Kingdom Flourishing in Guatemala

Nineteen years ago in Escuintla, Guatemala, a dream took root to help impoverished children facing violence, hunger, and limited opportunities to flourish. That dream became Mana De Vida school, which now serves more than 400 students with education, nutrition, spiritual direction, counseling, and basic medical needs.

Over the years, the impact of Mana De Vida can be seen through increasing graduation rates, job placements, a decrease in teen pregnancies and families restored. Some of the first students are returning to become a part of the team. And, most of the university graduates are the first in their families to finish high school.

Jessica Sagastume, the director of the school said, “Walking through the halls of our facilities is literally like walking inside a miracle, where we can easily compare the beginnings with what God has been building. Seeing the faces of the children and young people filled with joy, with hope despite the challenges they face. Seeing the daily food on their tables, the opportunity to prepare with a quality education, a committed team—all of this tells us that God is good, that He is great, that He has good plans, and that in Him all things are possible.”

Last September, a Perimeter team including Senior Pastor Jeff Norris traveled to Guatemala to visit several of our ministry partners including Mana De Vida. For many years, Perimeter has partnered with the school and Vida Real, the church on whose property the school is located.

Through a Kingdom Investment grant given years ago, our church helped fund the building of the elementary school. Our team was deeply honored by the warm and gracious welcome they received. Watch the video on this page.

Earlier this month, 20 churches began discipleship training in Guatemala. Our partner, Vida Real, asks us to pray with them that “Life on Life discipleship will take root in our churches so we can equip believers to share the gospel and bring true transformation.”