Guatemala Rising began over 10 years ago, long before it had a name. Robert and Barbara Ledbetter started traveling to Guatemala on their own and with various ministries, building beds for families in need working with children and elderly and supporting medical outreach alongside local communities in San Raymundo and San Juan la Laguna. Over the years, Robert has made more than 14 trips to Guatemala, and Barbara has served on eight of her own. What began as a series of personal trips became something clearer over time: there was real, lasting impact to be made — and a calling to build something more intentional around it. Guatemala Rising was founded to carry that work forward, partnering formally with trusted Christian schools, churches, and ministries to serve families across Guatemala.
Robert and Barbara Ledbetter in Guatemala, where they’ve traveled together for over a decade.Health and hygiene time in San Juan La Laguna.Barbara and Robert with children who received gifts during a hospital visit.Celebrating as a team in Antigua, Guatemala after a trip to San Juan Laguna.A team member spends fun time with children during a school visit in Guatemala.Dental team in San Juan bringing pain relief and health to a local woman.Beds build and loaded, ready for delivery to children in a nearby village.Barbara shares school supplies with a 1st grade class in Estancia Viejo.Team enjoys some down time after a successful trip to San Juan La Laguna.Barbara during a laparoscopic surgery in San Raymundo.Team nurse connects with a student during a school outreach day.Robert shares a meal with the family who hosted him in San Juan la Laguna during his time in language school Ready to start another surgery in San Raymundo.Guatemala, land of color and beauty!
