We are full-time volunteers serving in communities of Guatemala, as part of the One Way Community NGO organization, responding to God's call with a willing heart. Every day we walk with people, sharing their struggles and hopes, bringing the love of Christ in a practical and close way. We are not here because we have everything resolved, but because we believe that God uses available lives to bring hope. This is our story and our call... but it's also an invitation. Because we believe that what God is doing is bigger than us, and you can be part of it.
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Who are we?
We are Emerson and Laura, a married couple with the desire to serve God with all that we are. We come from different contexts, but united by the same call: dedicate our lives to loving and serving people. Today we live in Guatemala, where we have the privilege of serving full-time in communities, being part of the One Way Community NGO organization, accompanying families, sharing hope and being part of what God is doing in their lives. We are not perfect nor do we have all the answers, but we do have a willing heart. We believe that God uses simple lives to do extraordinary things, and every day we seek to be faithful to that call. More than a project, this is our life. And we feel grateful to be able to share this path with all those who decide to walk with us.
Our commitment
Our commitment is not with a project, but with people: with their stories, their processes and their dignity. Serving also transforms our own heart. We choose to live with less to be able to give more, as a conscious decision to love better, even when it is tiring or you do not see the immediate result. We believe in being really present, not only in the easy, but when it is most needed. Stay, accompany and not leave in difficult times is part of our call.
Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
How it all started
The Spark
A calling that began in my heart in 2021. What seemed like a step of obedience turned out to be the start of a new life and the beginning of my journey with the One Way Community NGO. God began to change my perspective and show me that there was more.
The Arrival
I arrived with many questions, but with an open heart. I soon realized that I hadn’t come to “help from the outside,” but to learn, serve, and walk alongside the people.
A Heart That Responds
Over time, this calling also touched my wife’s heart. In 2024, she began visiting Guatemala, and little by little, God confirmed the same calling in her. In 2025, she decided to take the plunge and move, leaving her home country to join this mission.
The Present
Today, Guatemala is our home. Here we love, serve, and continue to learn every day. It’s not always easy, but we know we are where God wants us to be, and that changes everything.
Our work in the communities
Through our work with One Way Community, we participate in different areas to serve the communities in a comprehensive way.
Education and Children
We believe that education opens doors and transforms futures. That is why we provide tutoring and are part of a formal school in partnership with the Ministry of Education, where children receive official diplomas. We support them in their learning and growth, not only academically, but also personally.
Community Development
We work holistically within communities, providing support in areas such as education, health, nutrition, recreation, and sports, as well as housing improvement. Our goal is to see communities that are stronger, more dignified, and full of hope.
Spiritual Guidance
Beyond what meets the eye, we believe in the power of walking alongside people on their spiritual journey. Through discipleship with children and mothers, we share God’s Word, pray together, and build relationships that strengthen faith in everyday life. We also visit families in their homes, walking closely with them as they navigate their daily lives.
Numbers that tell stories
Behind each figure there is a person, a family, a transformed community. These are some of the fruits of these years of service.
Years of Service
A constant presence and unwavering commitment in Guatemala through the One Way Community organization.
Families we support
Through development, education, and spiritual support projects.
Departments
Where we have an active presence and have built trusting relationships.
Programs
From construction to educational programs, health, nutrition, recreation, and sports.
Voices of the community
"Before we felt alone in many things, but now we know that there are people who walk with us. They not only help us, they listen to us and make us feel important."
— María, community leader, San Juan de Palima
"My children have learned a lot, not only in school, but also in their way of being. They feel loved, motivated and eager to get ahead." — Father of a student
"What we value the most is not only the help, but that they are always present. In good and difficult times, we know that we are not alone."
— Mother of a student
Join us in prayer
Prayer is the foundation of everything we do. We ask you to support us spiritually in these requests:
Strength and Health
For our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, so that we may remain steadfast, encouraged, and with hearts open to what God wants to do.
Constant Provision
That God may continue to provide for all our needs so that we can keep serving without limitations in the communities where we are.
Communities
For every family, child, and person we work with, that they may experience hope, growth, and God’s love in their lives.
Guidance and Wisdom
To make decisions guided by God, to know how to serve best, and to be faithful in every opportunity He gives us.
How can you help?
Your support makes it possible for us to stay here, serving and walking alongside the communities. Each contribution, big or small, has a real impact on the lives of people who need it.
One-Time Donation
A one-time contribution that allows us to respond to immediate needs in our communities. Every contribution counts and makes a difference.
Monthly Support
By becoming part of our monthly support program, you give us the stability to continue serving with consistency and a long-term vision.
Support Us in Prayer
Your prayers are essential. We believe that God works through them, opening doors, guiding every step, and sustaining us at all times.
Share Our Mission
Talking about what God is doing can connect more people to this mission. You never know how a simple recommendation can change a life.
Make your donation today
Where does your money go?
Each donation becomes real support for the areas where we serve day by day:
- Education and children: school supplies, teaching materials and tutoring support
- Community development: building materials, drinking water, nutrition and recreation
- Spiritual accompaniment: Bibles, discipleship guides and teaching materials
- Our support: food, transportation and basic expenses to continue serving
We handle each resource with responsibility and transparency. If you want to know more details about how each contribution is used, you can write to us with confidence.
Ways to donate
We use safe and reliable platforms so that your donation arrives directly and transparently.
Matthew 6:21 “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Be part of this story
This mission is not only ours. It belongs to everyone who believes that the world can change when someone chooses to truly love. Today, you have the opportunity to be part of something that goes beyond ourselves.
📧 Contact us
We’d love to get to know you. Tell us what’s on your heart and why you’d like to be part of this mission.
💳 Donate today
Your financial support makes it possible for this mission to continue moving forward and to provide real help every day.
🙏 Pray with us
Join us in prayer and be part of the spiritual support that strengthens us and guides everything we do.
Our Mission in Guatemala