Several years ago God gave me a dream of teaching welding to young adults in our partner communities in Guatemala.
You may ask "Why welding?"
Well, if you know me and my family, it makes sense.
I'm the daughter of a welder. My Dad, Kenneth Best was the son of a welder and both of his brothers
are welders. Through the years he and my Mom built a successful business that my brother, Brian now runs. My Dad taught me what it means to have a strong work ethic and I watched his business grow, even in the toughest economy, making a way for him to pay for my college education and most of graduate school.
Through the years I would see young men in Guatemala search for a job that paid decent money and over and over I saw them struggle.
If only they could learn how to weld.
In January my brother, Brian traveled with me to Guatemala where we met with the Director of the Welding Program at Intecap (technical school). We were incredibly impressed with their facility, equipment, and program. With our partners we designed an Introduction to Welding Seminar that took place June 24 - 29 at Intecap. 22 young adult men and women attended and received hands on training from our team of welders from North Carolina. At the conclusion of the week they received a certificate and the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to the welding program at Intecap.
Our Board of Directors set up a scholarship fund in honor of my Dad, The Kenneth Best Welding Scholarship Fund and with your help we were able to offer 10 scholarships.
The recipients will begin their classes in January and at the end of their 9 month program they will be a licensed welder and most importantly, have the opportunity to obtain a job that will support themselves and their families.
Words could never express what a dream come true this is. God gives the dreams and uses us to make them a reality. Thank you for partnering with us!
There are many stories in Guatemala waiting to come to life, and you can be apart of that! If you are thinking of a year end gift, we would love for you to consider partnering with us. Follow the links to the different projects and join us in a project that is close to your heart. Together, we will gather at the end of 2018 and celebrate how God has used your gift!
2017 End of Year Projects
Building of Promise:
Help us complete the third floor of the Building of Promise, providing a
rooftop playground, sports court, classrooms, and space for
horticulture projects. To support this project, click here.
Child Sponsorship: Your gift of $40 a month will support a child in Guatemala. Click here to view the kids who are waiting for a sponsor.
Support for Teachers:
Your monthly gift of any amount will allow us to pay our teachers what
they deserve. If you have a heart for teachers, contact Lisa for more
information or set up your monthly recurring gift here.
We are also raising money for classroom support of our teachers. Your
one time gift will support a teacher and her class. To give a one time
gift, click here.
Trauma & Grief Counseling Team:
In February, we will take a team to offer grief counseling and training
for our leaders in Guatemala. Our prayer it that this will not only be a
time of healing for our friends, but that they will learn the skills to
provide trauma and grief counseling in the future.To read more about
the team and to donate, click here.