Mission Teams
Loving God & Loving Others
History
Believing in God’s Word and Spirit
The student ministry of Friendship Baptist Church had been involved in numerous mission trips since the late 1980’s when our Student Minister Doug Chappelle led teams to Mexico for several consecutive years. In the early 1990’s we focused more on home missions, with trips to several States, and even by working in South Mobile County which is our little corner of the world.
However, after a time of prayer, we felt the need to expose our students to international missions. In 1993 and 1994 we had a few folks go with Evangelist Johnny Tucker and his organization, IMA, to the Philippines and that only increased our desire to be personally involved in international missions going. Those trips were a blessing but it did not seem feasible to get parents to allow their teens to take such a long trip.
We contacted Evangelist Danny Lafferty as we knew that he did much mission work in Guatemala through his organization, DLEA. DLEA owned a house in Pastores, Guatemala, and Danny led teams several times each year. So, in April of 1999, we boarded a Continental flight in New Orleans, Louisiana, and headed south with thirty something students and chaperones. That week proved to be a life changing week for many of us individually and for the Friendship family collectively. We can never say “thank you” enough to Danny Lafferty for allowing us to be involved in that initial trip. Looking back, that was the birth of GRACE Ministries, but little did we know what God had in store for us.
As our students and chaperones came home with changed lives, it peaked the interest in several other members of the Friendship family. We had folks join Danny for the September and November trips in 1999 and that would continue through 2000 and lasted until July of 2001.
Mission Teams
Molding Believers, Influencing the World
Mission teams arriving in Guatemala partner with Grace Ministries to bring hope and tangible transformation to communities in need. Volunteers construct safe, durable homes for families lacking basic shelter and organize food drives that distribute provisions throughout local communities.
Free medical clinics—staffed by visiting volunteers alongside local professionals—offer health screenings, basic treatments, and compassionate care. Vacation Bible School programs engage neighborhood children through songs, stories, and crafts, introducing them to Christ’s love. Teams serve breakfast at Colegio J.E.T. and support ministries ensuring every child receives physical nourishment and spiritual encouragement.
Each home built, meal shared, and lesson taught reflects the compassionate heart of Christ in action.
Mission House
Molding Believers, Influencing the World
G.R.A.C.E. Ministries was established with the vision to provide a place for short-term mission teams to be able to rest while ministering throughout the communities in Guatemala. The house allows for the team to have a place to worship, gather for a meal, and sleep comfortably regardless of their ages. The mission house has 8 rooms with 5 beds in each and private bathrooms. The house is able to sleep 40 people in addition to having a large kitchen and meeting area. After a long day of serving in Guatemala, the team can return to the mission house to enjoy the beautiful view, hot showers, and spacious land.
If you are interested in reserving the house please contact Teddy Turrentine at
[/cm
Make an Eternal Difference
Molding Believers, Influencing the World
Do you want to be part of changing the lives of others? Do you want to see God use you to do amazing things? Do you want to see the lives transformed by serving others? We invite you to participate in hosting a group to serve in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Contact Teddie Turrentine at tcturrentine@gmail.com for more information.
“Partnering with GRACE ministries in Guatemala has been life-changing. The opportunity has truly opened our eyes to the power of service while deepening our faith, and showing our students and adults what it truly means to be on mission for Christ. Going to Guatemala has changed the way we see service and missions. Watching our students step out of their comfort zones and serve others so freely has been an amazing experience for all of us here at Thelma Baptist Church.” BJ Parson, Student & Missions Minister at Thelma Baptist Church
