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. …
Where the Grass is Greenest
I just returned from my second mission trip to Guatemala. And I hope that these reflections won’t come across as cliché or emotionally charged reactions to short-term missions abroad. Because the more I engage in missions, the more I realize what missions truly are. I used to think the goal of overseas missions was to bring God to places of physical or spiritual poverty. But the kids and teachers in the Ixil region of Guatemala keep teaching me something different: Missions isn’t about bringing God somewhere. It’s about recognizing how fully present He already is. Every time I go, I plan to bring my light, joy, and faith to share with these kids. But somehow, I always come back carrying theirs. It’s the strangest, most beautiful thing—something I think anyone who’s done missions overseas might understand. When I’m with the students at Nicolás Christian School, I feel like I have everything I could ever need. There’s something sacred about being with people who aren’t glued to their phones, who are curious without judgment, kind without trying to be, and playful as if the world were already whole. Many of these students live in shacks. Their families have walked through genocide. They face food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and education, and a lack of consistent electricity. And yet— They are some of the most joyful people I’ve ever met. That reality always stops me in my tracks, especially when I compare it to what I see back home. In the U.S., the youth I minister to live in comfort. They have everything they could ever want or need at their fingertips. But when we recently asked some 7th graders what …
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 …
Spiritual Milestones: A Day of Transformation and Joy
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 …
An Inspiring Ten-Day Journey in Guatemala with Nicolás Fund for Education: A Team Member’s Unforgettable Experience of the First Two Days
By Carrie Nordberg, NFE Board Secretary & February Mission Team Leader We’ve officially arrived! Our 10-day Nicolás Fund for Education mission trip began early Friday morning. Although our flights from Seattle and Dallas were delayed, we eventually touched down in Guatemala City at 12:30 am on Saturday. Thanks to our wonderful interpreter, Clarita, who coordinated all our local arrangements, we made it to our hotel (just five minutes from the airport) and finally settled in for the night around 1:30 am. True to form, Seth Nordberg slept through without a hitch and woke up energized. I wasn’t quite as lucky, but after a good breakfast and strong coffee, we were ready for the next leg of our adventure to Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Heavy traffic delayed us, but by 2:00 p.m., we were ziplining at the Atitlan Nature Reserve—an exhilarating start to our trip! Seth and I opted for the Extreme zip lines (with eight runs, some impressively long), while others embraced the Super Extreme. The views of the lake were breathtaking, and we finished our day with monkeys and wildlife on the trails, our first tuk-tuk ride, ice cream in town, and a lakeside dinner before collapsing, exhausted and happy. The next morning (Sunday), we started with a hotel breakfast before admiring Lake Atitlan’s natural beauty. Although clouds hid the volcanoes, the landscape was still stunning. We soon boarded our bus for a short drive to Chichicastenango, famous for its vibrant markets. The energy, colors, and aromas were incredible! After exploring, we traveled on to the Ixil region. To give context, it took us 3.5 hours to cover just 60 miles due to the winding mountain …
