The Smith family serves in Antigua, Guatemala as the founders and directors of Encounter: Equipping in Ministry. Concerned by the lack of resources and support available for pastors and missionaries in countries like Guatemala, Matthew and Sarah started Encounter in 2019 to help address some of those needs. Today Encounter runs a school, guesthouse, thrift shop and other events, classes and workshops.

Encounter Academy is a Pre-K to Grade 12 school for the children of pastors and missionaries in Guatemala. Matt and Sarah wanted an affordable Christian education option and a supportive community for front-line ministry workers and their families. Sarah serves as the principal of the school and Matthew as the vice-principal. Both enjoy teaching a few classes in the school as well.

Encounter Christian Guest House provides a peaceful housing option in the Spanish colonial era town of Antigua for many visitors. Pastors and missionaries from all over the region stay at the guesthouse at a reduced price enabling them to accomplish tasks and find a space to rest and recharge. It is also a place for spiritual retreats and hosting short-term mission teams. All income generated by the guesthouse helps support the school and other ministry activities at Encounter.

School House Thrift takes donations from within Guatemala as well as the US and sells them to the local community. The thrift shop builds ongoing relationships between the Encounter staff and those living in the area. It creates an opportunity for the distribution of Bibles and Christian literature. It provides quality items to the low-income individuals and families in Guatemala. All proceeds from the sales help support the school and other ministry activities at Encounter.

Encounter also offers courses, workshops, events and resources for pastors and missionaries that focus on strengthening the individuals and families engaged in providing spiritual, physical and emotional care to the people of Guatemala.

Matt and Sarah are responsible for overseeing staff, directing daily and long-term operations and projects, teaching and developing partnerships.

The Smiths have three children Anneliese, Corrin and Lucy who have lived in Guatemala since babyhood and are proud to call this beautiful country home. When not working, Matthew loves to play chess, read, cook and hike. Sarah enjoys decorating, writing, reading and hiking.