Guatemala
About the Companionship
Walking Together
Traveling to Guatemala
Companion Congregations
Global Mission
Mission
Since its founding in 1991, the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG) has always been about ministering to people living in the margins of Guatemalan society, particularly the indigenous poor. From the lowlands of Petén in the north to the ravines of Guatemala City, the ILAG works to make God’s grace known to all. Currently, the Lutheran church in Guatemala has more than 2,000 members in 18 congregations. The church also operates an elementary school, Colegio Luterano Agustino de Guatemala (CLAG), in Guatemala City, serving 100 students.
Since formalizing a companion partnership in 2005, the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala have been walking together to learn more about what it means to be Lutheran in our global church. Through visiting companions, receiving the pastoral team as guests, prayerful support, supporting projects, and living through the values of accompaniment, companions on every end of the partnership have grown more deeply into faith. We invite you to learn more about the companionship and join us as we walk together.
Guatemala Gala
A Guatemala Gala is held every year to raise funds for needs of the ILAG. The 2023 gala will be held Sept. 24 at the Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights. We'd love to have you join us as we raise funds to support these ILAG ministries: education, leadership development, health and music. Our special guests will be Pastor Beatriz Castillo (the principal of the Colegio Luterano Agustino de Guatemala - an elementary school supported by the ILAG - and director of the MILAGRO Women's Education Center) and Diego Gil (ILAG's partnership coordinator) Click here for gala details!
Our gala last year raised more than $104,000 to support the ILAG's elementary school; youth and adult scholarships; and training for leaders, worship musicians and health promoters. View the photo album.
Elementary School Video: 2020 Gala Funds Used for Improvements
View renovations made to the elementary school (CLAG) from May 2020 – April 2021 and hear updates from school leaders, the maintenance director, and a student. See how your gifts have been used to bring hope to so many children!
Here are a few photos of recent renovation work at the CLAG:
Travel to Guatemala
Since its partnership with the Saint Paul Area Synod in 2005, hundreds of travelers have visited companions through the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala. These visits strengthen relationships between partner churches as visitors learn more about the culture and faith of their family in Christ living in Guatemala.