Our Mission & Vision
We believe that the purpose of our lives is to glorify God by serving others.
Mission & Purpose
Our vision is to be a conduit of hope to the disadvantaged of Guatemala by obeying the call of Jesus Christ to serve our brothers and sisters.
Our mission is to facilitate and implement projects in partnership with trusted Guatemalan organizations in the areas of Christian and secular education, nutrition and health to improve lives in Guatemala.
Our Beliefs & Values
Our beliefs and values are based on Christian principals and we make every effort to put them into practice through our outreach services. God created all of us as equals, some accept that, some don’t. Some want to be equal, some want to above others. But we all started out equal in God’s eyes and He wants us to treat others as we we want to be treated. This is how we approach our work, with mutual respect and honesty.
A general translation of this hearfelt letter of appreciation to the right can be found on our Mission Trips Page with the Field Report.
Unity
Through our actions, human beings of all backgrounds and walks of life, can be divisive or unifying. Yes, we all have our little differences, but in the long run we basically all want the same – food, shelter and love. We, at Vida Para Todos Guatemala, choose to be a unifying force for good in this world.
Opportunity
All around us there are opportunities to serve others. It can be next door, across the street, the other side of town, or as in our case, in a different country. It’s not for everyone, but it is where we are called to serve. Wherever one chooses to serve, the experience will certainly have a positive effect on them. Serve where you can and when you can. In our case, there is an undeniable and unbreakable call to serve.
Love
“A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35. Through such loving, a person will always receive more than they have given. We find it humbling that God, the Creator of the universe, needs us, His creation to help spread His love. Give with a joyful heart and your life will be filled to abundance.
Salvation
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9. We do not serve as we do to earn our salvation, because we can’t; it’s impossible. We serve because we are called to do so and thereby show our love for God.
WHO WE ARE IN HEART AND SOUL
“I grew up in Guatemala, the place that I call home. Since a very young age, I had the blessing of volunteering in some of the most remote villages in Guatemala and that has truly left a lasting impression on me. Since then, a passion for helping others and reflecting God’s love through the gifts He has entrusted in me has grown. I am determined to give back and make a difference. I also enjoy acting and modeling and I want to use any and all platforms available to me to share about God and help my brothers and sisters in Guatemala. Vida Para Todos Guatemala is definitely an answered prayer that allows me to give back to the people and country that witnessed my smiles and joy as a kid.”
– President Evelyn Leon
Our Team & Leadership
Above all else, our team members are dedicated Christians who believe it is important to share God’s love in a troubled world. Our service outreach in Guatemala allows us to do just that. Our service projects allow us to demonstrate God’s love for our beneficiaries and also presents an opportunity to share the Gospel as well. We consider this an honor and a blessing.
We Try To Follow The Example of Jesus Christ
Evelyn Leon
President
Evelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works and serves her community in San Antonio, Texas. She grew up in Guatemala, the place that she calls home.
Since a very young age, she had the blessing of volunteering in some of the most remote villages in Guatemala and this has truly left a lasting impression on her. Since then, a passion for helping others and reflecting God’s love through the gifts He has entrusted in her has grown. She is determined to give back and make a difference.
Evelyn also enjoys acting and modeling and reports she wishes to use any and all platforms available to share about God and help her brothers and sisters in Guatemala.
Vida Para Todos Guatemala is definitely an answered prayer that allows her to give back to the people and country that witnessed her smiles and joy as a kid.
Evelyn@vidaparatodosguatemala.com
Miles Richmond
Vice President/Treasurer
Miles and his wife, Elma, served eight years in Africa with Habitat for Humanity where Miles was the Regional Director for Southern Africa. They have also worked with a Native Indian Association in Alaska for 2 years researching and writing grants for income diversity projects. Miles also worked for 7 years with the Youth Volunteer Corps in Kansas City where he was responsible for reviving their AmeriCorps Program.
Most recently Miles and Elma worked independently in Guatemala where they facilitated and implemented programs for the distribution of bibles, water filters, eco-stoves and simple medicines to the very poor of Guatemala. The purpose of forming “Vida Para Todos Guatemala” is to continue these projects.
Miles@vidaparatodosguatemala.com
Natalia Bailey
Secretart/EventPlanner
I am 31 years old. I grew up in Guatemala and came to the US at the age of 15. I met my husband 2 years after that and have been with him ever since. We have been blessed with 2 beautiful children, Jayden (11) and Kamila (6).
Giving back to the community is extremely important to me, I want to make sure my time spent on this earth is given to those in need. I volunteer at the Down Syndrome Association Of South Texas (DSASTX) due to my little one having Down Syndrome. I also volunteer at St. PJs Childrens Shelter, I want the children to feel loved and feel that there is always someone there for them. and of course I am now honored to be a part of Vida Para Todos Guatemala. Besides being a busy mama of 2 and giving back to my community I have recently opened my own business as a professional makeup artist. Each one of us has a unique talent that God has given us to use for His glory. I believe that His light will shine through me onto my clients so they can see God’s love in me and I can then share his word and love with them.
Natalia@vidaparatodosguatemala.com
Irvin Leon
VP Project Management
Irvin Leon is our newest board member who lives in Guatemala City. His experience includes time as a collaborator and coordinator of Christian training events in Guatemala. He has participated in multiple national and international conferences on Christian training and people management. Irvin will provide Vida Para Todos Guatemala with in-country representation and will also provide overall management of our outreach services.
With his background he is well suited to also lead the Volunteer Mission Trips of Vida Para Todos Guatemala and can give the participants insights into the life and culture of Guatemala. Vida Para Todos Guatemala is blessed to have Irvin on our board.
Irvin@vidaparatodosguatemala.com
Where It All Began
Meet Our Founders
Miles and Elma Richmond worked independently in Guatemala where they facilitated and implemented programs for the distribution of bibles, water filters, eco-stoves and simple medicines to the very poor of Guatemala. The purpose of forming “Vida Para Todos Guatemala” is to continue these projects.
They have a heart for missions and for the less fortunate. It is because of their heart to help others that on April 25th 2016 they founded VPTG and since then continue to be actively involved in every decision and project taking place.
Miles Richmond
Cofounder
Elma Richmond
Cofounder
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guatemala dangerous?
Not if one is cautious and alert and avoids certain areas. Just as in the USA, there are places you go and those you do not go. Check with the US Secretary of State.
What is the climate of Guatemala?
Both the West and East coasts are hot and humid. The central highlands have a very mild climate but are chilly during the winter (45 degrees at night.)
What is the population of Guatemala?
According to the latest census the population is roughly 16 million people.
What is the size of Guatemala?
Guatemala has an area the size of Tennessee.
What is the income level of the people you work with?
Our target population earns wages that are equal to $2 – $5 per day.
Where do you work in Guatemala?
As our website states, we are “Life for all Guatemala”. Our outreach services are available to all Departments (States) of Guatemala.
How did you decide upon the outreach services that you have?
The services that we provide are: necessary, practical, affordable and easily implemented.
What diseases are common is Guatemala?
Cancer, Diabetes, Malaria, TB, Dengue Fever and Zika are quite common. It would be best to check with the US Secretary of State for more accurate details.
Does one need certain immunizations before traveling to Guatemala?
None are required that we know of, but it is always best to check with your Dr. or the US Secretary of State.
What are the people like that you work with?
Unlike those that think they have the right to live in the USA, the people we work with are kind, hardworking and very poor; and yet they have a smile.