https://www.news9.com/ooo/oklahoma-linemen-mission-to-bring-power-guatemala
Seven Oklahoma electric linemen are preparing for a life-changing trip to Guatemala, where they will help bring electricity to hundreds of people.
The linemen were selected for the project based on their skills and their willingness to serve. They will work in rugged terrain without the benefit of heavy equipment, building power lines, wiring homes and expanding service to a school and clinic.
Oklahoma linemen prepare for a life-changing mission
The linemen had never worked together before, but they’re now getting to know each other as they prepare for a mission in Guatemala about 2,000 miles from home.
In about a month, the team will travel to expand electric service to two villages about two hours from Guatemala City.
The project is the eighth sponsored by Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives in Central and South America.
Justin Marsh, the team’s leader, previously traveled to Guatemala in 2022 and is returning to lead this year’s crew.
“Our job is just adding to it, and hopefully, one of these days, they won’t need us anymore,” Marsh said.
The crews will build power lines and wire homes
The team includes seven linemen from Oklahoma, seven from Iowa and four from Colorado.
They’ll build power lines, wire homes and extend electricity to a clinic and school.
For some of the linemen, including Blackwell resident Kris Spencer, the trip is about more than the work itself.
“It’s a blessing, and I feel like I’ve been called to do some of the Lord’s work and I’m ready,” Spencer said.
Pauls Valley resident Luke Gifford is also making the trip for the first time.
“Mission trips and stuff for church, I never got to go, and I feel like this is one of those things, it just tugged on me,” Gifford said.
The work can be difficult, but the impact is lasting
Working in rugged terrain without heavy equipment will make the job demanding, but the linemen say the reward comes from seeing the impact their work has on families.
One of the most emotional moments comes when electricity is switched on for the first time.
“Once you get the job done, you flip the lights on, and they’re literally in tears. That’s not something you can replace,” Marsh said.
Nicki Fuller with the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives said those reactions stay with the linemen.
“Even the hardest linemen will get a tear in their eye when they talk about the reaction of lighting up homes for the very first time,” Fuller said.
Oklahoma co-ops have brought electricity to about 1,000 sites
Since the project began, Oklahoma electric cooperatives have helped expand electric service to about 1,000 homes, clinics and schools.
The new team will soon head to Guatemala to continue that work, bringing electricity to communities that have never had it before.