Something beautiful is taking root in the Ixil region of Guatemala. At Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through Christ-centered education. For years, this work has been sustained by God’s provision through the generous hearts of people in the United States. Today, we are witnessing a powerful and inspiring shift: the seeds of hope we’ve planted are blossoming into local support, right here in Guatemala. From families investing in their children’s futures to Guatemalan companies sharing their resources, a community of support is rising up around Nicolás Christian School. This is more than just a donation; it’s a sign that the mission is being accomplished. Families and local leaders are not just recipients of aid but active partners in building a brighter, self-sustaining future for their children and their community. An Investment in Dignity: Families Share in the Mission In late 2023, the NFE Board prayerfully introduced a modest tuition fee. The goal was not simply to cover costs but to foster a deeper sense of family investment and dignity in their child’s education. We recognize that true empowerment comes from partnership, not just provision. This new approach allows families to contribute either with cash or through food donations for the school kitchen, honoring the diverse economic realities of the community. For those unable to pay, partial and full-ride scholarships ensure that every child has a place at our school. No student will ever be turned away for an inability to pay. The response has been a testament to the community’s commitment. We are overjoyed to share that 91% of our school families are now contributing financially to their children’s tuition. …
The Sound of Ambition: A Ninth-Grader’s Journey from Band Class to Dreams of Teaching English
Jhenner (Yeh-nehrr), a spirited ninth-grader at Nicolás Christian School, brings the vibrant sounds of his trumpet to life as one of only three trumpeters in the school’s orchestra. With each powerful note, he adds energy and depth to the ensemble, yet he dreams of welcoming more trumpeters to stand beside him. “We really need more trumpets,” he says with a hopeful smile. Connecting to Culture Through Music Orchestra is more than just an elective for Jhenner—it’s a journey into his cultural roots. He’s mastered El Rey K’iché, a cherished Guatemalan folk song. This stirring melody—known throughout Guatemala—celebrates the legendary Mayan king of Alta Verapaz. When Jhenner plays, he feels deeply connected to the traditions of his homeland, and his music becomes a bridge between past and present. Inspiration in the Classroom: Jhenner’s Favorite Subjects Hailing from the village of San Juan Cotzal, Jhenner is now in his third year at NCS. He finds inspiration in his favorite classes: English, Art, and Christian Leadership. The Christian Leadership class, in particular, has been transformative, helping him explore his faith and understand the Word of the Lord more deeply. A Passion for Languages and Teaching Jhenner harbors a passion for languages. He aspires to become an English teacher one day—a dream nurtured by his interactions with visiting mission teams at the school. “Listening to the team members helps me understand English better,” he explains, eager for every chance to practice speaking. One of his favorite ways to learn is through fun games like ‘Simon Says’, courtesy of his English teacher, Estuardo Sanchez. A Love for Reading and the Arts Beyond his musical and linguistic pursuits, Jhenner is an avid reader. He loves spending …
A Heart for Service: Meet Majo Rodriguez
When passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen. That’s precisely what unfolded when María Jose Rodriguez, affectionately known as Majo, joined the Nicolas Fund for Education (NFE) mission team. Majo first visited the Ixil region in August 2024 with her father, traveling from Guatemala City. During that brief two-day visit, she stepped in as an interpreter for team member Victoria, and the two quickly became a dynamic duo in the classroom. Fast forward to August 2025, when Victoria invited Majo to join the team for a full mission trip. Majo, now a first-year psychology student, eagerly accepted, balancing her studies with long days of service. Her dedication, energy, and heart for God left an indelible mark on the team and the children they served. I had the privilege of sitting down with Majo to hear about her experience with NFE and the impact it had on her life. Kathy: What was the most meaningful part of accompanying our August NFE team?Majo: Choosing the most meaningful part of accompanying the NFE team is difficult; the entire experience filled my heart. Not only was I able to use the talents God gave me to help, but both the team and the children had a deep and meaningful impact on my life and my relationship with God. As I spent time with the team and got to know them better, I saw the passion and love of God within them, which moved them to get up earlier than usual every morning without complaint to serve the Lord. This is so motivating and inspiring because each of them planted a seed in the children that will surely blossom into something wonderful. Kathy: Tell me about your visits to …
Meet Noé Molina Guzman: A Servant Leader Shaping the Future at Nicolás Christian School
Introducing Noé Molina Guzman: A Leader with Heart We are thrilled to introduce Noé Molina Guzman, a pillar of leadership and dedication at Nicolás Christian School, to our NFE community. With a warm and servant-hearted approach, Noé embodies a leadership style grounded in empathy, active involvement, and a deep connection with students and staff alike. He attended the University of San Carlos in Nebaj, where he earned his degree. He is now pursuing his Master’s Degree in University Teaching with Emphasis in Andragogy (adult education). Balancing Leadership, Family, and Faith Balancing the demands of his role as Senior Coordinator at Nicolás Christian School—a position akin to a school principal—Noé also finds joy in his family life. Alongside his wife, Delcry Tzul, and their children, Kenia (14) and Samuel José (6), Noé cherishes moments of play, sharing his love for soccer with his son. Noé said Samuel Jose frankly prefers basketball. From Engineering to Education: A Calling Revealed Noé’s path to a career in education began, unexpectedly, during his time as an engineering student. He began tutoring our NFE students in math who were attending a different Christian school years before Nicolás Christian School even existed. God used this experience to reveal Noé’s true vocation to him. Empathy in Action: Walking in Their Shoes Guided by faith and inspired by the mission of Nicolás Fund for Education, Noé transitioned into teaching. He now thrives in his dual role as school administrator and Philosophy instructor. He is passionate about cultivating an inclusive, high-achieving educational environment. He makes it a priority to “walk in the shoes” of each staff member to really understand what they do and the challenges they face. He also …
Flourishing Culture Leads to Flourishing Students at Nicolás Christian School
At Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), we believe that breaking the cycle of generational poverty in the Ixil region through Christian education requires more than just a great curriculum—it requires a flourishing workplace culture. That’s why, for nine consecutive years, Nicolás Christian School (NCS) has participated in the Best Christian Workplaces (BCW) employee engagement survey. This annual check-in helps us measure, learn from, and improve our staff culture by benchmarking against over 100 other Christian schools in the BCW global database. The BCW survey is a research-based diagnostic tool that measures eight factors that drive workplace culture, such as teamwork, talent, development, communication, leadership, strategy, and compensation. It includes both quantitative metrics and open-ended responses. Each year’s results show NCS operates at a healthy, often “flourishing” level of employee engagement. In fact, our scores remained strong even during a year of incredible transition—when our entire staff came together to open a new, state-of-the-art school campus, requiring a lot of extra effort. According to the survey, some of the greatest strengths at NCS are team unity, spiritual vitality, and a deep sense of purpose. One employee shared, “This is a place where I feel God’s presence every day. We work hard, but we do it together—and we see the fruit in our students.” Another commented, “I’m grateful to be part of a school that not only teaches Christ but models Him in our relationships and work.” Why does this matter? A flourishing culture leads to emotionally engaged employees who care about our students’ success. And emotionally engaged teachers create transformational learning environments. NCS has remarkably low employee turnover, and our leaders are committed to stewarding a culture that supports high-impact teaching …
Nicolás Christian School’s Agricultural Program with Agros International
Nicolás Fund for Education has partnered with Agros International to launch an engaging program focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, students at Nicolás Christian School are gaining hands-on experience while learning essential agricultural skills. Learning Through a Unique 10-Step Program Students can take an elective class that combines theory and practical learning in agriculture and crop production. The lessons are guided by Agros employee Guillermo Chop Molina, who teaches theory, while students use digital coursework on their tablets. They also practice their skills in seven greenhouses located on the school campus. These greenhouses provide a pest- and disease-free environment for growing crops. The curriculum covers lessons on using organic and biological pesticides, such as neem oil, to protect crops. Students also learn about beneficial fungi, such as mycorrhizae, which enhance soil health and help plants absorb water and nutrients. Additionally, they explore the five stages of crop growth—planting, development, formation of branches and leaves, flowering and fruiting, and finally, harvest. Best Practices for Greenhouse Farming To maintain a clean and controlled environment, students disinfect their shoes using trays filled with a dilute bleach solution before entering the greenhouses. The greenhouses are also designed with two-door entry chambers to keep insects out, and masks are used in some areas for added precautions. Students are actively involved in preparing soil, building plant supports with sticks and raffia twine, and setting up drip irrigation systems. Raffia twine is selected based on light conditions—black twine is used in the school’s sunny greenhouses to absorb light effectively. Black plastic mulch is spread over the soil to retain moisture, and an automated drip system supplies water and fertilizer evenly throughout the area. Proper plant …
From Home to Hills: How Arun and Julie Thomas Are Transforming Lives in Guatemala
When technological expertise meets creative problem-solving, extraordinary things happen in the highlands of Guatemala. Picture this: A technology professional and an internal medicine physician swap their comfortable Washington state home for four weeks to travel to the chilly mountains of Guatemala’s Ixil region in November and December 2024. Not your typical restful sabbatical-just cables to run, computers to install, and lives to change. This is the story of Arun and Julie Thomas, a couple whose dedication to education has literally rewired the future for Mayan youth. A Partnership Built on Purpose Since Nicolas Fund for Education (NFE) began in 2012, Arun and Julie Thomas have been more than just supporters—they’ve been architects of change. While their monthly donations provide steady financial support, it’s their hands-on involvement that truly sets them apart from typical charitable giving. Arun brings his technology expertise to NFE’s Technology Committee, where every dollar spent on equipment is carefully scrutinized and planned. His technical background ensures that donated funds stretch further by selecting cost-effective solutions that maximize impact for Mayan students. Meanwhile, Julie leverages her passion for cross-cultural relationship-building and bilingual abilities as NFE’s Mission Trip Coordinator—a role that has become increasingly complex and crucial. “It is difficult to overstate just how helpful and essential Julie has been,” explains Becci Merritt, NFE President Emerita, as the organization has dramatically expanded from three annual mission trips to five or six trips per year in 2024 and 2025. When Spanish Fluency Meets Technical Expertise Julie’s “accidental” enrollment in middle school Spanish sparked a love for the language and a desire to visit Spain and Ecuador. She quickly notes how her studies created opportunities for friendships both at home and …
God’s Plan for Hope and a Future
by Eli Sierra, Legacy Covenant Fellowship When God plants a seed in your heart, remarkable things can happen. For my wife, Leanne, and me, that seed came in the form of a mission trip to Guatemala with Nicolás Fund For Education (NFE)—a trip that deepened our faith, strengthened our marriage, and revealed God’s faithfulness in ways we never imagined. A Seed Planted Through Faith and Education For more than a decade, I had a front-row seat to my wife Leanne’s love for NFE, where she proudly served as an Administrative Assistant. My name is Eli Sierra, and I live in Dallas, Texas, where I teach Chemistry and also serve as the pastor of a small church. Faith and education have always been woven into the fabric of our lives, which is why Leanne’s work with NFE felt so deeply connected to our shared values. One evening last year, Leanne shared photos of a mission trip team working in the Ixil region of Guatemala. It was a casual moment, but something stirred in me as I looked at those faces and learned about this unique mission. Nicolas Christian School (NCS), part of the NFE organization, not only fosters education but also centers its mission on faith—two cornerstones of our lives. Before I knew it, Leanne and I were dreaming up a special way to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in 2025. We could have picked a beach vacation or dinner at a fancy restaurant, but God had something weightier in mind. We would travel to Guatemala together—leaning into a calling that combined service, learning, and faith. Preparing Our Hearts Before departing, our mission trip leader, Becky, organized regular virtual team meetings. …
Where the Grass is Greenest
I just returned from my second mission trip to Guatemala. And I hope that these reflections won’t come across as cliché or emotionally charged reactions to short-term missions abroad. Because the more I engage in missions, the more I realize what missions truly are. I used to think the goal of overseas missions was to bring God to places of physical or spiritual poverty. But the kids and teachers in the Ixil region of Guatemala keep teaching me something different: Missions isn’t about bringing God somewhere. It’s about recognizing how fully present He already is. Every time I go, I plan to bring my light, joy, and faith to share with these kids. But somehow, I always come back carrying theirs. It’s the strangest, most beautiful thing—something I think anyone who’s done missions overseas might understand. When I’m with the students at Nicolás Christian School, I feel like I have everything I could ever need. There’s something sacred about being with people who aren’t glued to their phones, who are curious without judgment, kind without trying to be, and playful as if the world were already whole. Many of these students live in shacks. Their families have walked through genocide. They face food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and education, and a lack of consistent electricity. And yet— They are some of the most joyful people I’ve ever met. That reality always stops me in my tracks, especially when I compare it to what I see back home. In the U.S., the youth I minister to live in comfort. They have everything they could ever want or need at their fingertips. But when we recently asked some 7th graders what …
Your Support is Transforming Lives in El Paraíso
Meet Daysi Dayana, a resilient and ambitious 9th-grader from El Paraíso, Guatemala, a village founded through Agros’ efforts in 1996. Daysi Dayana’s story is one of determination, faith, and hope for a brighter future, made possible by your generosity. Daysi Dayana comes from a large family with six siblings. Her parents, Tomás and Catarina, work tirelessly to provide for their household—Tomás as a farmer, and Catarina as a homemaker. Daysi Dayana is attending Nicolás Christian School, a choice inspired by her family’s belief in the value of education. A Journey of Faith, Education, and Resilience When her family heard about Nicolás Christian School from the Primary School Teachers in El Paraiso, it sparked a conversation that would change Daysi Dayana’s path forever. Daysi Dayana’s mother told her, “It’s hard, but it is up to you.” Despite the sacrifices required, Daysi Dayana took the “harder road” to achieve a brighter future, enrolling in 7th grade. One aspect of school that she treasures most is hearing the Word of God daily. She especially enjoys the worship and praise music during morning devotions, reflecting her family’s deep Evangelical Christian faith. Empowering Through Education and Agribusiness Beyond faith, Nicolás Christian School offers Daysi Dayana a holistic education. Her favorite classes include art and social studies, where her creative spirit truly shines. She loves painting and has found new ways to express herself through her work. Daysi Dayana is also part of the innovative Agribusiness Certificate program, a partnership between Nicolás Christian School and Agros International. She’s learning agronomy fundamentals and exploring hydroponics, growing tomatoes and chilis in greenhouses on our new school property. Daysi Dayana is already using this knowledge to connect with her stepfather, sharing techniques for improving their farming …
