Each of our NLAI ministries play a vital role in fulfilling the Kingdom purpose God has set forth for us. In Guatemala, the ability to speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish significantly increases the likelihood of securing a job as an adult. Through Little Pasos Learning Center, our newest ministry, we are bridging the gap, overcoming generational poverty, and transforming the lives of families in this community.

March is in full swing, and the updates made to Little Pasos, our pre-primary Christian bilingual school in Villa Nueva, for the 2025 school year are flowing smoothly. With added staff, a new classroom, and a growing vision for the future, founder Tara Goodloe Fuentes is both hopeful and expectant for what God is doing

Tara shares, “We are thrilled to welcome Sarah, the new addition to our teaching team. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Sarah has served as a missionary on four continents, but her heart has always been drawn to Latin America. After spending a week at Little Pasos, she witnessed God’s hand at work in every classroom and felt a clear calling to be a part of the ministry.”

"It is an honor to work alongside Tara and be part of what God is doing at Little Pasos. He’s just getting started. I’m passionate about education and discipleship, and teaching at Little Pasos allows me to do both of those things!"

***- Sarah, newest teacher at Little Pasos***

With the addition of a second classroom, our schedules have found a rhythm, and we are seeing the joy of learning come alive in our students. But what’s happening inside these walls extends far beyond the classroom. By providing high-quality bilingual Christian education, we are opening doors for a brighter future. In Guatemala, better job and educational opportunities often require proficiency in both English and Spanish. Access to a bilingual early childhood education will help give the students the tools they need for those opportunities, and for a better chance at a successful future.

At Little Pasos, we believe God’s plan for these children is greater than poverty, greater than struggle, and greater than the limitations placed on them by their circumstances. Through Christ-centered teaching and language education, we are setting them on a path where they can not only dream of a brighter future but have the tools to achieve it.

As we settle into this new phase, we are eager to deepen our impact in the community. Plans for the remainder of the year include:

Quarterly Prayer Nights for the families they serve
Hands-on Learning Experiences through field trips
Parent Meetings featuring expert guest speakers on topics like exercise, nutrition, and child psychology

While the future is bright, we continue to trust in God’s provision for Little Pasos. To expand into 1st grade in 2026, we will need funding for three operating classrooms, totaling $75,395. This includes one-time costs for desks, tables, shelves, chairs, cubbies, and hands-on learning materials. We are also praying for the necessary space to be available for this expansion to become available.

We invite you to stand with us in prayer for:

God’s continued guidance and provision for Little Pasos
The resources needed to grow into 1st grade
The families we serve, that they may experience the love of Christ through this ministry

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your prayers and generosity are making a lasting difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Blessings,

Kendon Wheeler

NLAI President