In 2024, New Life International responded swiftly to a humanitarian crisis that unfolded in Northern Guatemala. Over 1,500 people from the southern Mexico border, fled south into Guatemala in search of refuge after escalating violence between drug cartels and other criminal factions forced them to leave their homes. As the situation worsened, New Life International, led by regional and global teams, was able to provide immediate relief, bringing both physical and spiritual aid to displaced families in the region.
Leo Jimenez, Regional Manager of Latin America for New Life International, shared the urgency of the situation: “The violence between criminal organizations in southern Mexico had reached a breaking point, and within hours, over 1,500 people crossed the border into Northern Guatemala. These families fled with mostly the clothes on their backs and with children in tow were in desperate need of basic necessities, including food, shelter, and most urgently—safe water. As a ministry committed to responding to crises, we were able to mobilize quickly with our partners on the ground.“
In this time of intense need, the challenge was to ensure that they had access to life-saving water and other resources. New Life’s water purification systems became critical in this effort. Although the region was filled with floodwaters, the need for clean drinking water remained paramount, as existing local water sources were contaminated and the host community in Guatemala was barely able to provide for its own needs. With the support of New Life’s purification units, 10 communities in Northern Guatemala received safe water, benefiting over 10,000 people.
Mark Estes, Director of New Life Ministries, emphasized the significance of working with local partners in these types of emergencies: “Our approach is always collaborative. In this case, we worked closely with local churches and community leaders to coordinate logistics and ensure that those in need had access to water and other support services. By providing safe drinking water, we not only addressed the immediate crisis but also helped local churches open their doors to care for those displaced, offering food, safe refuge and a sense of hope in a time of despair.“
The humanitarian response also involved offering shelter to the displaced families. Local churches, with support from New Life, took in those fleeing violence, providing refuge and comfort as the situation unfolded. Many families had to leave everything behind, but the local church and community partners gave them more than just physical shelter—they gave them hope.
Leo Jimenez continued, “The church in Guatemala has been incredible in stepping up and responding to this crisis. These churches not only gave physical shelter, but they also gave the people what they needed most in this time—spiritual refuge. We are so thankful for their partnership and their unwavering commitment to the Gospel in the midst of this crisis.”
Mark Estes echoed this sentiment, adding, “Our goal is always to go beyond immediate relief. We want to create long-term, sustainable partnerships that empower local communities to be agents of change. Whether it’s providing life-saving water or helping communities rebuild, the partnership with the local church is always at the heart of our work.”
Through New Life’s rapid response, these displaced families were able to receive not only the necessary humanitarian aid but also spiritual support through prayer, scripture and encouragement as they began to rebuild their lives. The crisis in Northern Guatemala became a reminder of the importance of collaboration, the necessity of safe water, and the incredible resilience of the local church in crisis.
The displacement crisis caused by the violence in southern Mexico underscores the vulnerability of people caught in conflict zones and the urgent need for continued humanitarian action. The efforts of New Life International and its partners demonstrate how, even in the darkest times, the church can be a light, offering both the physical resources and the hope of the Gospel to those in desperate need.
New Life’s ongoing commitment to respond to crises globally is further emphasized by its vision for the future. The lessons learned from the Guatemala crisis will continue to shape their approach to humanitarian work, as they seek to serve those in need around the world.
As New Life International continues its work in Guatemala and beyond, we invite you to partner with us in this life-changing mission. Your support enables us to respond quickly and effectively to urgent needs, bringing not only safe water but also the transformative message of the Gospel to communities in crisis.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit our volunteer page. Together, we can bring lasting change to families facing unimaginable challenges.