Guatemala
OverviewWhile Guatemala may be known for incredible Mayan ruins and aromatic coffee, it is a country that struggles with deep poverty and tragic social issues. While not typically considered a “third-world nation”, Guatemala ranks 3rd worst in the world in child nutrition and has become a leading participant in human trafficking. In both rural areas and cities, thousands of children are victimized through abuse, forced labor and absolute neglect. Facts
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Helping the Children
In response to these needs, Kids Alive has developed the Oasis, a home for abused girls where up to 60 girls find peace, security and spiritual healing as well as preparation for a life free of abuse. We also partnered with a local Guatemalan church, Iglesia Galilea, to bring nutrition, Christian education, and family discipleship to the remote village of Zapote through the Source of Hope. Our ministry is focused on fulfilling the physical, emotional, AND spiritual needs of children through Christ-centered care, education, and ministry—and bringing them up to become faithful followers of Jesus in their community.
Ministry Sites |
MissionariesCorbey and Janie Dukes |
Support The Oasis
The Oasis
The Oasis is a residential home for Guatemalan girls. None of the Oasis girls are true orphans but have been abandoned or abused. Most were forced into child labor, experienced physical and sexual abuse, and, unfortunately, all too often all three. They come to the Oasis with the scars of exploitation.
At the Oasis, they reside in an environment where they can live in family units with Guatemalan house-parents. They also attend school (many for the first time) and have access to therapy to heal emotional scars. Central to their home at the Oasis is the knowledge that they are loved, protected and introduced to Jesus - who can provide the true healing they need.
Support Source of Hope Care Center
Source of Hope Care Center
The Source of Hope Care Center opened its doors in July, 2006, in the town of Zapote – a remote area where food, work, and education are scarce. This ministry is a partnership between Kids Alive and Iglesia Galilea, a local church. It began with forty preschoolers and has since grown to 100 children from preschool to fourth grade. Here they receive a solid education, health services and a nutrition program – often the only meals they receive each day. A new building has just been completed where we plan to expand to sixth grade and develop community outreach programs. Kids Alive and Iglesia Galilea are working to develop nutrition, education and discipleship programs for the children and their parents as we believe that the Gospel can transform this village.
Support Corbey and Janie Dukes
Corbey and Janie Dukes
Corbey and Janie Dukes first came to Kids Alive Guatemala in 2000 by leading numerous short-term mission teams from their home church, where Corbey served as Administrative and Missions Pastor. In 2009 Corbey became our Kids Alive Field Director for
Corbey has a degree in Computer Engineering and an MBA from
Support Doug and Sara Johnson
Doug and Sara Johnson
Doug and Sara Johnson started their ministry with Kids Alive International in 2000 when Doug volunteered his construction skills to help with an expansion of the
A graduate in Christian Education from Moody Bible Institute, Doug previously provided construction supervision to Helps International Ministries. Sara also attended Moody Bible, is a Licensed Practical Nurse, and worked as a crisis pregnancy counselor. Doug and Sara have five children: Scott, Emily, Bryan, Neal, and Jared.
Support Patricia Hoeksema
Patricia Hoeksema
Patricia Hoeksema has served in Guatemala with Kids Alive since 2002. She is currently on loan from Kids Alive to Galilea Church in San Lucas, Guatemala where she serves as the Education Director of the church's "Fuente de Esperanza" (aka Source of Hope) educational program. Patricia's role includes leading teacher trainings and working alongside the Guatemalan school directors of 3 Guatemalan Christian schools to ensure that the 200 children enrolled in this program receive spiritual guidance, nutritious meals, medical care as well as academic education.
Support Jenny Johnson
Jenny Johnson
Jenny is from
Support Addie Ridgeway
Addie Ridgeway
I received the opportunity to serve the Lord with Kids Alive soon after graduating from North Greenville University in 2010 with a degree in early childhood education. While at North Greenville, the Lord called me to overseas missions. I went on a mission trip to Ecuador where the Lord led me to serve children in Latin America by showing them His love. I will be serving in Guatemala at the Oasis tutoring girls to become ready to enter school.
Support Debora Rock
Debora Rock
The Lord has led me to Guatemala in order to serve my people and His children. I am originally from Guatemala and lived there for 7 years, until I was adopted. I have a heart for missions, and have been on several trips with my churches. I will be living and working at the Oasis Center in Guatemala for two years as their communications coordinator.
Support Josh and Susan Ma
Josh and Susan Ma
Josh and Susan both have a desire to help the spiritually and physically poor through Christ's love. After their marriage in 2007 they began looking for opportunities to serve over-seas. They were attracted to the holistic approach that Kids Alive International takes in their ministries, and are now looking forward to serving with the Guatemala Kids Alive team. Josh will be working on outreach projects in Zapote. Susan will be working at The Oasis in the transition program with the girls ages 18+.
Josh has his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Texas and received a certificate of Theology from the College of Biblical Studies. Susan also went to CBS and received her Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Counseling, and an Associate Degree in English from Blinn College. Both are excited to join the ministry in Guatemala soon.
