When Eliseo was just five years old, he began going with his family to the finca—a large commercial farm where poor families worked during the coffee harvest in Guatemala. He was only a little boy, but he still remembers the hardship. At that age, he was too small to pick much coffee. Some days, he could only fill part of a box. The pay was very low. If workers filled one box, they might earn 20 quetzales ($2.60). If they only filled half a box, they earned 10 ($1.30). For a child, and for a family living in poverty, every quetzal mattered. When one finca did not have enough harvest, the family could not simply rest or go home and live in security. Instead, they carried their clothing on their shoulders and walked for kilometers to another finca, hoping there would be more coffee there and a better chance to earn money. They would stay for two or three months if the harvest was good, and when the work ended, they returned home for a short time until they had to leave again. This pattern continued year after year. From 2004 until 2015, finca life shaped Eliseo’s childhood. Life on the finca was extremely difficult. The work began early—very early. Sometimes the family got up at 2:30 or 3:00 in the morning. They had to walk long distances to the coffee fields, sometimes one or two kilometers on foot, before the day’s labor even began. When they picked a lot of coffee, they had to carry it back. Eliseo was still a child, but even he carried coffee in a basket. The danger was real, too. In the coffee fields, …
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Brandon’s Journey to Becoming a Surgeon
by Carrie Nordberg Education Beyond High School: A Rare Opportunity In the United States, it is almost the norm to go to college after graduating high school. But in the impoverished, remote region of Guatemala that is served by Nicolas Christian School (NCS), it is definitely not. Brandon lives in the village of La Bendición, one of the smallest communities served by NCS, with only two students from that village in school last year. I visited him last February, when he was just starting his 11th-grade (final) year at NCS. We spent time in his one-room home, praying with him and listening to his dad pour out his anguish over the struggles that Brandon had overcome. Brandon’s Challenges and Triumphs In that moment, it was hard to imagine that this 17-year-old boy, who suffered from depression and had been abandoned by his mom, could someday go to college and fulfill his dream of being a surgeon. But that’s exactly what he’s doing. In explaining what he wanted to achieve on his scholarship application, Brandon wrote, “That’s why I, Brandon, took that dream of becoming a surgeon because of the love and kindness I have for people.” His teachers describe him as “studious, kind, empathetic, and very diligent.” Brandon’s character, along with his excellent grades, enabled him to pass the entrance exam and gain admission to the University of San Carlos in Guatemala to study medicine. The Ten Talents Program: Inspiring Future Generations Students at NCS are encouraged to dream big. Our Ten Talents Program provides university and trade scholarships for high-achieving graduates to continue their education. Scholarship recipients return each year to inspire younger students to excel in school, find …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Update: Together, We Are Fulfilling Dreams!
We are thrilled to share the wonderful results from our 2025 Fulfilling a Dream events this March! Thanks to your extraordinary generosity, we surpassed our goal, raising over $275,000 to advance the life-changing work of Nicolás Christian School. Many described this year’s events as our best yet! We welcomed a record attendance in the South Sound/Gig Harbor area and were equally encouraged by strong participation at our North Sound event on Mercer Island. The highlight for many was the powerful student videos, sharing personal stories of transformation—young people breaking free from generational poverty through Christ-centered education. We were also moved by the testimonies of recent mission team members, whose lives have been changed by witnessing firsthand what God is doing in the Ixil region. Because of your support, we continue to grow, adding over 30 new students this year. These young people represent a new generation of leaders, bringing hope and change to their families and communities. Already, 125 graduates have entered the workforce, with 69% breaking the cycle of poverty—a remarkable testimony to what God is doing through your investment! While this event launched us toward our annual goal, we still have $250,000 to raise this year to fully fund our 2025 budget. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining our growing community of monthly donors. Monthly giving provides stable, ongoing support that allows us to serve more students and plan confidently for the future. Setting up a recurring gift is as simple as clicking a link. More than anything, thank you. Your partnership is not just funding a school—it’s fueling a movement of transformation, hope, and Christ-centered leadership where it’s desperately needed. With gratitude and joy,The Nicolás Fund …
Transforming Lives Through Knowledge: The Impact of NFE’s Village Libraries
Education is the foundation of opportunity, and for many children in remote communities, it’s a path to a brighter future. Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) is paving this path by creating village libraries in underserved areas of the Central Highlands of Guatemala. These libraries are not just collections of books—they are hubs of hope, resources, and empowerment designed to break the generational cycle of poverty. The Need for Village Libraries Guatemala’s remote Ixil region faces unique challenges when it comes to education. Public elementary schools operate part-time and have limited resources, leaving children without access to books or the ability to build critical language and literacy skills. The majority of parents in these communities are illiterate and predominantly speak Mayan languages, meaning that children must learn Spanish—the official language of education—within the confines of an under-resourced school system. Compounding the issue, there are no public libraries in these areas to offer additional learning support. This void has long hindered children’s ability to succeed in school and beyond, as poor Spanish fluency and limited vocabulary severely affect their academic progress. NFE’s Visionary Solution Recognizing this gap, NFE launched its first village libraries in 2020 and has since expanded the initiative rapidly. Starting with three libraries, the program grew to five more in 2021, an additional one in 2023, and aims to open its 10th library in Vichibala in 2024. These mini-libraries are carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each community. They’re stocked with culturally relevant books in Spanish, including works by Guatemalan authors and age-appropriate educational materials. These libraries serve as bridges between language, culture, and opportunity. Building Communities Through Books The work doesn’t end with establishing libraries. NFE …
Thank You for Fully Funding Our 2025 Academic Budget!
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Nicolás Fund for Education’s 2025 academic budget is now fully funded! This achievement is a direct result of your generosity, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. A special shoutout goes to those who responded to our appeal letters. Your heartfelt support has ensured that every program we envisioned will be implemented. More students will have access to life-changing educational opportunities, and our mission to empower rural Guatemalan communities through education will continue to thrive. Thanks to your contributions, we’re entering another exciting chapter. As we continue to grow, our new school is gradually filling its halls with bright minds and hopeful futures. This year, we increased our student body once again, bringing us closer to the school’s capacity of 300 students over the next 3 to 5 years. With a growing student body comes an increasing need for resources, and we know we can count on you to stand with us as we move forward. The impact of your support ripples far and wide, and now we ask for one more thing—please consider sharing our mission with your friends, family, and networks. Please help us spread the word about why Nicolás Fund for Education is a cause worth supporting! Thank you for believing in a brighter future and being part of our community. Together, we’ll keep building opportunities for generations to come.
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 …
Helping People, Changing Lives: 3 Health Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives and often serve to help others. Did you know that volunteering can benefit your health as well? Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults, including: 1. Improves physical and mental health. 2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. 3. Nurture new and existing relationships. (Excerpted from Angela Thoreson, M.S.W.’s 8-1-23 article in Mayo Clinic Health System’s newsletter.) Get Involved: Become an NFE Volunteer Nicolás Fund For Education is on a mission to empower Mayan youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala to break free from generational poverty through Christ-centered education. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to join our cause and make a real difference in the lives of these students. Whether you’re a skilled grant writer, a social media savant, or an experienced educator, we have a variety of roles where your unique talents can shine. From helping with fundraising events to providing virtual tutoring via WhatsApp, you can contribute to our mission in many ways. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself and impact the future of Mayan youth in Guatemala, we invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities and apply today. Together, we can empower the next generation to dream big and achieve their full potential. We are currently seeking volunteers for the following roles:
