Mission guide
Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission
The Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission serves in a tropical region known for Spanish-speaking communities, rich history, and strong Church growth.
- Spanish
Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission shirts
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Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission T-Shirt
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Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Spanish is the mission's main language. Guatemala is also home to many Mayan languages, which missionaries began studying in 1956.
At a glance
- Country
- Guatemala
- Main city
- Retalhuleu, population 90,505 (2018)
- Language
- Spanish
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
- Climate
- Tropical monsoon, with a rainy season from April to November and a dry season from December to March
- Church in Guatemala
- 292,639 members, 51 stakes, 437 congregations
A short history of the area
Retalhuleu was connected to the Bay of Pigs Invasion period. A CIA-run training base called JMTrax operated at the Helvetia coffee plantation, and an airfield called JMadd, also known as Rayo Base, was built near the city in 1960. In August 2021, heavy rain caused landslides, floods, and other damage in the area.
The Church here
- 1942John F. O’Donnal moved to Guatemala and became the first Church member living there.
- After World War IIJohn F. O’Donnal petitioned President George Albert Smith to send missionaries to Guatemala.
- 1956Missionaries began studying Mayan languages.
- 1962More than 10,000 Guatemalan Latter-day Saints lived in the cities and highlands.
- 1980The first stake in Retalhuleu was organized.
- 1984Saints filled 11 dedicatory sessions for the Guatemala City Guatemala Temple.
- 2010The Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission was created on June 30.
- 2023The Retalhuleu Guatemala Temple was announced on April 2.
Temples nearby
Retalhuleu Guatemala Temple
Announced · Near Retalhuleu
Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple
Dedicated December 11, 2011 · About 25 miles from Retalhuleu
Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple
Under construction · About 55 miles from Retalhuleu
Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Opening soon · About 75 miles from Retalhuleu
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Pepián (a thick, savory stew made with meat, vegetables, seeds, and spices)
- Kak-ik (a traditional turkey soup seasoned with local herbs and spices)
- Tamales (seasoned dough with meat or other fillings wrapped in leaves)
- Rellenitos (fried plantain pastries filled with sweetened black beans)
Fun facts
- Retalhuleu has a tropical monsoon climate and receives about 3,085.2 millimetres of rain each year.
- The city is known locally by the nickname “Reu.”
- Deportivo Reu was founded in 2013 after Juventud Retalteca became defunct and plays at Estadio Dr. Óscar Monterroso Izaguirre.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.