Menu
Guatemalans are desperate for real hope and real change.
Poverty/income inequality and social exclusion are some of the main challenges that are prevalent in Guatemala. The denial of the rural poor from opportunities of personal growth and development reflects their disadvantaged economic circumstances.
We believe that students, whose education is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ, will grow into a loving force for the greater good of mankind and be the catalyst for change in the future.
We also believe in leading by example and invite our teachers and students to learn with us as we all aim to model the love of Christ with everyone we interact with.
PILAS is fighting to level the playing field, seek fairness, and defend the oppressed by providing Christ-centered education and character/leadership development programs to impoverished indigenous people of Guatemala.
Through CLUB CONEXIÓN, and partnering with public schools in Sumpango’s surrounding villages, PILAS identifies students who have budding leadership characteristics, a strong desire to further their education and be change agents in their communities.
Our goal is to build up a generation of community leaders and world shakers!
Our programs are producing fruit and we’d love for you to join in with what God is doing in Sumpango!
We challenge and mentor students, as well as youth group participants, to reach their full potential in order to use their God-given abilities to positively impact their homes, churches and communities for Christ.
Designed to identify young burgeoning leaders from disadvantaged indigenous villages, the goal is to inspire and empower them through servant leadership, Christian teachings and formal education, equipping them to be tomorrow’s community leaders.
Our scholarship students are go-getters, intelligent, and eager to learn and grow. “PILAS”.
Our goal is that one day PILAS graduates will be a part of their villages’ leadership committees, network with fellow graduates, and be solid Christian examples ready to influence positive change in their respective villages.
PILAS scholarship students and grads are participating in and leading daily Bible studies. They are growing in their faith, getting baptized, going to churches, leading youth groups, playing instruments on worship teams and putting their training into action as they serve others!
In 2015, after only two years in existence, PILAS was recognized by the Guatemalan government for its passion and efforts in education and leadership development of adolescents and youth from the villages of the municipality of Sumpango Sacatepéquez Guatemala.
Current research says that a child’s success depends on whether we can help them develop a set of qualities that include persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit and self-confidence.
Through the development of these characteristics, there is a greater probability for narrowing the achievement gap between disadvantaged kids and middle-class kids.
Many visitors have compared PILAS’ leadership programs to Jesus’ model for discipleship. The program grants us the opportunity to disciple approximately twelve scholarship students over a three-year period, building relationships that feature love, commitment, authenticity, vulnerability, accountability, and intentionality. We believe in the philosophy of going deeper with fewer youth than going wider with more kids and sacrificing the intimacy.
We teach the students that we are saved by faith, not works, and we are to live out our faith by loving others and caring for their needs. By providing opportunities students learn how to flex their service muscles. These include hair de-licing days at their village’s local school, visiting elderly shut-ins to pray and encourage them, local construction projects, serving at children’s homes, etc.
PILAS’ in-house devotions are always interesting and inspiring. These include in-depth studies of Bible books to analyses of books such as Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages.
PILAS’ leadership lessons features “Guatemala Próspera” sessions. Made in conjunction with world leadership expert John C. Maxwell, these sessions are aimed at impacting society through ethical intelligence and a culture of values. PILAS has adapted these sessions for our age group as well as including Biblical stories and truths to further inspire and train up future leaders.
This website is neither sponsored nor promoted by Heart Lake Baptist Church (HLBC), PILAS’ supporting churches or ministry partners (PMP), or Commission to Every Nation/Canada (CTEN / CTENC). The content herein does not reflect either of these organization’s views, opinions or philosophy, but rather that of the author. HLBC, PMP and CTEN / CTENC can therefore not be considered liable and will not take any responsibility for its content.
