Hope on the Mountaintop: More Children Welcomed in Remote Guatemala

They come in twos, winding their way up the dirt mountain path — moms leading little ones by the hand or carrying babies in their arms. Dressed in their very best bright clothes, the children stand out like a flock of parrots against the lush, green hills of rural Carchá, Guatemala.

Their destination? The child development center run by Nazarene Church, Compassion’s local partner, where something special is happening. For years, the church has faithfully served 200 children in this remote, underserved community. The need has been great, but the church’s resources have been limited. They simply couldn’t welcome more children — until now.

Because of the generosity of Compassion Multipliers like you, the church has been able to expand their ministry in the community.

Today, 21 more children are being welcomed into the sponsorship program’s care — and it’s a day filled with joy and hope.

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

The moment center director Nery heard about the expansion, he shared the news with church leaders, who quickly spread the word. In a small, close-knit community like this, it didn’t take long for hopeful families to make their way to the church.

Two of these parents were Irma, mother of 3-year-old Katherin, and Zoila, mom to 4-year-old Melvin.

“I heard about it from my neighbor, who has her son registered at the center,” says Irma. “When they called me to let me know that my daughter was accepted, she was thrilled and asked me for her backpack so we could go to the center immediately."

Zoila says, “I heard from some people whose children were at the center, and I got very excited by what I heard. I went straight to the office and told them that I wanted my son to be considered.”

Identifying the Greatest Needs

Every church partner is equipped with tools to help identify children who most need support. A 10-question survey guides staff in understanding each child’s circumstances, from family income to access to water and education.

But more than data, it’s about relationships. Staff members visit families in their homes, getting to know their stories and challenges face-to-face.

At Zoila’s home, Melvin clings to a toy car, shy in the presence of visitors. Across town, Irma welcomes the team warmly while little Katherin lights up with excitement. Katherin’s house faces the very field where children at the center play — something she’s watched for months, longing to join them.

Thanks to Compassion Multipliers like you, now she can.

A Joyful First Day

From the moment they step through the door on their first day, the children are shown love and dignity. Their tutor Ingrid and the class prepared a special “Welcome!” sign just for them. To help them feel included, Ingrid gives them extra care and attention.

During the Bible lesson, the children paint cardboard whales as they learn the story of Jonah. When it’s time to recite the memory verse, they’re a little unsure. But they watch closely. And they smile.

A Place To Learn, Grow and Belong

Each new child receives a children’s Bible as a welcome gift from the center. Though they don’t yet know how to read, they’ll hear Bible stories from their tutor and follow the pictures with wide eyes and open hearts.

“I feel happy and excited because I’ve heard they learn the Word of God there, how to sing and their Bible texts,” says Irma, Katherin’s mother. “That’s what I want for my daughter, that when she grows up, she’ll be part of the church.”

At lunchtime, they gather around a long table and bow their heads to pray. Then they enjoy a hearty bowl of meatball soup — a welcome meal in this community where malnutrition rates are high.

“I feel very happy that my son was accepted into the program because I want him to be a successful person and prosper in his life by learning about God, learning to sing and having fun with other children,” says Zoila, Melvin’s mother.

Expanding God’s Kingdom

What once felt out of reach — education, medical checkups, the chance to discover God’s love — is now a reality for 21 more children in Carchá. Your support through Compassion Multipliers is expanding the ministry of local churches like Nazarene and unlocking doors for children who’ve been waiting to walk through them.

Katherin and Melvin came winding up the mountain path with hope in their hearts. Now they walk into a brighter future — because you made room for them.