Our Mission in Guatemala

Quick Facts

Arms of Jesus at work in Guatemala

To help the children living in these dire circumstances, AOJ began its ministry in Guatemala by implementing a food distribution program. This program was designed to support children whose families lived off of the central garbage dump in Guatemala City. We then introduced the sponsorship program to better the lives of children. Additionally, various medical outreaches and clothing distribution programs were introduced. In 2001, the sponsorship program began providing education to the children, who otherwise would not have been educated. We have since grown and now we have a fully accredited elementary school, house building program, food distribution program along with community outreach projects.

Mario Alejandro Cuellar Vásquez is the Field Director of The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission in Guatemala. With a background in Public Accounting and Auditing, Mario first joined the ministry in 2011 as an accounting assistant. After gaining experience in teaching, business management, and social aid organizations, he returned to AOJ in 2020 Financial Director and became Field Director and Legal Representative in 2024.

Mario is passionate about serving children and youth, promoting Christian education, and fostering strong interpersonal relationships within his team. Leading a group of over fifty dedicated staff members, he is committed to advancing God’s ministry and making a lasting impact in Guatemala.

Our Ministries

In 2024, we have more than 700 sponsored children who receive free education either through our private school or a local public school. These children also have access to medical care, clothing, food and other necessities that are made available through AOJ.

In 2025, we have 500 children registered in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 at our private school located in Parramos, Guatemala. Our students have access to unique educational resources that are not available through the government public schools. These resources include: a computer laboratory, a research library, a science laboratory, a music program, and a drama program. Furthermore, we offer English classes to all grades with the intention of becoming a fully bilingual school in the near future.

High School

In July 2013, a young lady who had attended the AOJ elementary school approached Dr. Martin with a moving and challenging request: "Please Pastor, open a high school for us." When Pastor asked her why, she said tearily: "We learned about God at AOJ! The students at the community school are into drugs, sex, and alcohol. We are not learning there. Please, please help us." Later the same day, a number of parents made the same appeal to Dr. Martin when he visited the local public high school. He was shocked at what he saw; the classrooms were filthy, there was no electricity, no running water, and the children were headed into the room like cattle. It was obvious to Dr. Martin that learning in this environment would be very difficult. Dr. Martin then met with 50 students who had attended the AOJ elementary school and asked them, "if the Mission opened a high school, how many of you would return?" One by one, 48 of the 50 students raised their hands.

Pastor shared with the students and parents that he could not promise anything, but that he would pray about it and share his vision with others. Upon his return to Canada, those involved with the Mission began praying and in a very short time, the funds came and the land was purchased. Construction began on a two-story building, but God had bigger plans and provided the funds for three stories. On May 8th, 2014, the AOJ high school was officially dedicated. We feel so blessed to be able to provide both a primary and secondary Christian education to our students.

Here we provide hands-on-training for older students to learn a particular skill or trade that can immediately be applied in the market place. Our trade school offers courses in beauty, textile making, artisan crafts, and photography. With these skills, students can immediately work with a prospective employer or start their own business.

We seek out families in poor communities who are in need of a home. These families often live in shelters built with cornstalk or aluminum siding, an a dirt floor which provide little protection from the elements. Through donations, we are able to provide a modest home made of drywall that is built on a concrete floor.

Once a month, we provide approximately 250 families with a food hamper that is filled with the following essentials: 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of beans, 2 bags of evaporated milk, 1 bottle of cooking oil, 1 bottle of bleach, and 2 bags of a vitamin drink.

We provide our services in remote areas where there is little assistance from the local government or other charitable organizations. One such community is Pampay, which is a village of approximately 70 indigenous families. Our staff regularly work in this community to provide spiritual education classes, medical care, and donations to the local public school. In 2008, we started a sponsorship program in Pampay to provide them with hope for a better future. We also opened a Community Library in Parramos where adult literacy programs are provided.

We welcome volunteers who are looking to work with children, build homes and spread the Christian message in the communities we serve. If you are interested in volunteering as part of a church, organization or as an individual, please contact the AOJ Canada office.

Take Action

Help Us Transform Lives in Guatemala

The people of Guatemala need your help now more than ever. Through your support, we can continue providing education, healthcare, food, and hope to families living in poverty. Whether through child sponsorship, volunteering, or a one-time donation, your contribution directly impacts the lives of hundreds of children and families in Guatemala. Join us in making a lasting difference and bringing light to communities that need it most.

Together, we can change lives and build a brighter future.