This summer, St. Cuthbert and St. Thomas youth hit the road for their very first international mission trip. Eleven youth and five adults from both Episcopal Churches, spent six nights and seven days near Guatemala City serving with Praying Pelican Missions, an organization dedicated to “churches helping churches”.
The mission included support for a vibrant women’s ministry, food distribution, and providing cleaning supplies for families in need. Some of those served were members of the church, while others were not believers, yet all were welcomed with prayer, love, and care.
From the moment they landed, the trip was full of unforgettable moments. The group jumped into ministry: worshiping with local congregations, celebrating baptisms at a water park, and even handing out food and hot drinks outside three downtown hospitals, where families often wait for days in the open air for news of loved ones. The youth also led Vacation Bible School, shared in prayer, and took to the streets for evangelism.
For Sally Mahon, Ministry Coordinator & Youth Minister, the greatest joy was watching transformation in the youth themselves:
“The biggest adventure was watching young people open their hearts and widen their horizons. For some, it was their very first flight; for all, it was a chance to see faith lived out in powerful, unexpected ways.”
Even the language barrier became a blessing. Youth worked hard to speak Spanish while the local community tried English. By the end of the trip, the students were confidently saying “Dios los bendiga” (“God bless you”) to neighbors and new friends. What began as nervousness on both sides turned into shared laughter, learning, and connection. A living reminder that God’s Spirit speaks across all languages.
The Guatemala trip was made possible thanks to the generosity of St. Cuthbert community. The church supported about half of the travel costs for each participant, and funds raised through last year’s International Festival also contributed. At that event, the youth hosted a Guatemala booth, sharing traditional food and drinks. A taste of the mission that became real this summer.
This journey opened eyes and hearts. It showed the youth that God’s presence is alive in every culture, every family, and every act of kindness. They returned home not only with memories, but with a deeper understanding of what it means to serve Christ in the world.
Looking Ahead: 20th Anniversary
St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church is a vibrant multicultural community, with members representing more than 20 different countries. Each year, the congregation celebrates its diversity with the International Festival, an event that has become a beloved tradition of faith, food, and fellowship.
The festival features booths highlighting food, music, and traditions from around the world. Children receive a “passport” and collect stamps as they visit each booth, learning about cultures while celebrating unity in Christ. Highlights include a fashion show of traditional dress, national anthems, and a joyful atmosphere that honors the beauty of God’s creation in its many forms.
This year, St. Cuthbert is preparing for a milestone: their 20th Anniversary of the International Festival, taking place on Saturday, November 8.
For two decades, this celebration has showcased what makes St. Cuthbert unique: a community that is beautifully diverse and joyfully united in Christ. Church members describe it as a gift to worship in a community where people from so many cultures come together as one family.
As one parishioner shared:
“It is incredible to have a church with people who are so different but who come together as one in Christ. The International Festival is our opportunity to share this gift with the wider community.”
All are invited to join this year’s milestone festival.
stechurchhouston Here is a video recap of our mission trip to Guatemala with @stc_youth ! Thank you @ppmguatemala for an amazing week full of fellowship, worship, and love. 🤩
