My name is Michael Quezada, and I am from Nicaragua. I am currently serving with Educando Para la Vida in Guatemala for young adult ministry. From an early age, I have felt called to serve others. Now, as a teacher, I have the opportunity to impact the lives of children and guide them on the path to Christ every day. I have been living in Guatemala for five months to serve. I have the privilege of meeting people who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
During my first weeks, I had the opportunity to visit local organizations that support families living in a context of poverty, and hear about the experiences of migrants and racism against indigenous people. I was surrounded by leaders working for peace, justice, education and service to others. It was very inspiring, and I felt motivated to start this year of service.
One of the things I enjoy about my time here is teaching students and watching them discover new things about God’s world. A few weeks ago, I started teaching physical education and I have been enjoying this time with my students. I am thankful that God has called me to Guatemala to teach and guide these students, children of missionaries and future leaders.
My experience in IVEP was extraordinary. This program changed my life in so many ways. I worked as a Spanish teaching assistant at Eastern Mennonite University. During my service, I had the opportunity to meet international friends and learn about their cultures. It was a great year of new experiences and challenges. I learned to see the world from more than one perspective and to appreciate other cultures. I am so grateful to have had the support of my coordinators, host families and friends who helped me and prayed for me when COVID-19 hit the world. I had to wait three extra months before being able to return home. However during that time, God gave me peace and showed his mercy once again.
I pray that God will use my position here as an opportunity to encourage, support and develop strong young individuals that approach the world through the eyes of Christ and grow in their relationship with him. I pray that my classroom becomes a space where students learn how to worship their creator through each of the activities, they engage in. Finally, I pray that the Lord will use this opportunity for me to grow in my relationship with him as I depend on him each day.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
Header photo caption: Michael Quezada, an IVEPer from Nicaragua (2019-2020) teaching third grade class. Photo/July Chitiquez