The June 2025 Nicolás Fund For Education (NFE) Mission Trip team experienced a day of profound spiritual importance, thanks to Pastor Eli Sierra’s participation. His presence made it possible for Nicolás Christian School (NCS) to hold its first-ever water baptisms on the new campus—a moment that will forever be etched in our hearts. The day began with a powerful student devotion led by Becci Merritt. She shared the story of the Pool at Bethesda (John 5:2-9), using a brief but impactful Spanish clip from The Chosen. The devotion emphasized a life-changing truth: our relationship with Christ is all we need. Becci encouraged students to avoid living an “as soon as” life—waiting for circumstances to change or people to arrive—and instead place their hope in Christ today. Following the devotion, Pastor Eli delivered a powerful message on the meaning and importance of baptism. His words touched everyone deeply, and when he invited people to the altar, a seventh-grade boy named Abdiel stood up shyly. The room erupted with cheers and applause as his classmates celebrated his decision to give his life to Christ. One by one, more students stood—each greeted with joyful cheers. By the end, five NCS students who had already finished baptism classes were joined by two girls from the community and five more students who responded to the altar call. In total, twelve students came forward to be baptized—a number that matched the prayer National Director Ivan España had journaled the night before. God had answered his prayer in a way that left everyone in awe. The baptismal certificate each student receives leaves the name of the church blank, enabling them to fill in the name of the …
A Beacon of Hope – Dedication of the New Nicolás Christian School Campus
This is the first article in our Breaking the Cycle of Poverty series, exploring how transformative change is unfolding in the Ixil region of Guatemala. In a region where poverty has cast long shadows, the newly dedicated Nicolás Christian School campus now stands as a radiant symbol of hope and opportunity. It is a space ordained by God, where dreams are nurtured and futures are reimagined. This beautiful facility represents more than just a place for learning—it is a testament to faith, vision, and the power of community to change lives for generations. A Vision Rooted in Faith and Compassion Fourteen years ago, Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) was established with a clear and inspiring mission: to empower the youth of Ixil through a transformative, Christ-centered education. What began as a spark of hope has grown into a vibrant community, where faith and learning go hand in hand. The new campus designed to accommodate 300 students, eventually, embodies the core belief that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, and lead. At Nicolás Christian School, students gain not only academic knowledge but also leadership skills rooted in faith, character, and purpose. Education, spiritual development, and practical training harmoniously intertwine to cultivate visionary leaders who have the power to uplift families and transform entire communities. Innovative Design That Inspires and Sustains The campus was masterfully designed to be not only environmentally sustainable but also a source of inspiration for all who walk its grounds. Simple yet impactful features, such as solar panels and rainwater collection systems, help meet the school’s energy and water needs in a way that respects both the environment and the community. Greenhouses provide hands-on learning experiences …
Join Us as a Giving Tuesday Ambassador
Make a Difference This Giving Season With the season of giving fast approaching, Nicolás Fund For Education invites our cherished supporters to join us as Giving Tuesday Ambassadors. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of underprivileged students through education, and we are thrilled to have you with us on this impactful journey. Why Become a Giving Tuesday Ambassador? By stepping into the role of an ambassador, you will: Your Role as an Ambassador As an ambassador, you’ll leverage your voice and network to raise awareness and encourage contributions to the Nicolás Fund For Education. Together, we can reach more individuals and inspire them to join us in this critical mission. Ready to Make a Difference? We invite you to become a Giving Tuesday Ambassador and partner with us in this global movement. Your engagement can have a profound impact and help change lives. Ambassadors can use their own images and words or the graphics/images and text provided by Nicolás Fund For Education. Contact Us For more information on how to get involved, contact David Lee. He is eager to help you maximize your impact as part of our ambassador team. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to education. Let’s come together this Giving Tuesday to create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Fulfilling a Dream 2024: A Celebration of Education and Empowerment
Nicolás Fund For Education’s Fulfilling a Dream 2024 fundraisers were a resounding success, bringing together educational supporters, donors, and community members to celebrate the transformative power of education. The events, held at Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor on May 2, 2024 and Encounter Church in Mercer Island, WA, on May 3, 2024, showcased the inspiring mission behind Nicolás Fund For Education and the remarkable strides made together. Unveiling the Mission and Impact Ivan España, our passionate and dedicated National Director, shared the inspiring mission of Nicolás Fund For Education and the remarkable achievements made possible through the support of our generous donors. Guests were moved by the powerful stories of students whose lives have been dramatically changed. They heard their firsthand testimonials that vividly showcased how contributions fuel dreams and unlock endless potential. Firsthand Experiences from Mission Trip Members Mission Trip Members Susan Shamblin, Andrew Metz, and Gabi Beckman shared inspiring stories of their NFE mission trips, during which they had the life-changing opportunity to impact the lives of marginalized youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala. They witnessed firsthand how NFE is breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice through faith and education. The Birth of Nicolás Fund for Education Becci Merritt, NFE Board President, shared how Nicolás Fund for Education came to be – a journey of enduring love, transformation, and shared belief in the power of prayer and education to overcome poverty. Twelve years ago, Becci Merritt, Al Lopus, Joan Selvig, Kathy Riper, and Lolo Levy began their mission with hearts that saw a place where chronic grinding poverty and discrimination have a firm stronghold. Becci outlined their 12-year journey from junior and senior high school …
Winter Soup Potluck RSVP
We’re thrilled to hear that you’re interested in joining us for Nicolás Fund For Education’s Winter Soup Potluck at Encounter Church’s Fellowship Hall! It’s going to be an amazing gathering filled with delicious soups and great company. We would love to have you there. To RSVP, please fill out the details in the form below. It’s a super quick and easy process, and it’ll help us a great deal in planning this event. We can’t wait to see you on February 3rd at noon!
