Why Yucatán?

Yucatán's rich cultural and religious heritage stands in striking contrast with the socioeconomic challenges many face—poverty, labor informality, and limited access to social benefits. HRS True Hope’s support of these local ministers and their grassroots programs not only addresses urgent needs (food security, vulnerable children, elderly care) but also honors and uplifts the deep-rooted traditions, language, and community resilience of the Maya and broader Yucatecan population.

Economy:

The Yucatán Peninsula, anchored by the state of Yucatán, is a place of profound cultural fusion. It boasts the highest concentration of indigenous (primarily Mayan) language speakers in Mexico and reflects a deep intertwining of Maya and Spanish heritages. The region faces persistent economic challenges—Yucatán state has roughly 38.8% of its population living in poverty, while neighboring Campeche leads with 45.1% (The Campeche Post). A significant portion of the working population (around 57%) is engaged in informal economy roles, with 36% living in labor poverty—unable to afford basic nutritional needs (The Yucatan Times). However, there have been notable efforts to reduce poverty: between 2020 and 2022, approximately 236,684 people were lifted from poverty, with extreme poverty dropping from 21.3% to 10.2% (The Yucatan Times).

Religion & Beliefs:

Catholicism predominates today, yet Protestant denominations such as Baptist and Presbyterian are significant, and Maya spiritual traditions remain vibrant in many communities(lifepersona.com).

Language:

Yucatec Maya persists in rural areas and communities, preserving ancestral identity through daily communication(Visit Mexico).

Material & Food Culture:

Artisans produce pottery, textiles, masks, and other crafts honoring Mayan ancestry (lifepersona.com). Gastronomy blends native ingredients like achiote, pumpkin seeds, chaya, and bitter orange with European influences, resulting in iconic dishes such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, papadzules, queso relleno, and sopa de lima (Visit Mexico, lifepersona.com, Wikipedia, yucamexico.com, UNESCO, Reddit). The ancient earth-oven cooking method (píib) remains a cultural staple during communal feasts (Wikipedia). Unique offerings like Melipona honey, produced by stingless bees, reflect Mayan wellness traditions (Food & Wine).

Cultural Landscape:

The Yucatán is dotted with cenotes—sacred natural sinkholes used for ceremonial and spiritual purposes since Mayan times—and beautiful preserved archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá (Condé Nast Traveler, El País, Wikipedia).

Our Ministry Partners

Fabian & Deysi (Iglesia El Shaddai) from Quintana Roo, now in Izamal—near Mérida, run children’s and youth programs, and the "Special Forces El Shaddai" leadership initiative. Established three church plants, reach out to Mayan communities, and are piloting an elderly living center. Collaborate with a local seminary, the Baptist Convention, and East-West Ministries.

Mauricio & Dani (Alas Al Vuelo AC) Serve children affected by domestic abuse. During the pandemic, distributed food in underserved neighborhoods. Founded two churches, each serving ~60 families.

Armando & Nicte These pastors are very connected and well established in Mérida, and were our original connection to the area. In addition to their own church, they work with men in an addiction recovery center and their families. (Nicte and Jackie, True Hope's President, are pictured).

Luisito & Wendy Pastors of a young church with a unique demographic. Their members are primarily ages 18-35. (Pictured: Luisito, Wendy, and their  Wednesday night home church service).

Bianca Sosa (Iglesia La Familia) Bios coming soon.

Marisol Dzib (Iglesia de Tekit) Bios coming soon.

Service Opportunities

Love in Action

Purpose & Focus

The Mérida trip builds upon the foundation of service and discipleship learned in Piedras Negras.
Here, participants move from serving within structure to leading within purpose.
Each missionary is challenged to take ownership of their faith journey and ministry involvement.

We conduct:

• Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Discipleship Programs
• Family Discipleship Training
• Community Testimony and Teaching Sessions

Participants share their personal stories, teach simple discipleship lessons, and help facilitate small-group conversations, games, and crafts designed to grow the local church body.

Service Opportunities

In addition to teaching and discipleship, the Mérida team engages in hands-on acts of service that bless the community and model the gospel:

• Installing metal roofs for widows and orphans
• Supporting children’s ministries through crafts, lessons, and games
• Assisting nonprofits that help victims of domestic violence
• Participating in outreach programs for those in recovery from addiction
• Ministering to Mayan communities through evangelism and cultural engagement

Each act of service opens doors for spiritual conversations and deepens the discipleship experience for both participants and those they serve.

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👉 [How Will I Serve?]
👉 [Is This Trip Right for Me?]

Purpose and Leadership development

From Serving to Leading

Highlight discipleship expectations and leadership growth.

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👉 [Discipleship Expectations]
👉 [Apply / Express Interest]

Discipleship in Action

Spiritual Growth and Leadership Development

This trip calls for intentional preparation and active participation.
Each team member is expected to:

• Share their testimony publicly or in small groups
• Prepare a short discipleship lesson or training based on what God has been teaching them
• Take initiative — noticing needs, leading activities, and filling downtime with meaningful, Spirit-led interaction
• Help plan programs, including schedules, rotations, snacks, and group divisions to maximize impact
• Use personal gifts (teaching, singing, prayer, service, creativity, administration, encouragement, etc.)
• Identify and invest in one person to disciple and seek discipleship from one person during the trip

This approach mirrors Christ’s model of discipleship—walking alongside others in intentional relationship and shared mission.

Skills & Spiritual Outcomes

Participants grow in practical ministry and spiritual maturity through:

• Leadership and program planning
• Public speaking and teaching
• Testimony sharing
• Mentorship and peer discipleship
• Cross-cultural communication
• Initiative and problem-solving
• Humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit
• Servant leadership and teamwork

By the end of the trip, participants return home more confident in their ability to lead, disciple others, and live out the gospel wherever God calls them.

Spiritual Growth Expectations

What We Ask of Every Team Member

Use checklist format for:

• Testimony
• Teaching
• Discipleship
• Initiative

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👉 [Prepare My Heart for Missions]
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Why Merida Matters

Why Mérida Matters

Short, emotional close:

Mérida is where disciples become disciple-makers—prepared to impact their churches, communities, and the nations.

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👉 [Say Yes to the Mission]
👉 [Start the Conversation]

Why Mérida Matters

The Mérida trip represents the next step in HRS True Hope’s discipleship journey—a movement from participation to leadership, from learning to teaching, and from serving to multiplying.

This mission empowers believers to:

• Take ownership of their faith
• Lead others through discipleship
• Serve the vulnerable and share the gospel cross-culturally
• Experience God’s power through obedience and community

In short, Mérida is where disciples become disciple-makers, prepared to impact their church, community, and the nations.

Trip Details at a Glance

• Dates: July 27th-August 1st
• Cost: $800 + Airfare ($1300-$1500)
• Deadline: Sign Up by June 1st
• Meetings: April 12th, June 6th, July 26th

Packing and Preparation

Check airline information for specifics related to your flight and ticket type

• Carry-on and Personal *combined* cannot exceed 10kg (22 lbs)
• SIZE limit: 21.5 inches x 15.7 inches x 10 inches per piece
• Briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs, etc., are all classified as personal items, and should be able to fit beneath the cabin seats
• Check-in bag must weigh under 25kg (52.5 lbs)!
• Overweight or extra bag fees will have to be paid by the individual

You will be living out of your luggage (i.e. nowhere to store or hang your stuff), so pack accordingly. We suggest packing your clothes by outfit/day in Ziploc bags and compressing out the air. This saves space and makes it easier to find/unpack. And, you can store your dirty clothes back in the Ziploc bag.

Clothing

• Clothing material should be lightweight or dry-fit.
• Women should wear dresses that cover knees, no spaghetti straps, conservative look.
• Men may wear long shorts during the day, but must change to long pants for evening church.
• There will be a fair amount of walking, so we recommend good walking, closed-toe shoes. Sandals are fine, even at church services
• Good Socks
• Swimsuits for the hotel pool - Keep them modest
• Pajamas, suitable for public viewing
• Hat/baseball cap

Essential Items

• Passport - Passport/Travel wallets are good idea
• Copy of passport - Keep in separate bag from your actual passport
• Travelers insurance card
• Bible
• Portable fan with extra batteries (or USB)
• Strong Flashlight with extra batteries
• Toiletries (small travel bottles best)
• Toilet Paper 
• Soap - Liquid soap in travel bottles work best
• Personal wash cloth and towel
• Small thin towels best for packing (camp towel)
• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito Repellant
• Anti-itch medication (Chiggerex)
• Liquid Hand Sanitizer
• Small travel bottles are good to carry around with you
• Prescription medicines in a labeled container
• OTC medication/supplements
• Pepto-Bismol / Cipro - Better safe than sorry, act sooner than later
• Water Bottle(s)
• Glasses or Contacts - Bring an extra set of contacts
• Cleaning solution and storage case for contacts
• If you have anything with batteries bring extras
• First aid kit/band aids/blister kit
• Pre-moist towelettes - Great for washing hands, etc. when there is no running water for washing
• Small mirror for shaving, etc.
• Chargers/cables for electronic devices

Optional (but recommended) Items

• Journal (You will be very sorry if you don’t write things down as you go… really)
• Pen (What good is a journal without a pen?)
• Ear plugs 
• Rain poncho, rain jacket (light weight is best)
• Long sleeve shirt/jacket/sweater for plane and/or rainy days
• Small snacks
• If nothing else, your stomach will welcome food that it is used to
• Pictures of family and friends - The kids in particular are very excited to see any pictures you have of you and your family (and for those that have been there before, pictures of them). Try to learn the Spanish phrases for your family as well.
• Travel Pillow - inflatable camp pillow)
• Pillow case (or 2) and sheets (mummy sheet)
• Electrolyte drink powders
• Coffee mug

Have Questions?

Click one of the following links or send an email to our trip leader, Haley Johnson.

Hey, Parents!

We understand that sending your teenager on an international mission trip is a big decision.

Hey, Partners!

Some supporters can't make the trip. You don’t have to travel to Mérida to make an eternal impact.

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Headline:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Text:
The Mérida Mission Trip is in the planning stages. Space is limited, and preparation begins early.

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👉 [Email Us to Get Started]
👉 [I’m Interested in Mérida 2026]

Email:
📩 hwhatley00@gmail.com

I’m a Parent – Learn More

Helping Your Teen Serve Safely, Purposefully, and Faithfully

We understand that sending your teenager on an international mission trip is a big decision. Our heart is to partner with parents by providing clear structure, strong leadership, and intentional discipleship every step of the way.

Who Can Attend?

• Students must be at least 15 years old
• All participants (including minors) must complete:
• A signed waiver
• Required training and preparation meetings

Supervision & Safety

• Chaperone-to-student ratio: 1 adult for every 3 students
• Adult leaders are experienced, vetted, and actively involved throughout the trip
• Students are never left alone and always minister in teams
• Mérida is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, and we partner exclusively with trusted local ministries and churches

What Will My Teen Be Doing?

Your teen won’t just observe ministry—they’ll be equipped and guided to:

• Serve alongside local churches and ministries
• Participate in discipleship and leadership development
• Share their testimony in age-appropriate settings
• Grow spiritually through service, teaching, and reflection

This trip is designed to help students own their faith, not borrow someone else’s.

Preparation & Communication

• Parents are invited to attend:
• Interest Meeting – March 28
• FAQ & Training Meeting – June 6
• Clear packing guidelines and expectations are provided
• Team leaders are available before, during, and after the trip for questions or concerns

Our Promise to Parents

We commit to:

• Prioritizing safety, discipleship, and spiritual growth
• Communicating clearly and honestly
• Treating your teen as a valued member of the mission—not a bystander

📩 Questions? Email us anytime: hwhatley00@gmail.com

How Can I Support This Trip?

There Are Many Ways to Be Part of the Mission

You don’t have to travel to Mérida to make an eternal impact. Here are meaningful ways you can support what God is doing:

💒 Give: Provide a Roof for a Widow

Many widows in Mérida live in extreme conditions without safe roofing.

• $400 provides one complete metal roof
• Roofing projects offer both practical help and gospel opportunity
• Every roof is installed in partnership with local churches

👉 Your generosity provides safety, dignity, and hope.

🌍 Go: Join the Mission Team

We need willing, servant-hearted people to come and serve.

You don’t need to be a pastor or expert—just faithful and available.

We need help with:

• Children’s ministry
• Discipleship
• Construction and service projects
• Logistics and support roles

👉 Consider coming with us to Mérida.

📚 Send Curriculum & Teaching Resources

We are actively seeking biblical, culturally adaptable teaching materials for:

• Recovering alcoholics
• Children and youth
• Young families
• Women’s discipleship
• Pastoral training and leadership development

If you have curriculum, lessons, or resources you’re willing to share, we’d love to review them.

🧵 Support a Special Mayan Outreach Project

We are developing a unique outreach initiative using traditional Mayan artisanal crafts to build relationships and provide opportunity.

We are seeking support in:

• Sewing
• Embroidery
• Weaving
• Crochet
• Artisanal skill training

This project honors Mayan culture while opening doors for discipleship and economic empowerment.

🚗 Serve as a Driver

We need confident, responsible drivers willing to:

• Drive rental vehicles
• Transport team members and supplies
• Assist with daily logistics

If you’re comfortable driving internationally, this is a vital role.

📩 Interested in supporting in any of these ways?
Email us at hwhatley00@gmail.com and tell us how you’d like to help.

Pray for the Mérida Team

Pray for Wisdom & Connections

• That God would guide us as we form new relationships
• That He would strengthen existing partnerships
• That the Lord would connect us with the right people at the right time

Pray for Safe Travel

• Mérida is a very safe city, and we are grateful for that
• We still ask for traveling mercies, health, and smooth transitions

Pray for Vision & Direction

• This will be our second trip to Mérida
• Pray for clarity about where God is leading this program long-term
• That we would walk in obedience and humility as the mission grows

Pray for Prepared Hearts

• That God would prepare our hearts and minds
• That He would also prepare the hearts of the people we will encounter
• That every conversation would be led by the Holy Spirit

Pray for Discernment, Love & Growth

• That our team would serve with wisdom and compassion
• That relationships would be built on genuine love
• That both the team and local believers would grow spiritually

Pray for People to Join the Mission

• Pray that as many people as God desires would join us
• That no one God is calling would hesitate out of fear or uncertainty

 Thank you for standing with us in prayer. Your prayers go where we cannot.