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 …
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 the Nicolás Fund for Education
Your commitment to the Ixil community has sparked waves of transformation and opportunity, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Together, we are not merely changing individual lives—we are cultivating hope, breaking cycles of poverty, and empowering an entire region to thrive. This past year, your partnership has helped us achieve extraordinary milestones. A Year of Powerful Impact 44 Graduates Breaking Barriers Last year, 44 students from NFE proudly graduated, but this was more than a ceremonial moment. It was the breaking of generational chains. With 69% of our graduates now earning above the poverty line, their newfound economic empowerment is a result of your belief in their potential. A New School Campus Built for the Future Thanks to your generosity, we’ve completed a new, state-of-the-art school campus capable of hosting 300 students, annually. This Christ-centered space is more than a building. It’s a beacon of opportunity and a foundation for lifelong growth. Academic Excellence Achieved Through faith and diligence, 88% of our 11th graders passed rigorous college admission tests this year. These young students are stepping into bright futures, armed with confidence and the knowledge they need to succeed. From children mastering literacy and math to families celebrating academic accomplishments, every success story can be traced back to your unwavering support. Continuing the Mission Forward Even as we celebrate the victories of this past year, it is clear that God’s work through NFE has only just begun. Together, we have the opportunity to broaden our reach and impact even further in the years to come. Here’s what lies ahead, with your continued partnership at the heart of our mission: Expanding Access to Education With the capacity of our new …
Empowering Dreams Through Education: Yesdi’s Story
Meet Yesdi, a determined 10th-grade student in Los Angeles whose courage and perseverance are paving the way to a brighter future. From taking a leap of faith to attend Nicolás Christian School to excelling in personalized programs like EdQet and Progrentis, Yesdi’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of education.
Discover how a solid academic foundation, creativity fostered in the Art Lab, and spiritual growth are helping Yesdi pursue her dream of becoming a medical doctor. Her inspiring achievements are made possible by the generosity of supporters like you.
Experiencing Faith and Transformation: Nicolás Fund for Education Mission Trips
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 …
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 …
Al Lopus Returns as NFE President to Lead Us Into a New Era of Growth and Impact
We are thrilled to share an exciting update with you! Starting January 1, 2025, Al Lopus will assume the role of President at NFE. As a co-founder of NFE and a former President, Al brings an unparalleled understanding of our mission and a strong connection to our team. This makes him the ideal leader to guide us into the next phase of growth and impact. Al is highly regarded for his expertise in strategic planning and leadership. With his direction, we are confident that NFE will continue to thrive, reach new heights, and further its mission of driving meaningful change. Your ongoing support is crucial to our success, and we are excited to keep you updated during this transition. Together, we will build on our foundation and reach even greater achievements in the years to come. Thank you for being part of the NFE journey!
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.
Empowering the Future in Ixil: Nicolás Fund For Education is Transforming Guatemalan Youth
Phenomenal change is happening in the Ixil, and I have witnessed that change firsthand. In 2002, I traveled to the Ixil on an AGROS trip to work alongside the village of La Esperanza. My husband Dave and I continued to work with Villa Hortensia Uno (VH1). Now, as a veteran traveler to Guatemala, I have made twelve working trips to the Ixil. I attended the Nicolas Christian School graduation ceremony for Villa Hortensia Uno in 2018. These were the first students ever to complete ninth grade in this village. It was a thrill to see their joy and accomplishments celebrated. Some had waited years to have the opportunity to learn past the sixth grade. It was a dream of a lifetime to earn a ninth-grade education. Two of the students were twenty and twenty-one years of age. Thank you to Nicolàs Fund for Education for extending education to this remote village. I had the joy and excitement of meeting the three teachers and one tutor employed at the school. I knew these teachers from elementary age. These teachers graduated from the very first graduating class in 2018. They worked hard to overcome adversity to complete high school and continued their education beyond high school to become teachers. This is their village. They were born and raised and educated here. And now they have chosen to pass on the blessing of education to their brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends, who would not otherwise have an open path for the future. They are thirsty to learn. Two of the teachers in VH1 are pursuing university degrees using online learning. Eliseo is studying theology, and Juan is studying English. By investing in …
