San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

San Pedro La Laguna is home primarily to the Tz’utujil Maya, a people group with deep cultural identity, strong community ties, and a long history of resilience. While the town is known internationally for tourism, many local families continue to face economic hardship, limited employment opportunities, and ongoing challenges related to nutrition and safe drinking water—especially in underserved neighborhoods and surrounding rural areas.

Access to consistent clean water is a pressing concern. Many households rely on aging infrastructure, seasonal rainfall, or untreated water sources, increasing health risks for children and the elderly. Food insecurity also affects families, particularly those dependent on subsistence farming or informal labor, making it difficult to provide consistent, nutritious meals year-round.

Spiritually, the community reflects a blend of Catholic tradition, Evangelical Christianity, and indigenous beliefs, often shaped more by inherited practice than personal engagement with Scripture. Local churches are present and active, yet often lack the resources, personnel, and outside support needed to reach children and families most effectively. This creates a strong opportunity for short-term teams to come alongside—not to replace local leadership, but to strengthen and support what God is already doing through the local church.