Johnson First Church of God has always been a mission minded church. Beginning in the 1990’s, Johnson Church participated in short-term mission trips to a variety of locations – Mexico, Jamaica, Ecuador, Montana, Alaska, and a few inner-city missions across the United States. A member of our church was good friends with Paul and Lana Sanders, who invited us to come to Guatemala to a place called Prince of Peace Home for Girls. Our first trip to POP was in 2008. Our first group had over 20 youth and adults, and our first project was to pour all the concrete that still exists around Casa’s A and B.
Paul and Lana were the most exceptional hosts you could ask for. It was one of the hardest weeks many of us had ever experienced, both physically and emotionally. We got to know Odi, Mari Cruz, Esperanza, Reina Elizabeth and so many of the other girls when they were residents of the home, and we watched these girls grow in to fine young women. When we were on the plane returning to Kentucky, we knew that we had found a home – a place where we could invest our time and efforts.
In 2009, we returned to POP with people from both Johnson Church and our friends from Little Mary Church. The relationship between the two churches has grown, as well as the relationship with POP. Both churches have taken on a financially supportive role with POP, and many keep close contact with girls that were/are residents of the home.
With the exception of the COVID years, our two churches have returned to POP every year since 2008 – 14 years. Some years we come with smaller groups of 10-12, and some years we have had as many as 23-24. We have been there when there were over 50 girls, and years when there were less than 25 girls. After Paul and Lana left, we saw many different directors come and go. We got to know and became friends with some amazing people like Chris and Gracie and the current director, Gaby.
Another thing that we love about POP is the fact that some of the girls that grow up in the home end up working at POP for a period of time and continue to visit and interact with “new” girls. This can be a great tool for encouraging the current girls to take note of the advice and accomplishments of girls that have successfully transitioned out of the home into careers, college degrees, and healthy relationships.
Through the years, with all the different groups we have brought to POP, probably my most favorite thing is watching how new people react to the girls at POP. At first, most are somewhat shy and hesitant to interact with the girls. By weeks end, they totally surrender to the beautiful faces and amazing laughter of the girls! Most can’t wait until their next opportunity to return. I think all will agree that a visit to POP is an experience that will stay with you the rest of your life! – Stan C., Team Leader
