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Earthquake Response - July 2025: Faith in the Midst of Crisis

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:12:46 GMT

Faith in the Midst of Crisis

In July 2025, a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Guatemala, centered near our community in Santa María de Jesús. The impact was immediate and devastating; many families in our program saw their homes—often built from traditional adobe and cinderblock—severely damaged or collapsed. In the face of this disaster, Steps of Hope shifted immediately from our usual education efforts to emergency relief. Our local team spent the initial days in the community assessing the safety of our students, providing emotional support, and delivering essential supplies to those who had lost everything. Many of our own staff suffered harrowing experiences in the initial event but quickly turned to helping their neighbors!

Immediate Relief & Community Support

Beyond the physical destruction, the event caused significant trauma for the children, many of whom were terrified by the ongoing aftershocks. Thanks to the overwhelming responsiveness of our US community, we were able to provide emergency food kits, clean water, and temporary shelter materials. Our focus remained on ensuring that no child in our program went hungry or unsheltered while the town began the long, difficult process of clearing debris.

A Legacy of Generosity

The outpouring of support following the quake was nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to your donations, we raised an amazing $23,000 for relief efforts. Spurred on by that momentum, we received an additional $10,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

These combined funds allowed us to provide more than 100 families—nearly 500 residents—with weekly deliveries of essential food and water through the end of 2025. This crisis served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of our

Guatemalan staff and the strength of our global partners. It is a wonderful

example of God turning tragedy into hope. Thank you to each and every one of you who responded in this extra time of need.

Family & Staff Update: When will Jessalyn be back in the US?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:08:06 GMT

Many of you have asked when we might see Jessalyn back at our home churches in person. While she is eager to reconnect, the logistics of international travel currently present some significant challenges.

The family has been blessed with much growth! Vanessa turns three this August, and Eisaac will be a year-and-a-half old. Traveling with two small children is a major undertaking—and it’s made more complex because the U.S. Government has not yet approved Manolo’s travel visa.

The family remains hopeful that these administrative hurdles will be resolved soon, allowing them all to visit together. In the meantime, Jessalyn and Manolo are deeply grateful for your continued prayers and patience. They look forward to the day they can introduce their growing family to the community that has supported them so faithfully.

Full Circle: Students Becoming Leaders

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:33:32 GMT

One of the most gratifying developments this year is watching our mission come full circle. Our original program participants—once young children in our classrooms—are now high schoolers and young adults.

Inspiring, too, these students are stepping up to lead Bible school activities for the younger children. Watching them transition from students to mentors proves we are nurturing future leaders. They are a true blessing and a living example of the fruit of your long-term support and God’s hope.