligning with our mission and values. Here's why we send trips:
Bridging Cultural Divides: Hot Climate Cultures vs. Cold-Climate Cultures
Embarking on a short-term mission trip is an incredible opportunity to serve, learn, and grow. As trip advocates, you're not just traveling to new places; you're stepping into diverse cultural landscapes filled with rich histories, traditions, and values.In the book Foreign to Familiar, the author explores cultural differences using the terms Hot Climate Culture and Cold Climate Culture. Whether your destination is Kenya or Guatemala, understanding the clash between hot and cold cultures is crucial for meaningful interactions.
4 Ways to Support 410 Day
410 Day – happening on April 10th - is an annual fundraising day for our 410 Bridge community to celebrate and continue making a difference in the countries we work in.Leading up to the day, there are four things you can do to help make this day a success:









