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Today was another meaningful day of work and connection as our team continues to learn more about the rhythm of construction and community here in Guatemala.
What’s striking here is how construction never really stops. Homes and churches grow as families grow. Additions are made as needs arise.
It’s been amazing to witness what years of faithful partnership, generosity, and prayer can accomplish. From the impressive multi-story school, multiple homes and even a couple bus stops built by previous mission teams, the impact of Cochrane Alliance’s support is visible everywhere. These projects haven’t just changed the landscape and community they’ve changed lives.
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A New Beginning in Chivoc
Through Pastor Victor, we’re now connected with a new church in Chivoc, about 40 minutes away from San Raymundo. In many ways, it feels like we’re starting from scratch again — just as previous teams did in San Raymundo.
So far, two mission teams from Cochrane Alliance have worked alongside locals to construct the foundation and exterior walls of the new church. The building is being formed around a temporary steel-tin structure that currently serves as the church’s meeting space on Sundays and provides a welcome spot of shade for breaks and lunch while we work.
The ground has been cleared, the foundation poured, and cinderblock walls raised. Every 10–20 feet, gaps have been left for reinforced concrete columns — six of which we poured today. The process was simple but exhausting: mixing cement on a vacant lot down the hill, carrying it up in buckets, and passing it up ladders to fill the column forms. We repeated this cycle hundreds of times, and by the end of the day, everyone was covered in concrete — but smiling.
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Teamwork and Determination
While the adults tackled the concrete work, the kids focused on an ambitious project of their own: digging a septic tank pit. The goal is a hole about 8 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 24 feet deep. Despite the steep terrain and a difficult route to the dump site — down the hill on the road, across to an alley, and back up the hill — they’ve already dug about 5 to 6 feet. It’s an impressive feat, especially under the Guatemalan sun!
Pastor Victor and his son from the San Raymundo church worked right alongside us all day! Pastors- lawyers- teachers, everyone builds here!
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An Unexpected Adventure
After work, Pastor Victor suggested we visit a nearby coffee plantation. We walked there together and were warmly welcomed by the locals, who proudly showed us around their operation. They explained their process, showed us the machinery, they seemed very curious, taking photos of us as we walked around — probably the first time a group of tired, sweaty, dirt-covered Canadians had toured their farm! It was a beautiful exchange of curiosity and kindness.
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Gratitude and Reflection
Today reminded us again of why we’re here. It’s not just about building walls or mixing concrete — it’s about building relationships.
Seeing what the long-standing relationship between Cochrane Alliance and the church in San Raymundo has produced encourages us to pour that same heart and effort into strengthening our new relationship with the church in Chivoc. It’s a beautiful reminder that mission work isn’t just about projects — it’s about people, faith, and community.
And that’s what makes every drop of sweat worthwhile. Each shovel of dirt and each bucket of concrete is a small part of a much bigger story — one of partnership, perseverance, and God’s ongoing work through His people.
Thank you, Cochrane Alliance Church, for your continued prayers, support, and love. The seeds you’ve planted here are bearing fruit in more ways than we could ever imagine.
