Marcus Huffman, Development Promoter

Type of Project: Financial Management
Request: Donation Management
Location(s): San Andres Itzapa, Guatemala
Recipient: Marcus Huffman and various rural Guatemalan communities

In November 2001, at the urging of a family member, Marcus Huffman reluctantly accepted an opportunity to participate on a mission trip hosted by Transformational Journeys.  Unprepared for what he would experience, Marcus left Guatemala with a love for the people and a true calling from God to do something to help the people of the impoverish community he served.  Shortly after this life transforming trip, Marcus began his preparations for a return to Guatemala with a goal to help those living in poverty.  In early 2002, Marcus loaded up his truck, tools and dog and drove to Guatemala with an old friend.  Without a word of Spanish, guided and protected only by God’s grace, Marcus was taken in and given room and board by Madre Marina Prada, a Carmelita Mother Superior who opened the first Convent for indigenous women in Guatemala.  In return for Madre's generosity, Marcus began his service in Guatemala by remodeling and repairing the kitchen and dining rooms in the Convent. 

In time, Marcus learned to speak sufficient Spanish to get by and was graced to meet a number of people who both guided and mentored him in Guatemala on his mission to serve impoverished families.  Marcus became involved with a number of families not only living in difficult situations, but also dealing with physically handicapped children.  He discovered that their greatest dream and most frequent request was to have simple housing constructed for them.  This discovery led Marcus to create the San Andres project which focused on one family at a time, providing for their most basic of needs.  A small plot of land and a simple home with indoor plumbing and safe, clean drinking water.  It was his belief that these simple things could make life, work and keeping a family healthy, a little easier for these families.

In July 2008, Marcus furthered his efforts in Guatemala by starting an organization called H20 Purificada (Purified Water) in San Andres Itzapa.  This business is a small, not-for-profit company that provides water purification and distribution in the central highlands of Guatemala.  H20 Purificada provides safe, clean and affordable drinking water to San Andres Itzapa and gives back by helping other communities build similar clean water systems.

Marcus currently resides in San Andres Itzapa with his Guatemalan wife Brenda and their children Andrew, Mike and Katia.