See a Need. Meet a Need.

While serving alongside his team, Blaise witnessed firsthand the needs of the local church. One moment, in particular, stayed with him - seeing how many people were sharing a single bathroom at the church. That experience led him to ask a simple question, What can I do to help?

While still on the trip, he created a GoFundMe with a goal of raising $10,000 to help improve the church’s facilities. When asked what inspired him, Blaise shared: “I would say the main reason is just because knowing how many people were down there that were sharing one bathroom for one church… it inspired me that I could do something to help. With this money, they can have five bathrooms. Guatemala is just such a special place to me. Being there will leave a mark on me forever.”

In just five days, Blaise not only reached his goal, he surpassed it, raising an incredible $11,575!

Yesterday, the Guatemala team had the opportunity to share this exciting news with the church’s pastor and his family during a Zoom call. Their response was filled with so much gratitude. With heartfelt “mucho gracias,” they expressed how much this gift means not only for their church, but for their entire family and community. The pastor described it as a true blessing!

Blaise’s story is a reminder of what can happen when students take what they experience on mission trips and act on it in real time. He has been able to make a tangible difference with the help of our Hartfield community and some outside as well!