🇬🇹 The Forgotten People
Mission Trip Rules & Guidelines
Welcome to Guatemala and to our home. We are deeply honored that you’ve chosen to come serve alongside us. This is not just a mission trip — it’s an opportunity to love, to serve, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to children who have come from unimaginable circumstances.
Please remember: you are stepping into our home, not just a mission project. Every space, every child, and every moment here is sacred. We ask that you treat our home as you would a friend’s home — with care, humility, and gratitude.
These guidelines exist not to restrict you, but to protect you, the children, and the ministry that God has built here.
1. House & Respect Guidelines
Our orphanage is a living, working home. Please respect daily routines, clean up after yourself, and follow leadership instructions.
Remain humble, teachable, and flexible throughout your trip.
While rare, if a rule is broken or a serious concern arises, our ministry reserves the right to make decisions that may include asking a participant to return to Guatemala City and travel home.
This decision would never be made out of anger or punishment, but from wisdom, love, and a desire to protect the unity, safety, and integrity of the home.
2. Understanding Our Team
Each member of our orphanage staff plays a unique, God-given role. Some express love through gentleness and nurturing, while others show love through structure, correction, and discipline.
Please understand — both are equally loving and necessary.
Strong structure provides safety, healing, and growth for our children. Every rule, every correction, and every hug is done prayerfully with their best interest at heart.
3. Child Safety & Boundaries
Never be alone with a child. Always have another adult or team member present.
No child should ever sit on your lap, for any reason. This protects both you and the child.
Avoid favoritism or isolating individual children — each one deserves equal love and attention.
When giving out gifts (candy, toys, etc.), make sure every child receives something.
Avoid rough play, chasing, or tickling — certain behaviors may trigger trauma responses.
Always interact with gentleness, patience, and love.
Please note that 96% of our children have been either sexually abused, physically abused or emotionally abused in some way shape or form.
Please note: There are security cameras throughout the orphanage, including common areas, outdoor spaces, and hallways. These are in place to protect both the children and our visitors. Cameras ensure safety, accountability, and transparency for everyone within the home.
4. Focus of the Mission
Please don’t focus on what your calling is or what your specific job might be.
Simply loving the children is more powerful than any skill or title.
Even if you don’t know the language, your presence, your smile, and your kindness speak louder than words.
God doesn’t need your ability — He desires your availability.
So, relax. Be present. Spend time with the children. Sit with them. Listen. Laugh. Love. That’s ministry at its purest.
5. Privacy & Media Policy
You may take photos and videos, but please blur the children’s faces before posting publicly.
Do not use names or share personal stories online.
Do not tag the orphanage or ministry location in any post.
If you’re unsure about sharing something, ask leadership first.
6. Financial Integrity & Promises
If you feel led to give financially or help with a project, please talk with leadership first.
Do not make personal promises or financial commitments directly to children, staff, or families.
All giving should go through the orphanage’s financial leadership to ensure transparency and fairness.
7. Dress Code & Personal Conduct
Dress modestly at all times. Avoid low-cut, tight, or short clothing.
No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco of any kind.
No romantic relationships or public displays of affection.
Respect nightly curfews and team schedules.
Always conduct yourself in a way that honors Jesus and protects the integrity of our ministry.
8. Safety, Travel & Packing
Always stay with your group — never wander off alone.
Do not give personal contact information to locals or children.
Please bring a debit card for ATM withdrawals.
Carrying large amounts of cash is unsafe and currency exchange is expensive.
Internet is available at the orphanage for family communication.
Pack light. We recommend bringing one personal bag and one small backpack only.
We can wash clothes in Guatemala as needed.
Packing light helps us travel efficiently, avoid delays, and prevent luggage from being lost or delayed by airlines.
9. Timeliness & Team Coordination
We ask that everyone be respectful and mindful of time during your stay.
When leadership gives a time to meet, depart, or gather for meals, please make every effort to be punctual.
Transportation in Guatemala often relies on tight schedules and coordinated travel plans.
Being late can cause unnecessary delays, confusion, and even additional costs for the group.
Arriving early is a sign of respect for your team and for those who serve and drive us throughout our time here.
Please be ready at designated times and help ensure that we move together in unity, peace, and excellence.
10. Emergency Funds & Medical Needs
Our ministry will always assist and guide you in emergencies, but each participant is responsible for their own medical, travel, or emergency expenses during the trip.
We recommend that every participant have access to at least $1,000 as a personal emergency fund.
This does not need to be in cash — just available on your debit or credit card in case of:
Illness or injury
Travel delays
Medical treatment or evacuation
Unexpected lodging or transportation costs
Please note: The Forgotten People and its affiliates are not financially responsible for any medical, personal, or travel-related emergencies during your trip.
11. Health & Emotional Well-Being
If you begin feeling unwell — whether physically or mentally — please confidentially speak with leadership immediately.
We are here to support and care for you. Do not try to push through sickness, exhaustion, or emotional heaviness on your own.
We love you, and we want to ensure that both your health and spirit are cared for throughout the trip.
12. Flexibility & Unity
Guatemala can be unpredictable — plans, schedules, and weather often change quickly.
Please stay flexible, patient, and full of grace.
Mission work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but we ask that you fight for unity above all.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
If conflict or tension arises, handle it privately, prayerfully, and with love.
13. Spiritual Focus
This trip is about presence, not performance.
Spend time daily in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving.
Encourage one another. Let everything you do reflect the heart of Jesus.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” — Ephesians 6:7
14. Liability Acknowledgment
By participating in this mission trip, you acknowledge that The Forgotten People, its directors, volunteers, staff, and affiliates are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, theft, loss of property, or other incidents that may occur during your travel or stay in Guatemala.
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. You agree to hold harmless and release The Forgotten People and all affiliated entities and individuals from any liability related to participation in this mission trip.
15. Emergency Contact Information
If your family or friends need to reach you while you are in Guatemala in the case of an emergency only, they may contact:
Kyle Ewald
📞 Phone: +1 (214) 886-2995
📧 Email: kh@helloewald.com
This phone number is active and fully functional while in Guatemala. Calls and texts will go directly through to Kyle, and he will relay any urgent messages as needed.
16. Becoming an Advocate
Our prayer is that when you step into our home, you don’t just come for a week — you leave as an advocate.
We pray that your heart will be moved to continue serving and supporting our children long after you return home.
We also pray that you become a voice — someone who tells your friends, family, and church about the work God is doing here, inviting them to get involved as well.
We need your support more than you may ever know. The Bible tells us that “when you care for the orphan and the widow, He will reward you.” — James 1:27
So we are unashamed in asking: please continue to pray, to give, and to help us sustain this home. Together, we can change generations.
Final Word
We are so grateful for your willingness to serve. By being here, you are now part of our family.
You don’t need to have all the answers or special skills — you just need to love well.
Together, we will continue to fight for the orphan, share the love of Jesus, and bring hope to Guatemala — one heart, one smile, one child at a time.