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  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.

Purpose & Focus

Each missionary is challenged to take ownership of their faith journey and ministry involvement. 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.

We conduct:

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

Service Opportunities

The Mérida team also 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 at-risk youth
• 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.

Leadership & Personal Growth

This trip invites participants to step in, take initiative, and grow through hands-on leadership and service. Each team member contributes by sharing their story, leading or assisting with small lessons or activities, helping plan programs, and using their unique gifts—whether that’s teaching, music, organization, creativity, encouragement, or practical service.

Throughout the week, participants are encouraged to build meaningful relationships by mentoring someone and learning from someone else on the team. By serving together and learning from local leaders, participants develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Many return home more confident in their ability to lead, serve others, and make a lasting difference in their own communities.

Why Mérida Matters

The Mérida trip represents 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 can prepare you to impact your church, community, and the nations.

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.

I’m a Parent – Learn More

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, helping your teen serve safely, purposefully, and faithfully.

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
• HRS True Hope does not provide chaperones, parents must coordinate with youth pastors or other trusted adults who wish to attend and chaperone.
• 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..

Preparation & Communication

• Parents are invited to attend:
• Interest Meeting – April 12th
• 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

How Can I Support This Trip?

Traveling to Mérida is just one way to make an eternal impact. Here are meaningful ways you can support what God is doing:

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

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.



 Consider coming with us to Mérida.

Give: Provide a Roof for a Family in Need

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.

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.

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.

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.