The Guatemala Team is traveling November 24- December 2, 2023

Guatemalan Partnership Covenant Renewal

The Companion Congregation Partnership Covenant between Grace Lutheran Church of Apple Valley,Minnesota, and Messengers of Christ Lutheran Church of Santa Elena, Guatemala, will be renewed this fall. The Covenant defines a relationship between the two congregations based in the love of Christ that includes prayer, mutual respect and understanding, and frequent communication.  The three-year agreement also includes a financial commitment by Grace in support of Messengers of Christ.  However, this does not imply a hierarchical partnership; rather the two congregations “walk together” as equals in response to Christ’s calling.

The Covenant has been approved by the Church Council and will be signed during the service on November 12.  All members will be given the opportunity to sign the Covenant.  It will then be taken by the Grace delegation to Santa Elena this November for ratification. Read the covenant on the link below:

ILAG History

ILAG was founded in 1991 by Bishop Horacio and Pastora Esther Castillo and their family. In 2005, the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod assembly established a companion synod relationship with ILAG. In 2009, the Synod asked Grace Lutheran Church to become a partner church with ILAG.

Since then, Grace members have traveled to Guatemala on a regular basis, providing monetary and physical assistance to the mission. Grace fully supports the ILAG mission, and requests your thoughtful donations to help maintain and grow the church’s local presence.

ILAG Vision and Mission

The Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala is a church dedicated to sharing the gospel and carrying out the work of God, and by:

  • developing equitable pastoral and lay leadership

  • with self-sufficiency in theological, economic and social areas

  • with vulnerable communities and support development projects for the Lutheran Community

  • to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of families and individuals who will be the basis of a better society in Guatemala.

VISION: To facilitate processes by providing the necessary tools that help spiritual and material development in solidarity with communities in vulnerable situations.