Another vision from the Holy Spirit turned into a reality. It still amazes me how God uses broken people that have a heart to serve and does amazing and wonderous things through us. This technology center idea came to me as an idea to help bring a higher quality education and knowledge to the children and families we serve here in La Linea. Technology plays a vital role in our lives today, so why not bring technology to an impoverished remote village and change lives with it?
Every detail was meticulously thought out to give this classroom a wow factor like no other in Guatemala. The countertop is made of concrete with a marble like epoxy finish. There are two levels of countertop workspace, one measured just right for the smaller children, and one for the older children. The comfortable padded wooded chairs were also handcrafted in Antigua Guatemala specifically for our center.
The large TV on the wall is tied into the PC on the desk for video conferencing and mirrors the PC to provide learning materials for the class. There is also a camera on top of the TV to provide live video from the classroom to a remote teaching lab set up in our office here in Virginia, or virtually any other location in the world that would like to help us teach a class.
One of the visions for this technology center was to have churches and others get involved remotely in teaching classes or leading Bible studies, etc. Recently we had Pastor Bill Croteau from Buck Valley Christian Church in Warfordsburg, PA visit with his daughter Adrianna. During this trip one of the activities was a men’s Bible study class he led with some of the men from the village. There was such a hunger and desire for this that Pastor Bill felt called to lead a remote Bible study with these men at least once a month. We are praising God that HE has already spoken to hearts to put this technology to use.
Each time we step out in faith with a vision God has given us, God is faithful to provide not only the funding, but HE also raises up the people and resources we need to continue each project.
Below are some other technologies not usually thought of as a technology or teaching tools. Playdough, Legos, Marble Run, and other creative resources we use to create that spark of learning and creativity in their little minds. Just look at those smiles and look at what Cristian created. He is a 13-year-old bright and intelligent young boy who does not read or write, yet…but is so eager to learn!
Below is our first handpicked class of 7 students. These students are our ambassadors we are starting with and investing more time in initially. These 7 students of varying ages will be helping us with their counterparts when we add more students. They will not only be learning, but also helping us serve their friends and families in the community. These students all have a hunger to learn and a desire to serve.
If you would like to lead a Bible study or have experience teaching a class, and preferably speak Spanish, we would love to talk to you and get you plugged into our classroom remotely. Or, if you are interested in bringing a team to Guatemala or even sponsoring some of the classes and expenses, please email us or text us through WhatsApp 434-374-8558.
