Short Term Teams
Churches, schools and other organizations have sent short-term mission teams to Guatemala to serve at NLCH since shortly after its founding in 1976. Some organizations come in tandem to create one larger team. Teams serve in a variety of ways at NLCH, from work projects to activities with the kids who live here, to serving in other NLAI ministries such as Little Pasos. In addition, individuals and small groups of people with specific, professional skill sets (general contractors, plumbers, electricians, IT techs, school administrators, teachers, etc.) have come for one or two weeks to help with special projects or training.
Internships
NLAI Internship Program
New Life Advance International offers internships from two months to two years. As an intern, you will receive a short-term mission experience with the opportunity to explore God’s call on your life. You will attend language school one week for every month you are scheduled to serve, be involved in a variety of tasks, develop relationships with nationals, and be a part of weekly team meetings, prayer times and devotional studies.
Summer Interns arrive at the end of May and serve until early August. They attend two weeks of language school (Spanish) before plugging into ministry at NLCH Guatemala.
At NLAI, our internships are designed to help you grow spiritually, personally, and professionally while making a meaningful impact in ministry. We believe that while not everyone is called to go to the mission field, Scripture reminds us that all are called to serve in some capacity as part of the Body of Christ.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
— Romans 12:6 (NIV)
Through this internship, you’ll have the opportunity to discover and use your God-given gifts whether by going, supporting, or serving behind the scenes to advance His Kingdom in practical and meaningful ways.
Highlights
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During your internship, we desire that you:
Grow in your relationship with Jesus, resulting in noticeable life transformation.
Understand your “calling” and gain clarity in discerning God’s will for your life at this time.
Discover and develop your passions, skills, and spiritual gifts.
Positively impact the ministry in which you serve.
Gain valuable hands-on experience serving internationally.
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Each intern is shepherded and supervised by our NLAI President, Kendon Wheeler. After a brief time in language school, you will engage in a balanced rhythm of ministry, growth, and reflection. Your time will be spent approximately in these ways:
Serving the needs of the ministry in whatever way is most helpful to the team.
Working on specific projects that align with your passions, skills, and gifts.
Focusing on spiritual growth through mentorship, discipleship, and intentional processing of your experiences as you serve.
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Minimum of one year past high school graduation
Completion of NLAI Intern Application (will take 30 min to 1 hour to complete)
Agreement with NLAI's Statement of Faith, Beliefs on Marriage & Sexuality, and Accountability Guidelines
Adherence to NLAI and field ministry policies and rules
Ability to raise sufficient funds to cover the costs of your internship
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(Approximate; we will help develop your specific budget)
Airfare (Varies by location and time of year)
International Insurance (Generally less than $10/week)
Initial Costs (about $1300)
Personal and Ministry Costs ($125/week)
A 9-week internship would be approximately $2500 plus airfare.
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Summer Internship: May 14 - August 23, 2026
Custom Internship Dates Available - contact via email at interns@nlai.org
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The application process is best when started 90 days or more before your arrival date.
Long-Term Missionary
Is God Calling You to Serve Him Long-Term?
At New Life Advance International (NLAI), we believe that God is raising up passionate people to step into His mission around the world. If you’ve been sensing a tug on your heart to serve, we’d love for you to prayerfully consider joining us in one of the following roles:
Guatemala
Nurse (RN or LVN) – Care for children and staff at New Life Children’s Home.
English Teachers – Teach and invest in young lives at NLCH and Little Pasos.
Communications / Social Media – Help share the stories of what God is doing through NLAI.
Child Sponsorship Coordinator – Connect sponsors with children and build meaningful relationships.
Youth Pastor – Disciple and mentor the next generation at NLCH and New Life Christian School.
Belize
Couples or Singles – Pioneer a new Children’s Home and be part of laying the foundation for a life-changing ministry.
This is more than just filling a position—it’s about answering God’s call to impact lives, bring hope, and be His hands and feet.
If you feel God stirring your heart, we would love to talk with you.
Contact Kendon Wheeler at kwheeler@nlai.org for more information.
Mentor Program
The Heart of Mentorship at NLCH
At New Life Children’s Home (NLCH), the role of a mentor is more than just guidance—it’s about intentionally investing love, time, and wisdom into the lives of children and youth. Mentors help shape emotional and spiritual growth, while walking alongside each child with patience, grace, and encouragement.
Through the mentor-child relationship, we aim to fulfill the core goals of competent care for vulnerable children and adolescents: safety, stability, and well-being. Mentors play a vital role in helping restore trust in adults and showing children that they are valued, seen, and deeply loved.
Research and experience—such as the work of Duncan Dyason in Mentoring Children and Youth Living and Connected to the Streets and Living at High Social Risk (2014)—have shown that mentorship can be life-changing. A caring relationship with a mentor can inspire young people to make positive choices, embrace hope, and pursue a brighter future.
But this is more than a program. It’s a response to the Church’s call to stand for the weak and advocate for the vulnerable. Mentorship provides a powerful platform for discipleship—where truth, love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy are lived out daily, pointing every child to the hope of the Gospel.
At its core, mentoring is about being present, being consistent, and being Christ’s hands and feet to a child who needs it most.