When the Holy Spirit Shows Up: Stories from Our Medical Mission Trip to Guatemala

There's something unforgettable about the moment you feel the Holy Spirit fill a room. I experienced it during our medical mission trip in Guatemala--in a prayer circle that changed my faith forever.

Nurse Tracy with Patients at the Guatemala Medical Clinic -- Real Impact Missions, July 2025

A Circle of Prayer

One afternoon, we had three or four families gathered together in the prayer room at the clinic. I asked if I could pray for anything beyond medical needs. Many requests poured out from the patients--especially for loved ones lost to addiction and far from God.

As I prayed using my translator, everyone else prayed aloud in their own words. When we said amen and opened our eyes, the Holy Spirit's presence was palpable. We all felt Him. Just minutes before, I had been wondering if my prayers were strong enough--if I had enough faith for God to heal a man's back or bring a child home to Him. And then God reminded me: all He needs is faith the size of a mustard seed.

A Translator's Salvation

Later that day, I worked with a new translator. I loved the way she spoke my words with the same tone of voice I intended. We even witnessed two salvations that afternoon.

A few days after returning home, I learned that my translator herself had accepted Jesus into her heart. She had only come to translate at our medical clinic for a school project--but she left with everlasting life. Praise Jesus!

Nurse Tracy with Children at the Guatemala Medical Clinic -- Real Impact Missions, July 2025

The Joy of the Children

One of my favorite parts of Guatemala was the children. One hug always turned into six or seven. They loved the little Jesus Loves You figures I handed out, and I pray they keep them for years as a reminder of His love.

A Lasting Call to Medical Mission Trips

As a nurse, I felt so grateful to share medical education with the families that attended our clinic--helping people understand diagnoses they'd previously received but never fully grasped. Education is a a critical need here, just as in many parts of the world.

I came home asking God how I could do this for the rest of my life. I'm thankful for Real Impact Missions, for the people of Guatemala, and for the privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit move in such powerful ways. I can't wait to go back!!

Article written by Nurse Tracy, Guatemala Medical Mission Trip