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. These sessions were critical for more than just logistics. They became times of learning, connection, and prayer. We studied Guatemala’s history, gaining insight into the challenges the Ixil people face. But even more importantly, we prayed together—not as individuals, but as a team bound by a shared desire to make an impact for God’s kingdom.
I often remind my children and congregation, “Prayer is not the least you can do; it is the most you can do.” That truth became tangible as we prayed for wisdom, courage, and open hearts to meet the needs we would face in Guatemala.
We also prepared lessons for children and students we would meet in the village schools and NCS classrooms. Teaching is my passion, and the idea of connecting with students from another culture filled me with both excitement and anticipation.
Arriving in Guatemala
When Leanne and I arrived in late June, the mountains of Guatemala stretched before us, breathtaking and humbling all at once. Yet, amid that beauty was stark need.
Our first days were spent visiting rural schools in the Ixil region. These schools are as simple as their surrounding homes—functional but basic. Walking into classrooms with worn desks and faded chalkboards revealed not just physical needs, but a passion in both teachers and students to rise above their circumstances.
Those visits deeply moved us, but nothing quite prepared me for the moment we arrived at Nicolas Christian School.
Excellence in Faith
The drive to Nicolas Christian School was sobering. The roads were rough, lined with buildings weathered by years of hardship. But as we pulled through the gates of the school, it felt like stepping into a beacon of hope.
The campus was beautiful, but it was more than the architecture that struck me. It was the spirit of excellence woven into every corner. From the thoughtfully maintained classrooms to the joyful anticipation of the students, NCS was more than just a place of learning—it was a testament to what happens when faith and education collide.
That day began with a welcome ceremony led by the children. Their reverence during moments of prayer, their heartfelt worship, and their patriotic pride as they presented the Guatemalan flag made an unforgettable impression on me. These students weren’t just being taught; they were being discipled, empowered to grow into leaders who would honor both God and their nation.
Later in the classroom, I saw students and teachers working with focus and dedication. There was joy in their learning, a reflection of the hope ingrained in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The Bigger Picture
During our time in Guatemala, I witnessed NFE’s mission brought vividly to life. From the physical beauty of the facilities to the spiritual transformation unfolding in students’ lives, it was clear that NFE was a faithful steward of every dollar, prayer, and ounce of support donors provide.
Leanne and I arrived ready to serve, but we returned profoundly changed. God not only deepened our love for the students of Nicolás Fund For Education, but He also renewed our understanding of His faithfulness and power.
Your Turn to Answer the Call
If you’ve been waiting for a “right time” to take a leap of faith, consider this your invitation. Whether it’s signing up for an NFE mission trip, committing to pray for their work, or making a financial gift, there are so many ways to partner with what God is doing in Guatemala.
Mission trips change lives—not just for the people being served, but for those who serve as well. God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for willing hearts, ready to trust and obey.
Take the first step. You never know how God might use a single act of faith to transform your heart and the lives of others.
Are you ready to experience the joy, growth, and perspective that come from serving others and seeing God at work in unexpected ways? Join NFE on a mission trip and discover how missions can transform not just the lives of those you serve, but your own heart as well.
