Personal 2024

OUR STAFF

Katherine Denisse López Hernández
General Director of Love Guatemala

My name is Katherine Lopez and my dad is Carlos Lopez and my mom is Thelma Lopez. I have a brother Pabel. About a year ago I started helping Love Guatemala with different small projects such as selling t-shirts, paintings and other things. I have always like to serve and it has shaped my life. I also know Love Guatemala is helping many people in Magdalena.

Now thanks to God I am working for Love Guatemala as the administrative assistant. I feel very happy serving there. It feels like a big family and I know that God is doing big things there. I feel blessed and I am learning a lot of new things and especially more about God. I am very happy and I will continue helping Love Guatemala and those who need me when I can.

Naomi Baumann de López
Director of Communications
I am from Bourbonnais, Illinois. I went on my first mission trip to Guatemala when I was 15 years old and completely fell in love with Guatemala. My senior year in high school, my family and I lived in Guatemala for a year and through the first trip and later the year long trip, I knew God was calling me to missions. God worked in my heart during my mission trips and when I returned to the states to study nursing. He drew me closer to Him and continued to confirm the call of missions on my life. I graduated in December 2017 and moved back to Guatemala shortly after in March of 2018. I met my husband when I worked as an intern in Love Guatemala. We have been married almost two years and have a beautiful daughter. We both work in Love Guatemala together now. I am very excited to see all that God will do in our lives and our work at Love Guatemala.

Pabel Andree López Hernández
Director of  Teams 

My name is Pabel Lopez. I am 27 years old and my wife, Naomi, and I have a beautiful three year old daughter named Eliza and Son Ezra . I work in a few different things at Love Guatemala. My main role is working in photography, videography, and social media for the ministry. I also work with teams that come to serve and I have begun to teach seminars to the students. I am looking forward to seeing how God uses me in the work at Love Guatemala.

Mailyn Michel Bautista Valenzuela
Director of Vocational Schools

My name is Maylin Michel Bautista Valenzuela, I am 24 years old. I am lucky to live with my parents and 2 sisters. I had the privilege of receiving Jesus in my heart in the year 2018.

It has been a great blessing to be able to be working at Love Guatemala. As an English teacher, I am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity where I can also be part of the Vision of our Institution that is sharing with students about the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is a blessing to be able to be part of the growth spiritual and academic of each student. God has shown his love in different ways. I am currently blessed to follow Him.

Studying at the University is one more dream that I am fulfilling through people who show their love for me. Love Guatemala has been a great growth opportunity professional and academic spirituality.

Sergio Nicolas Lopez Garcia
Director of Básicos Program

My name is Sergio Nicolas López García. After 31 years, one of the important achievements in my life has been to have a beautiful family with my wife and two children. Life has not been easy because since I was little I had to work very hard to get what I have today. My parents were farmers all their lives, and today I can thank God because I have a complicated but phenomenal profession – that of being a teacher. I owe everything to them. Although my mother died years ago, I can say that I treasure the reflection of what she was; fighting until the last moment of our existence not caring about the final result, but appreciating the beauty of the process. There is no doubt that each life lesson received is due to our personal decisions, but along the way God shows his mercy and grace. The same decisions make us return and have faith in God to decide to add value to others when He gives hope and a new opportunity, allowing us to work. Cultivating a seed with the talents and gifts that the Father inherits us to share with other people. There is no doubt that the greatest value is in making people better every day by living intentionally. The years go by and from 2020 to date, Love Guatemala has opened doors by God’s favor to grow personally, professionally and spiritually.

Yesika Lizania López
Teacher of Speech Therapy

God has given me the opportunity to belong to the Love Guatemala Ministry as of October 2022, with the vision of starting a new program in the area of health called Language Therapy. This program’s objective is to evaluate, diagnose, and rehabilitate disorders or difficulties in comprehensive and expressive language, with the specific goal of promoting knowledge of the Word of God and providing knowledge of values that lead to living a pleasing life before Him. The care would be provided to children from 2 years of age onwards, with 50-minute sessions to work with individuals. The first part of the process is an interview to learn about the family and clinical background, the second is the evaluation of the structure and function of the phonatory system, and the third is therapeutic programs tailored to the needs of the child. We prayed often to God for what this program would achieve in 2023, and God responded to our prayers by affirming the program.
We started organizing the space necessary to give the attention required to each child, as well as selecting evaluation tools, equipment, and teaching materials. January 27th, 2023, we started giving evening sessions on Fridays and Saturdays and providing care to 17 children distributed in their assigned schedules.
It has been a huge blessing to be able to serve every cold and family in this area as well as personal and spiritual growth. We began 2024 with many goals and wishes, and in other areas that have been assigned to me such as “The Children’s Food Kitchen Program” and “Infirmary”,
I always want to have the disposition of serving and giving to know the love of God and the Hope that we find in Him.

Lesbia Eugenia Hernandez Perez
Nurse & Medical Assistant

I am 41 years old. My growing up years were very difficult because my parents separated when I was 11 years old. There are 6 siblings in my family and I am the third of them. When I was 13 I started working to help my mom with my household expenses and with my siblings. I grew up with my maternal grandparents. I carry in my heart thanks to them I learned the value of respect love and work.

When I was 20 my first daughter was born. She is now 20 years old. I had my second a son who died but for me it is a very nice memory. His name was Pedro. When I was 28 my son Carlos Fernando. It was a very complicated pregnancy but I was blessed because he is still with us and he is 14 years old. My kids are my reason to fight everyday to have a better life than I had.
I have always worked to help with the expenses in my home. My husband met Carl Bunso and he invited him to work at the carpentry school. God had plans for our lives. We then met Sandy and she helped me to finish my nursing school.
I currently work with Love Guatemala but more important is that I don’t only work but I am learning about the love of God. In the future I will have changes in my life because God is changing my heart. I am very happy to belong to this ministry.

Bernarda Lorena Lopez Lopez.
Básicos Program

I studied bilingual secretary in high school. When I finished high school studies, I started working at the Open Schools of Santa Lucia Milpas Altas, and it was then that I decided to return to the dream of being a teacher again.

I started my teaching studies at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala. This stage in my life was a blessing and a lot of challenges. To achieve my dream I had to work and study at the same time.

I loved my experience as a teacher in training at the Milpas Altas Technological Institute. It was a very rewarding experience for me.

Living this experience, as a teacher for 10 years, has been very significant for my life. It has taught me to work with young people, to know their way of learning and working, and to share personal moments in which they share: affection , smiles, happiness, and respect. It has helped me to grow as a teacher.

Currently, I am a middle school teacher at Love Guatemala. My experience is very different, I have had to adapt to a new educational system and to face COVID-19. As a teacher it has made me grow, because this new educational modal has required that I look for new teaching methodologies.

This is my second year, and I have had very satisfactory experiences with my students, seeing that they learn and that they are motivated to continue studying by setting new goals. It is something that is priceless. I guide them on this path by sharing the word of God to them. It has motivated them to believe that everything is possible if they make an effort to grow professionally and spiritually.

It has been a time of knowing many challenges, but at the same time very satisfying.

Edgardo Geovani Chanta Perez.
English Teacher

I live in Magdalena Milpas Altas. It is an honor for me to be part of the Love Guatemala project. When I heard about this ministry, I wanted to be part of the staff but, for different reasons, it had not been possible. Without realizing it, I wanted things in my own time, completely forgetting that God’s timing and His works are perfect and that we must pray, wait, and accept because He does the rest. Thanks to God and my parents, I was able to finish my studies and at the age of 15, I finished high school. After that, I began to study English in La Antigua Guatemala. At first, it was very difficult and complicated because learning a language means loving its culture, history, and its people. After several years of sacrifice and perseverance, the learning process was successful. That amazing experience made me feel curious and learn another language, but, this time it is easier. Without realizing it, I had gotten a gift, which is learning different languages. I really love it. I am currently studying Italian and French at San Carlos University, and in addition to those languages I am also studying a Mayan language called Kaqchikel. I am really grateful to God and I hope to use that gift and let everybody know that putting our trust in God is the best decision that can be made.

Marlyn Roxana Pérez Pérez
Teacher of Adult Education

My name is Marlyn Roxana Perez Perez. I am 30 years old and I work in the adult education area teaching Básicos and Bachillerato. I am a creative person and I like to work with others that need my help. I came to Love Guatemala in 2023. It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot from my coworkers. I am grateful to Love Guatemala for giving me the opportunity to work there and give my one year old daughter a better life. Being able to work and provide for her is a blessing from God. 

A goal I have this year, it to not only serve by giving classes, but also providing emotional and spiritual support. I also want to grow professionally and grow in the talents God has given me. I want to be an example to my students. 

Objective: to perform in a disciplined and responsible manner, doing a job of excellence for the students and the community.

Cesar Augusto Salay, Hernández
Teacher of Cooking School

My name is Cesar Augusto Salay Hernandez. I am 35 years old and married. I studied in Las Margaritas Culunary School. Right now I work Monday to Friday in a hospital as a chef. On Saturdays, I give cooking and baking classes at Love Guatemala.
For me, the kitchen is a passion, a lifestyle. I prepare cooks that can prepare food in the best ways so that they can have opportunities for jobs and have the opportunity to develop their work in the kitchen.
My goal is to form people with character, love and passion for the art of cooking.

Nidia Raquel Romero Girón
Teacher of Adult Education

My name is Nidia Raquel Romero Girón. I am 29 years old and I am married. I am a student of the Master’s Degree program in Psychotherapeutic Interventions. I currently work as a teacher at Love Guatemala in the area of ​​Básicos (middle school) adult education stage I and II.
I work with the students in communication and language classes, artistic expression and entrepreneurship. In Bachillerato(high school) I teach psychology and literature classes. It has been a new experience in my life that has allowed me to overcome all my challenges in all areas of my life. In addition to working in Love Guatemala, I work as a pre-primary teacher in Senderos de Luz with children from 4 to 6 years old. I am very grateful to God for blessing me to be in 2 ministries.

One of my goals with my students is to continue providing knowledge and above all, to continue guiding the hearts of each student so that they can grow spiritually.

A personal goal is to graduate as a Clinical Psychologist at university. My goal in my classroom is for students to be able to tackle each of their obstacles in all areas of life, both personally and as a group.

Juan Francisco Méndez Chanta
Teacher of Computation

My name is Juan Francisco Méndez Chanta. I am originally from Magdalena Milpas Altas. I was born on September 2, 1985 and am now 38 years old. I am a teacher of primary education and a teacher of secondary education in pedagogy and a technician in educational administration. In addition to being a computer repair technician. I currently work at the Official Rural School in Buena Vista and at Love Guatemala. I am teaching the areas of computer, artistic expression and physical education. I want to leave a legacy of teaching and personal improvement in the children and youth of Milpas Altas and its surroundings.

Glendy Patricia Hernández Méndez
Basicos Program

I am 34 years old, married, and a Primary Urban Education (Elementary School) teacher, with more than 10 years of experience teaching. God has given me the privilege of being a mother to two sons; William who is 14 years old, and Diego who is 10 years old. Several years ago I studied Education at the University of Panamerican of Guatemala where I obtained my certificate as a Teacher of Secondary Education in Psychology, and last year I graduated from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala where I obtained my degree in Professorship of Intercultural Primary Education. My job in Love Guatemala has been a huge blessing to my family. My role in this institution is as a teacher to students in Elementry School. Without a doubt, little by little, we are improving the quality of education in Guatemala. Love Guatemala has changed the lives of many students and it is an educational center full of blessings for many families. I know that the institution will accomplish growing closer to God and being a center for His wonders and blessings.

Jeidy Marisol Elias Morales
Secretary

My name is Jeidy Marisol Elias Moráles and I am 39 years old. I was born January 6th in Nuevo San Carlos Retalhuleu. I work in Love Guatemala as a Secretary. My personal goal is to work well in Love Guatemala and to serve in the best way possible. My spiritual goal is to continue growing spiritually every day and learn everything that God has for me.

Olga Marina López
Feeding Center

My name is Olga Marina López and I work in the Children’s Feeding Kitchen. I started working there with another colleague in 2015 where we worked with 50 children, ages two to fourteen. The goal has been to share the Word of God with the children and parents of the families at the kitchen. For 2024, we have proposed specific objects to share with every child how to find their true identity in Jesus and strengthen the growth and development of their being through proper nutritional care for their age. For me, it is a blessing, and a beautiful experience to work with every child and help with the necessities that each one has. For me, the Ministry of Love Guatemala is a blessing.

Mayra Teresa Jeronimo Mundo
Head of Cleaning

I live in Magdalena Milpas Altas. I am a single mother of three children. I am the fifth daughter of nine siblings. I have been serving in Love Guatemala for three years as manager of the cleaning area. With training that Love Guatemala has provided I have learned a lot. Love opened the doors for me and everything has been achieved with the help of God. In my life I have had many changes, the biggest one I had was to accept God in my heart. Knowing his Word helped me to continue attending church services and discipleship trainings. I am studying my basicos in Love Guatemala because I want to improve myself and achieve many things. I plan to achieve many things, including being a secretary.

Otto Hernandez
Security guard

I work as a security guard here in Love Guatemala. I have a wife and two beautiful children. I came here to this ministry as a work of God because before, we spent years working hard in the field. They were difficult years but we never stopped serving God. God allowed me to come to this ministry to give a better life not only to me but to all my family. I am grateful to God and all the people that support the ministry. We have learned a lot in the trainings and devotionals in Love Guatemala and to be able to see the discipleship of pastor Ben has been a great help and blessing. When my time here in the ministry is over I want to continue my study on weekends to be able to start a small business and spend time with my family. May God bless all those who support and pray for us here in Guatemala.

Erika Magaly Hernández Canrey
Head of Cleaning Saturdays

Hello! My name is Erika Magaly Hernández Canrey. I am 33 years old, a widow and I have 2 children. Since 3 years ago, I have been a single mother and it has been a difficult path, but God has been so good to my family. I work in Love Guatemala as a cleaner on the weekends.
My goal for this new year is to be better in my work, as well as asking God to give me wisdom to instruct my children, help to be able to study, and health and life so that I can work and one day be able to have land for my children.

Luis Enrique Garcia Mixtun
Security Guard

I am 41 years old
I am a resident of Magdalena Milpas Altas. When I was 10 years old my mother passed away. It was something very sad and painful for the whole family and especially for me. I did not have the opportunity to continue studying because my father did not have a lot of money. I grew up working in agriculture until I was 18 years old.
Then I decided to get married to my wonderful wife. Her name is Elva Yolanda. God gave us 2 sons Wilmer, 23 years old and Obed 21. Now I have a daughter-in-law and a beautiful grandson.
For a while I was sick and unable to work, so my wife supported us. God did not abandon us in those difficult moments. God gave me the opportunity to meet Pastor Ben, Don Carlos and their families. I applied for a job with them and I am grateful to God for the opportunity that I was given to work in Love Guatemala working as security.

Henry Yosimar Hernández Locon
Pastor

I am Henry Yósima Hernández Locón. I am 36 years old and the Pastor of Iglesia Nueva Vida (New Life Church) and of Love Guatemala currently. My passion and wish is to serve and show Jesus Christ in a testimonial way, biblically and personally, God has given me the privilege to be in ministry and my vision and wish is to be able to share Jesus through the Gospel and give new life in Him, taking the bibles authority through devotionals, praise, biblical counsel, and prayer.