Possible Pura Vida Mission Trip to Guatemala
Recently, a group met to explore the work of Pura Vida Ministries, a non-profit corporation which works to provide a better future for children and their families in Gustemala. The presentation was led by Laura and Mike Richards from St. Lukes’s UMC. Pura Vida takes groups to Guatemala on mission trips to help build simple houses (usually 2 rooms), and provide English lessons to children. They also have a sponsor program in which people can sponsor a student for $504.00 per year ($42/month) so that child can afford to attend school. Our UWF presently sponsor a student. Individuals can also donate to the Unsponsored Student Fund in any amount to aid those students who do not yet have a sponsor. If you would like more information on sponsorship or donations please contact Laura Richards at laura@puravida.org.
Pura Vida also has a nutrition program to provide healthy meals daily to children, and has a Christmas Milk Program in which people can purchase large containers of powdered milk to be given to families for Christmas. After the presentation last Sunday, the idea of a cooperative mission trip was discussed with Rev. Ashley Murphy from the Wesley Foundation, who was very excited about the possibility. We are discussing a Mt. View/Wesley Foundation mission trip with Pura Vida during the CU Spring Break in 2024. The cost per person will be $2,000 – 2,400 and fund-raising and scholarships will be available. We hope to have 20-25 people with two focus areas: teaching English to children or construction. Please contact Belinda Strickland (sbstrickland@mac.com) if you are interested in going on the trip!