2020
Tochi Buddies Update
The Tochimizolco Medical Mission was canceled due to the COVID-19 virus approximately a month before the team was scheduled to leave. The president of the Clinic Board doesn’t live in Tochi, and couldn’t tell us what the situation was there. Our prayer is that they are taking preventive measures and staying safe.
The team was very fortunate that American Airlines refunded the airfare completely and Blessings International where we purchase the majority of the medicine we take with us, allowed us to return the medicine for a full refund.
There have been a few Tochi Buddy/Ops donations and they can be returned if requested or stay in the account for the trip in 2021, God willing for the team to go. Money will be sent for additional medicine in Tochi should they need it to replace what we usually take for their on-going use. The usual quarterly support for the doctor, dentist and supplies has been sent and will continue to be sent. Thank you to all who support this mission in prayer and donations and to Grace Church for caring about the people of this small mountainous place in the world.
2020
Guatemala 2020 Summary and Photos
Pastor Cheryl, Carl Stoll, and John Moon from Grace UMC, along with 10 others from the Great Plains Conference, worked with Mission Guatemala at Chuisajpac, Guatemala from February 1-9, 2020. Their project was to build a retaining wall for a soccer/basketball field for the local school and community. Their tasks included tying rebar, laying blocks, and pouring concrete. During the week, they also visited a weaving coop, enjoyed a cultural presentation by a local Mayan group, played with the children of Chuisajpac, drank lots of locally grown coffee, and ate delicious food. Daily Devotions focused on John Wesley’s General Rules: ‘Do no harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.’ Everyone enjoyed the beauty, warm weather, and hospitality of the Guatemalan people.
2019
Adult Mission Trip to Guatemala in February, 2020
Take time away from the Kansas winter to participate on a mission team in the “land of eternal spring!”
Pastor Cheryl will be leading a mission team to Guatemala from February 1 to February 9, 2020. The team will work with Mission Guatemala, a faith-based nonprofit whose mission philosophy is based on John Wesley’s teaching: “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” The team is open to anyone who feels that their talents can be used by participating. Construction skills are needed, as well as unskilled, general laborers.
The approximate cost of the nine-day work trip is $1550. This covers airfare, local transportation, food, lodging, and most other trip-related expenses. Experience the beauty of Guatemala, and the hospitality, faith, and hope of the Guatemalan people. The team will be limited to 14 people, so sign up soon with a $150 deposit to secure your spot. Bring a check to the office, put in the offering plate, or bring it to Pastor Cheryl.
Please contact Pastor Cheryl with questions:
2019
Mission Opportunity – Tlancualpican, Mexico
Mission Team Opportunity – Give Ye Them To Eat, Tlancualpican, Mexico
Give Ye Them To Eat (GYTTE) is again hosting work teams and is looking for members from churches around the country. Grace Church has a long and blessed history with GYTTE and has had team members experience work and community with people of Mexico over the years. There are two possibilities for work experiences coming up this year that offer opportunities to understand the culture and reality of rural Mexico. The Mission Commission will sponsor Grace members who want to take advantage of one of these mission team experiences by paying 1/2 of the team fee and also the project cost. For more information about what each team will be doing, click on the link below to the letter outlining the activities and work. The dates are July 5-13 and November 29-December 7. To receive sponsorship from the Mission Commission, please contact Lois Waters at
2019
Tochi Buddies 30 Year Anniversary
This is an anniversary year for the medical and dental teams that have gone to Tochimizolco, Puebla, Mexico since 1989. Over those years more than 200 persons from what was First UMC and now Grace UMC have traveled to this remote village in central Mexico to take medical and dental ministry, but also the love of Christ in action. While changes have taken place that have improved life for many in that area, poverty is still the rule. Mexico has made many strides forward but the needs in the rural areas are still great.
The Medical and Dental Team to Tochimizolco brings with them a large quantity of medicine, which will supply our partner clinic for most of the year. If you would like to participate in providing medicine and care for patients, fill out the form below and see what a difference your gift could make.
If you would like to support the team with prayers and financial gifts, please print the form below. Attach your gift and return it to the church office or place in the offering plate. You may also pick up a form from the church office, or in one of the kiosk’s. Your team members will reap many benefits of God’s grace through your participation and you will be a valuable part of the team.
Some of the suggested ways you can give include:
Our portion of doctor’s salary $150/month x_______ = _______
Medicine stipend to clinic $90/month x_______ = _______
1000 Ibuprofen $18.50 x_______ = _______
Antibiotic treatment $10.40/child x_______ = _______
1000 Multivitamin $16.25 x_______ = _______
Medicine cost during caravan $750/day x_______ = _______
Reading glasses $12/4 pack x_______ = _______
Prescription glasses $36/6 pair x_______ = _______
All costs shown are estimates.
Donations for items in excess of need will be used for other needs.
Please make checks payable to GUMC and write ‘TOCHI’ in the memo line. Attach this form with your check and put it in the offering plate or return to the church office.
2019
International Volunteer in Mission Opportunity
Each year, Pastor Cheryl leads a mission work team to assist Mission Guatemala in San Andres Semetebaj and surrounding communities. Mission Guatemala Inc. is a faith based 501©3 non-profit organization with a mission to help meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of under-served and impoverished Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and missionary service. The 9 day trip is scheduled in early February and is limited to 12 persons. Construction skills are needed, as well as unskilled, general laborers. Volunteers need a flexible personality, a sense of humor, and an open heart to share and receive God’s love with people of a different culture. For more information about the 2020 trip, please contact Pastor Cheryl.
2019
Mission Guatemala Recap and Photos!
Pastor Cheryl and Nancy Brooks from Grace UMC, along with 10 others from the Great Plains Conference, worked with Mission Guatemala at San Andres Semetebaj from February 2nd-10th. Their project was to finish construction on a Teachers Meeting Center for the town and district. Their tasks included stuccoing, laying tile, sanding, and constructing doors. One day they also helped serve snacks at a local elementary school. Daily Devotions focused on John Wesley’s General Rules: ‘Do no harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God.’ Everyone enjoyed the beauty (and warm weather) and the hospitality of the Guatemalan people.
