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.

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 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.

In a sea of short-term mission options, it’s easy to get swept up in hype. You pack bags, raise funds, and pray hard—but how often do leaders pause to ask, “Am I really equipped to lead well?”At 410 Bridge, we believe mission trips should be more than impactful—they should be transformative for everyone involved. That transformation starts with leaders who are deeply prepared: spiritually, emotionally, and logistically.That’s why we created the 410 Bridge Team Leader Training, a free, online course designed to equip you with the tools, vision, and confidence to lead a mission team the right way—with dignity, humility, and eternal purpose.

Two years ago, our partnership with the Kiu community officially came to an end—but the story didn’t stop there. In fact, it was just the beginning of a new chapter of independence, resilience, and flourishing. When we returned for a recent visit, we were deeply encouraged to see how the seeds planted during our eight-year journey together are continuing to bear fruit.Here are just a few glimpses into the lives of the people who make Kiu such a remarkable place…

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.

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.

In the heart of Ulu, Kenya, something extraordinary is happening. It’s not a new school building or a groundbreaking technology—it’s something much simpler, yet profoundly impactful. A hot meal.For years, children at Ulu Primary School faced a daily struggle that many of us take for granted: hunger. Coming to school on an empty stomach made it difficult to focus, learn, and fully engage in their education. Teachers saw students growing weary as the day went on, not because they lacked motivation, but because they lacked nourishment.But today, hope is being served—one plate at a time.

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.

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.

Every year on April 10th, we celebrate 410 Day—a day where we come together to support communities in need and fuel sustainable, Christ-centered transformation. This year, 410 Day is more important than ever because we’re stepping into a brand-new country: the Dominican Republic.The challenges in these communities are urgent, and we need your help to bring real change.

We have an exciting announcement — for the very first time, you can now sponsor a child in the Dominican Republic through 410 Bridge!Child sponsorship has always been at the heart of what we do. It’s not just about giving — it’s about walking alongside a child as they discover their potential and begin to see themselves as part of the solution to poverty. It’s about encouragement, relationship, and hope. And now, this life-changing opportunity is expanding into the Dominican Republic.

We have some incredible news to share—The 410 Bridge is thrilled to welcome Mission: Hope into our family! For years, both of our organizations have been dedicated to sustainable, Christ-centered community development in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. And now, by coming together, we’re expanding our impact in powerful ways.This partnership is more than just an expansion—it’s an opportunity to reach more people with the hope of the gospel and strengthen the way we serve communities.

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.

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.

Friends, what a wonderful season of growth we are experiencing here at The 410 Bridge! For those I haven’t had yet had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Chris Joiner.  I’ve had the privilege of working at The 410 Bridge for the past two years, first as Director of International Programs, then transitioning to President in 2023. Today, I am incredibly blessed to step into the role of CEO. As we begin this exciting journey as an organization, I want to share more about who I am, my heart for our mission, and where we are headed this year.

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.

A New Year frequently evokes a multitude of emotions, deeply influenced by various reasons based on the season of life one is at. For many, it symbolizes a rejuvenating fresh start—a precious opportunity to release the burdens of the past and embrace the future brimming with hope. This transition evokes excitement, particularly for school-age children returning to the classroom after a long break from school in November and December here in Kenya. While children are thrilled to reunite with their classmates and dive back into the classroom environment, they may also grapple with a sense of déjà vu; the inevitability of returning to homework, assignments, and the pressure of upcoming exams can cast a shadow over their eagerness for new beginnings.

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.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this exciting news with you!410 Bridge is expanding into Indonesia, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic! This monumental step marks a new chapter in our journey to transform lives and communities through Christ-centered partnerships.This expansion is rooted in the powerful words of Isaiah 54:2:“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back.”We believe this is a God-led call to broaden our reach and deepen the impact of our mission. Together with supporters like you, we are answering this call to expand and empower communities with hope and opportunity.