Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) Mission Trips offer a deeply impactful and life-changing experience for participants while serving to empower the Mayan youth in Guatemala’s Ixil region. Through Christ-centered education, NFE helps to break the generational cycle of poverty, bringing hope to an area that has faced immense challenges. For mission participants, these trips are an opportunity to grow spiritually, connect with the communities served, and witness the powerful impact of education.
A Journey Through Guatemala’s Rich History and Culture
Each mission trip begins with a warm introduction to Guatemala, allowing participants to acclimate while appreciating the region’s breathtaking beauty and cultural vibrancy. Spending a day in Antigua, a historically rich city, participants explore cobblestone streets, volcano-studded landscapes, and vibrant markets.
A stop at the ancient Mayan ruins on the way to Nebaj is a fascinating reminder of the Mayan people’s deep-rooted history and traditions. Exploring these ruins offers a meaningful pause, connecting participants to the cultural heritage of the communities they will soon serve.
Serving the Ixil Region
The heart of the mission lies in the Ixil region of Guatemala, where the focus is on building relationships and offering support through various activities:
Prayer Walks and Community Visits
One of the most touching aspects of the trip involves visiting NFE villages, where participants engage in prayer walks. These moments are powerful and intimate connections, allowing mission team members to meet students and their families, listen to their stories, and pray with them. These communities’ resilience and hope for a brighter future through education are incredibly moving.
Supporting Nicolás Christian School
Nicolás Christian School (NCS) is a beacon of hope and opportunity for the Ixil community. Mission trip participants enjoy visiting the school, participating in classes, and engaging with students. They witness firsthand the inclusive environment that NCS fosters, where every child, including those with special needs, is welcomed and encouraged.
At NCS, teachers embody the principles of love and grace, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. This Christ-centered approach is evident in each interaction, reinforcing the significance of compassion and understanding in education.
Preschool Activities and Cultural Immersion
The mission also includes time at the NFE preschool, where participants assist with activities and gain insight into the region’s early education efforts. Additionally, participants have a unique opportunity to learn about the daily lives of community members, including women who work tirelessly weaving intricate textiles and growing crops. Hearing their stories of hardship and hope is a humbling and eye-opening experience.
Spiritual Reflection and Growth
Throughout the trip, daily devotional times provide moments of spiritual reflection. These meditative sessions enable participants to process their experiences, grow in their faith, and deepen their understanding of their personal spiritual journeys. Visits to local churches, such as the church in ChiChi and the memorial site in Cotzal, offer further opportunities for reflection and prayer.
Witnessing Transformation Through Education
The highlight of any mission trip is witnessing the tangible impact of NFE’s efforts on the lives of Mayan youth. By providing Christ-centered education, NFE empowers students to dream of a brighter future and equips them with the necessary tools to achieve it. Education not only transforms the lives of individual students but also uplifts entire families and communities.
Participants leave the mission with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to supporting the ongoing work of NFE. These trips serve as reminders of the incredible power of faith, education, and community to bring about lasting change.
Join the Mission
If you’re searching for a meaningful way to serve, grow spiritually, and make a real difference, consider joining a Nicolás Fund for Education mission trip. Together, we can empower Mayan youth, build bridges of understanding, and share the love of Christ. Learn more about getting involved and becoming part of this incredible mission.
