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

2025 Mlk Banner Cmyk

Dr. King Wanted to Build a Better World, Not a Monument

In his reflection, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Woolery Sr., challenges readers to move beyond a comfortable, sanitized remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to engage hi…

Ac 2026 Logo Square

Gathering in Hope Together

Clergy and lay members will gather June 14–16 in Schaumburg for the Northern Illinois Conference’s 187th Annual Conference, centered on the theme “Practicing Hope.” With inspiring worship, engaging…

Hands Quilting Cmyk

From Your Bishop: A Year of Practicing Hope

Acknowledging the challenges of a fractured and uncertain time, Bishop Dan Schwerin lifts up gratitude for the resilience, courage, and faithfulness of the Northern Illinois Conferen…

Town And Rural Lena Shirt Back Cmyk

Stronger Together: Grants Make a Difference

Over the past year, the Northern Illinois Conference has supported local churches through a range of grants designed to nurture innovation, sustain vital rural ministries, and advanc…

Print