This post is for those of you who love numbers!
Numbers don’t tell the whole story, of course, but sometimes it’s a good way to see the scope of what the Lord is doing. And when we realize that these numbers represent people who God has been weaving into His story and the story of Impact Ministries, we can’t help but stand in awe.
SCHOOLS
Impact Ministries began as a small school of 78 students.
Last year, as we celebrated 25 years, we had 1988 students registered.
(This year, we started the school year with 1997 students).
Currently there are 1578 sponsors from across Canada and the US sponsoring our children and classes (Thank you, thank you, thank you!)
In 2025, we had 123 teachers & principals – more than we had students that first year! And 52 of those teachers & principals were themselves former Vida Students, now impacting the next generation. (Need a break from the numbers? Read Teacher Evelyn’s story here)
MEDICAL
The Impact Clinic provided medical care to 1656 patients last year, and dental care to 826 patients, in addition to hundreds of health & wellness checks and fluoride applications.
God is using medical professionals to impact body and soul in Guatemala!
This year, we’ve already had 6 weeks of clinics staffed by doctors and dentists from Canada and the US volunteering their time on medical teams, in addition to care provided by our Guatemalan doctor and dentist. (Want to share your medical or dental skills? Explore Medical Missions here)
CHILDREN’S HOME
The Vida Children’s Home cared for 37 children over the course of last year. Almost half of those were under 24 months of age, some only a few days old.
This year, we have already welcomed 7 new children into the home.
These numbers are complicated. Our hearts hurt that so many children are in need of care, but we are so thankful that, through the Vida Children’s Home, we can show these little ones that they are loved even through the hardest times.
CHURCH
Last year Rio de Vida Church celebrated 16 brothers and sisters making public declarations of their faith through baptism!
Rio de Vida Church started as a prayer meeting in Les & Rita’s living room.
It has grown to 3 church congregations with 14 connection groups, all led by local leaders. (Did you read Les & Rita’s update about the churches last month?)
Isn’t God amazing? Each year he brings together His people from Canada and the US and brothers and sisters from Guatemala so that together we can serve and grow. Isn’t that worth celebrating?!?
Thank you for being part of what God is doing in Guatemala!
(Want to celebrate even more numbers? Check out our annual Ministry Report.)