GUATEMALA MISSION

Guatemala is a tropical country located in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea). Guatemala was first inhabited by the Mayan civilization in the first millennium AD. It was then colonized by Spain in the 1520s, and ultimately gained its independence in 1821. In the latter half of the 20th century, Guatemala experienced a tragic 36-year guerrilla war (ending in 1996), which left more than 100,000 people dead and created around 1 million refugees.

The country suffers a great divide between rich and poor. According to 2008 estimates, more than 60% of Guatemalans live below the poverty line. The country's GDP per capita is US (making it 77th in the world) and only 2.6% of the country's GDP is spent on education (154th in the world). The vast majority of poor people in Guatemala are Mayan and Indigenous - populations whom we seek to serve and help. 

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 elementry school, house building program, food distribution program along with community outreach projects.

More information: CIA Facebook.

​Our Ministries

Director: Mr. Mario Alejandro Cuellar Vasquez 

Sponsorship Program: 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.

Elementary School: In 2020, we have 500 children registered in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 at our private school located in Parramos, Chimaltenango. 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 billingual school in the near future.

High School: In July 2013, a young lady who had attended the AOJ elementary school approched 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 elemtary 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.

Note– When the concrete was laid for the first level, really the foundation, the students wrote favorite Bible verses in the concrete as a witness to the fact we were building on the word of God.

Trade School: 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.

House Building: We seek out families in poor communities who are in neec 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. 

Food Distribution: 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.

Community Outreach: 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. 

Volunteer Opportunities: 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.