Albany Presbytery Visits the Mam – April 15-22, 2026
When I describe the Albany Presbytery Partnership with the Mam Presbytery, I often say, “It’s more than 30 years old.” Which is true – but this morning it dawned on me – it’s closer to 40 years old now. One of the oldest – if not the oldest – in the PCUSA.
Read more in the article: “A Partnership That Transforms Us: Mam Presbytery, Guatemala” by Rev. Kathy Gorman-Coombs
I think about how much the world has changed in those 30 years. Technology. Governments. Government policies. The PCUSA and the IENPG (Guatemalan Presbyterian Church) Guatemalan young people we met on the Albany/Mam Youth Trip in 2012 are now adults in leadership positions in the Presbytery. We’ve experienced marriages, births, and deaths of people in both Presbyteries. We’ve witnessed division and disconnect within both Presbyteries, as well as reconciliation and celebration of new life. Our young people who went on that trip are now adults, out in the world, working and living. I’m pretty sure that all of them would say that they live their lives differently because of those Guatemalan experiences. As do I.
What will we do on the trip, you may ask?
For us in Albany Presbytery, the purpose of the trips has always been to build relationships and to be present with one another. As former Mission Co-worker and Seminary Professor Karla Koll once put it, when I asked her how she understood the purpose of international partnerships like ours:
“To encourage one another to greater faithfulness.” – The Rev. Dr. Karla Koll
And as my friend Dania, a Guatemalan who led my first trip, when she worked with CEDEPCA, once told me:
“Just that you come to Guatemala means so much to the people. It tells us that you care, that you want to be with us and not stay separate.” – Dania Del Valle
Visit Our Prayer Partners
We’ll visit some of the churches with whom we have prayer partnerships. If your church is one of those engaged in that ministry – join us, and we’ll help you connect with your church. Read more about this program in this blog or on our Guatemala Partnership Task Force page.
Visit the Agricultural Program
We’ll visit the community where the agricultural program we are supporting has been happening – and hopefully see some of the fruits of their labors.
Reconnect and Worship Together
- We’ll connect with the women of the Mam Presbytery, who are always learning and growing and eager to share what they’ve done with us.
- We’ll visit Saq Be, a women’s sewing co-op that we helped begin.
- We’ll meet with the Mam leadership to discuss how our presbyteries can learn from and support one another as siblings in Christ.
- We’ll worship together.
Where Is God Calling Us Next?
We’ll look into where we can best help next as the seed program was a pilot program.
Is Guatemala Calling Your Name?
“My trip to Guatemala taught me so much about the world and about the impact my steady showing up at church actually has. Visiting folks directly impacted by One Great Hour of Sharing donations made me humble, but also proud of the careful, ongoing work we do with others around the world. Guatemala, in particular, benefits in powerful ways from our persistent relationship there. Seeing the starkness of people affected by the woes of the world was offset by the power of thoughtful assistance. All of that, coupled with amazing food, exotic locations, and loving acceptance – I can’t recommend going enough!” – Elder Mary Anne Davis
Join Us!
Costs: ~$2,200
- Deadline to Signup: January 31, 2026 with a $250 deposit
- Deposit: Make out your check to Albany Presbytery and write “Guatemala Trip” in the Memo/Note Area
- Two trip payment options:
Send checks to: Albany Presbytery, 85 Chestnut St, Albany, NY 12210 ATTN: Guatemala Trip
Pay/Donate Online: Albany Presbytery Donate Online – Be sure to select “Give to Guatemala Trip Payments”
This includes:
- air fare
- room and board
- travel, interpretation
- spending money
Scholarships are available. The deadline for the $250 deposit has been extended to January 31 (or, contact me if you are interested but need more time to pay).
There is truly no place that I experience God’s presence more than I do in Guatemala. Come with us. Contact me for more information: [email protected].
Learn more about our work: Guatemala Partnership Task Force
