Join a Mission Team to Guatemala

The safety and well-being of our mission team members is a top priority. For more than three decades, The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission has welcomed teams to Guatemala and has extensive experience hosting churches, families, students, and first-time international travelers. Our staff carefully plan team activities, transportation, accommodations, and ministry schedules to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Teams stay in Antigua Guatemala, one of the country's most popular and well-known destinations, and travel with AOJ staff throughout the week. Team members are never expected to navigate the country on their own, and transportation is provided for all scheduled ministry activities.

Like travel anywhere in the world, visitors should exercise common sense, remain aware of their surroundings, and follow the guidance of AOJ staff. By taking appropriate precautions and working alongside our experienced local leadership team, mission teams have consistently enjoyed safe and rewarding experiences in Guatemala. If you have specific questions or concerns about safety, our team would be happy to discuss them with you.

No experience is required. AOJ mission teams welcome individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. Whether you are a contractor, teacher, pastor, student, retiree, healthcare professional, or someone serving on your first mission trip, there is a meaningful place for you to contribute.

Our local staff will provide guidance and support throughout the week, and projects are designed so that everyone can participate regardless of previous experience.

More important than specific skills is a willingness to serve, learn, encourage others, and be used by God wherever He leads.

Many team members arrive wondering what they can offer and leave realizing that some of the most meaningful ministry happens through simple acts of kindness, encouragement, and building relationships with the children and families we serve.

The cost of a mission team experience in Guatemala is approximately $1,060 CAD or $850 USD per person, plus airfare.

Airfare is not included and varies depending on departure city, airline, and travel dates.

One of the benefits of travelling with AOJ is that your in-country cost covers virtually everything you will need during the week. Team members should not expect any additional out-of-pocket expenses unless they choose to purchase optional items such as coffee, desserts, souvenirs, gifts, or personal purchases while visiting Antigua's artisan market and local shops.

For Canadian and U.S. team members, both the in-country mission cost and airfare is eligible for a charitable tax receipt when processed through the AOJ office. Because specific requirements apply, our team will work directly with team members to assist with flight arrangements and ensure all eligible expenses are handled appropriately.

Our goal is to ensure that once you arrive in Guatemala, you can focus on serving, building relationships, and experiencing the ministry without worrying about unexpected costs.

Mission team members stay in a hotel located in Antigua Guatemala, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Central America.

Surrounded by volcanoes, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture, Antigua provides a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home base for mission teams throughout the week. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities while remaining just a short drive from the AOJ campus and ministry sites.

Team members stay in double-occupancy rooms and enjoy daily breakfast, comfortable accommodations, and access to nearby restaurants, cafés, shops, and local attractions. Transportation to and from all ministry activities is provided by AOJ staff.

Over the years, hundreds of mission team members have stayed in Antigua while serving with AOJ. Many describe it as one of the highlights of their experience, providing opportunities for fellowship, reflection, and experiencing the beauty of Guatemala while participating in meaningful ministry.

Specific hotel details may vary depending on team size and availability, but all accommodations are carefully selected by AOJ to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

Yes. Youth are welcome to participate in AOJ mission teams and often find the experience to be both meaningful and life-changing.

Participants who are 14 years of age or older may join a mission team. However, all team members between the ages of 14 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Mission trips provide young people with opportunities to serve others, grow in their faith, experience a different culture, and witness firsthand how God is working through the ministry in Guatemala.

If you have questions about youth participation, supervision requirements, or group travel, our team would be happy to discuss the details with you.

Yes! In fact, one of the highlights of many mission trips is meeting your sponsor child in person.

Sponsors typically have the opportunity to meet their child during the first few days of the trip, allowing time to build a personal connection, take photos, exchange greetings, and spend time together on campus.

For sponsors who would like a deeper experience, AOJ can often arrange a visit with the child's family. These visits provide a unique opportunity to learn more about your sponsor child's daily life, meet family members, and gain a greater understanding of the impact sponsorship is making.

Many sponsors describe meeting their child and family as one of the most meaningful and memorable moments of their entire mission trip.

No. Many of our mission team members do not speak any Spanish.

Throughout the week, AOJ provides translation services to help facilitate communication during ministry activities, outreach projects, church services, family visits, and interactions with students and staff. Our team will ensure that language is never a barrier to serving effectively or building meaningful relationships.

Of course, if you speak Spanish, you may find additional opportunities to connect with people directly. However, a willingness to serve, learn, and engage with others is far more important than knowing the language.

Many team members are surprised by how quickly friendships form through smiles, laughter, worship, prayer, and shared experiences—even when speaking different languages.

For many years, The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission welcomed mission teams to Haiti, providing opportunities to serve alongside our staff, students, and local communities.

Due to the ongoing political instability and deteriorating security situation within the country, AOJ made the difficult decision to pause all mission team travel to Haiti. The safety of our team members, staff, and visitors remains our highest priority.

While mission trips are currently not possible, our ministry in Haiti continues. Through the faithful work of our local staff, children continue to receive Christ-centred education, nutritious meals, vocational training opportunities, and ongoing spiritual support.

We continue to closely monitor the situation in Haiti and pray for the day when conditions improve and mission teams can once again serve alongside our Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ.

Until then, we invite supporters to continue standing with the people of Haiti through prayer, sponsorship, and financial support as the ministry faithfully continues its work.