Skip to Main Content

Church group builds stoves in Guatemala

Posted: July 29 2020 at 11:54 AM
Author: Cal Gerhardt


A group of nearly 40 youth and adults traveled to Guatemala in July 2019 to build fuel-efficient, wood-burning stoves outside of San Lucas Toliman. The group traveled with Transformational Journeys. This was the first mission trip abroad for Cal Gerhardt. "It was an amazing experience," said Gerhardt. "I know the stoves we built will help the families live better."

Img 3086

Kingswood UMC youth, including Cal Gerhardt and Skyler Frieling, pose with children in the Guatemalan village where the group traveled to help build fuel-efficient stoves.

Img 3101

Cal Gerhardt and Rob Micek pose with a family by a completed fuel-efficient stove that helps prevent the destruction of forests and provides a smoke-free environment in the family's living areas.

News & Announcements

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy

In Sympathy: James Wilson

Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy Copy

In Sympathy: Fernando Siaba

Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.

Emergency Solidarity Fund Logo With Space

From the Bishop: Pay Attention to Your Neighbor

With the presence of aggressive federal agents, many immigrants are afraid to go to work, visit food pantries, or take their kids to school. Missing work means losing pay. Help b…

Fearfulchild

From Bishop Schwerin: Children Under Threat

Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

Print