EDGEBROOK, IL (June 2, 2010) – A mission team comprised of teenagers from Edgebrook Covenant Church can expect to do disaster relief work when they arrive in Guatemala next month.

The Pacaya volcano located about 25 miles south of Guatemala City erupted on May 27, spewing heavy ash. Two days later, tropical storm Agatha unloaded heavy rains, causing flooding and landslides that led to more than 150 deaths and left thousands homeless.

The 14 teenagers and six adults from Edgebrook will travel to Zacapa, Guatemala, July 25-August 1. They will work with House of Hope orphanage and Oasis school, which is operated by People for Mission ministries, says Pastor Greg Mesimore. Zacapa is about 70 miles northeast of Guatemala City.

Brad Henry, a church member who is helping lead the trip, said this morning that the storm has caused flooding in the region. It is “very likely” the students will help bring supplies and resources to the affected areas. House of Hope is located in a mountainous area and was not affected by the storms.

The volcanic eruption caused flights to be canceled as three to five inches of ash settled on the main runway at the airport in Guatemala City, Henry said.