“It is rare that a company lives its mission as deeply and passionately as GMC does”
As Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) embarked on their eighth trip to Guatemala to provide clean water to a local community, their dedication to the cause grew stronger than ever. This journey was not just about providing a service — it was a powerful expression of faith, respect, gratitude and the deep connections formed along the way. The March 2025 team included Roderick Anderson, Brandon Bias, Addie Cooper, Anne Kellerman, Katherine Pate, Marc Warren and Cole Williams.
GMC worked alongside Asociación Pozos Agua Viva (ASOCAVIVA), led by Jaime Torres, to support their mission of providing safe drinking water to remote areas in Guatemala. The team was deeply involved throughout the process, working to enhance the quality of life for those in the community, not only by drilling the well, but also through educational health and hygiene programs and fun activities for the local children.
While it’s hard to recap a trip of this magnitude adequately, it’s best when told by the team members themselves. Here’s what they had to say:
Roderick Anderson (Engineering | Birmingham, AL)
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend a week in Guatemala, working with Jaime and the Asocaviva team to serve the village of El Paraiso. As part of GMC’s engineering team that designs wells, it was rewarding to witness the drilling process and see the clean water flow throughout the community. Watching the villagers’ faith and their desire to help in so many ways encouraged me greatly in my walk with the Lord, and I pray that His name will be lifted high with every well constructed,” Roderick said.
“But what made this trip even more unforgettable was the bond formed between the seven of us from GMC who had the privilege of being part of this trip – the memories we created together will stay with me forever. To God be the glory!”
The team quickly found the trip was not just about providing a necessary resource – but also about the powerful sense of purpose and community that emerged through the process.
Brandon Bias (Planning | Mobile, AL)
During our trip to Guatemala, I saw the true meaning of gratitude, faith, and community. I was moved by the humility and joy of people who have so little yet overflow with love for Christ. The people of El Paraíso welcomed us into their homes and hearts, showing unwavering faith. During the well blessing ceremony, the pastors message centered on Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I was deeply touched by their rich faith and gratitude for clean water—something many of us take for granted—and their belief that it was Christ who provided it.
This experience, shared with my brother Jaime Torres, the Asocaviva team, my GMC family, and the locals, is something I will always carry with me. It was an honor to represent GMC, serve, learn, and witness what happens when compassion meets action.
True gratitude and faith can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. The community’s welcoming spirit and steadfast faith is a reminder to appreciate the blessings we often take for granted, and to recognize the transformative power of serving others.
Addie Cooper (Finance | Daphne, AL)
Words seem to fall flat when trying to express gratitude. When you are able to provide an essential resource that’s so often taken for granted, it makes you look at life differently. Jaime, his team and the community we served live their lives in such an authentic and purposeful way. It was humbling to witness how they never run short of gratitude and are continuously giving thanks, and I am so undeserving of their kindness and willingness to share their lives with me.
GMC is such an amazing company to value and continue this incredibly meaningful work every year. I am blessed to have gotten to know and serve this community with my six friends and coworkers, along with the Asocaviva team.
The village’s authentic gratitude teaches others to find joy in what is often overlooked, serving as a reminder that true gratitude comes from recognizing the value in life’s simplest gifts.
Anne Kellerman (Healthcare | Birmingham, AL)
Asocaviva’s mission statement ‘Expanding God’s Kingdom one well at a time’ is a true testament to Jamie’s work in his community. It was an honor to live out GMC’s “Building Communities” mission alongside them for a full week. I think it says a lot about the work we strive to do every day at the office, and like Jaime, make the world a better place.”
“Mother Teresa is best known for her quote, ‘Do small things with great love,’ and during our trip to Guatemala, that’s exactly what we experienced. The well we helped build, each moment shared with the villagers, was a small act of love that created a profound impact, reminding us that even the simplest gestures can change lives.
The team saw firsthand how even small acts of kindness can have the greatest impact, learning by the local’s example of how faith and purposeful living can strengthen a community.
Katherine Pate (Engineering | Birmingham, AL)
“Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Clean drinking water is essential, but it’s the living water that truly sustains the villagers. The clean water well built for the village of El Paraiso is a true gift from God. I was deeply honored to be welcomed into their homes and community, where I had the privilege of learning their way of living and celebrating Jesus. The bond that we formed between people who speak different languages is indescribable and can only be done through Jesus. I aspire to live life with the joy, faith, and compassion they do. The memories shared with the villagers, the ASOCAVIVA team, and my GMC family will have a special place in my heart forever.
The villagers’ strong faith, humility and joy shine brightly even in the face of challenges, demonstrating that while these qualities aren’t necessary for survival, they are crucial in creating a fulfilling life.
Marc Warren (Architecture | Columbia, SC)
It is rare that a company lives its mission as deeply and passionately as GMC does. Being immersed in the culture of a remote village in Guatemala and providing them with the clean water they so desperately needed was an incredibly humbling and profoundly fulfilling experience. Watching the joy on the villager’s faces as they played in the fresh water is a memory I will carry with me for a long, long time.
“Not only did we make a tangible difference in the lives of the people there, but I also formed life-long bonds with my teammates and coworkers. Together, we shared challenges, triumphs, and a profound sense of purpose, reminding me of the power of community and the impact we can have when we work together for a greater cause. I am forever grateful to have this opportunity to serve others.”
Beyond the physical transformation, the experience fostered a sense of unity among the team members, forming lasting bonds as they experienced the challenges and triumphs of the trip.
Cole Williams (Engineering | Birmingham, AL)
Going into this trip, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Members of previous teams had shared tips and insights about the travel and what the days might look like, but what we quickly realized is that no words could truly prepare us for the experience of serving these communities alongside Jamie, Karla, and Juan. Yes, it’s physically demanding, and yes, it’s emotionally stirring as you connect with and work alongside the villagers. But it’s also incredibly fulfilling—and, most importantly, humbling—to witness how much these families long for and need something we so often take for granted: clean water.
As I write this, I’m looking at my water bottle, full of water I know is clean, yet something I rarely think twice about. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of our team, to connect with each member on a deeper level, and to contribute to the ASOCAVIVA vision. Jamie and his organization are truly the hands of God.
GMC’s mission is more than just building communities—it’s about building relationships, creating memories and providing lasting solutions. The collaboration between GMC and ASOCAVIVA has allowed teams to make a tangible difference, offering life-changing resources and fostering connections that transcend borders.
Living out GMC’s mission went beyond just providing a vital resource, it became an opportunity to strengthen bonds, support education and bring lasting change to a community in need.
