El Faro Guatemala Story From a Piece of Land to a Movement of Hope

A visit that became a calling

Phil and Nikki Ephraim first visited Guatemala in 1999 and fell in love with the country and its people. What began as a visit became a long-term calling to create a place where faith, hospitality, practical service, and community partnership could meet.

The vision was larger than a single mission trip. It called for a permanent presence: a home base where local leaders could build programs, visiting teams could prepare and serve, and relationships could continue year after year.

Land purchased in faith

In 2001, land was purchased on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. The property was tropical, remote, and reached by water, but it offered room for a mission campus that could welcome teams and support work throughout the Izabal region.

Buildings and infrastructure followed step by step. The early years required faith, persistence, and the willingness to build before every detail was clear. By 2003, Misión El Faro had begun welcoming people and serving communities from its new home.

Why the name El Faro

El Faro means “the lighthouse” in Spanish. A lighthouse does not draw attention to itself; it provides steady light that helps others find direction. The name connects the organization’s purpose to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14–16.

That image continues to guide the mission. El Faro seeks to be dependable, visible through service, and rooted in hope—whether the need is a medical clinic, a meal, a safer floor, clean water, education, or a place for people to gather.

Milestones along the way

The campus and programs have grown over time, but the approach has remained personal: listen carefully, welcome people well, respond practically, and stay long enough for trust to form.

• 1999 — Phil and Nikki Ephraim visit Guatemala and a long-term calling begins
• 2001 — Land is purchased on the Caribbean coast
• 2003 — Misión El Faro begins welcoming teams and serving communities
• 2006 — Vacation Bible School becomes an annual December ministry
• Today — Five connected ministry areas reach people across 40 communities